A history of combinatorial group theory

Time: 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Saint Augustine Center Room 300, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania

We begin with conversation and a light supper (donation: $10.00). When the discussion lags, about 6:30 to 6:45, Drs. Marianna Bonanome and Margaret H. Dean of of Borough of Manhattan Community College and New York College of Technology, CUNY, will speak on:

A history of combinatorial group theory

Modern group theory can be said to have been born at the beginning of the twentieth century. As with many fields in mathematics, World War I caused a hiatus in the study of group theory. In 1932, Wilhelm Magnus solved the word problem for one-relator groups, and combinatorial group theory blossomed from the 30’s through the 60’s, laying the foundation for today’s research in the areas of geometric and probabilistic group theory, as well as public key cryptography and group theory. We will talk about some of the personalities involved and the advances they made in group theory during the twentieth century.

Directions: Villanova University is located on route 30, Lancaster Avenue, just east of I-476. If you drive to the meeting, enter Villanova by the main gate on Ithan Avenue, just north of Lancaster Avenue (route 30), opposite the Pavilion. Tell the guard you are attending the History of Mathematics Seminar. Ask for directions either to the Mendel Lot, where there is limited parking around the greenhouse, or to the St. Augustine lot. From the Mendel Lot, pass under the arch of Mendel Hall and turn left, follow the sidewalk with Mendel Hall on your left. The next building on your left is the Saint Augustine Center. Enter the building, proceed to the rear and take the elevator to the third floor. Exit to the right, then turn left; Room 300 is directly on the opposite side of the building. From the St. Augustine Lot enter the Center via the doorway at the end of the lot. Turn right and follow the hallway to the elevators; take the elevator to the third floor. Follow the directions to Room 300 as above. You can get in touch with me (Alan Gluchoff) at 610-905-1376 if you need help.

Public transportation: Take SEPTA's Paoli - Thorndale train to the Villanova station. If outbound from center city go down through the tunnel to the inbound side. From the inbound platform a few steps lead to the Mendel parking lot. Proceed as above to Saint Augustine 300