On 14 March, Pi Day was celebrated around the world, dedicated to one of the most well-known numbers in mathematics – π (Pi). The date was chosen because its American – and Lithuanian – format, 3/14, corresponds to the first digits of π Pi – 3,14.
The laureates of the Vilnius City Mathematics Olympiad are congratulated by the President of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society, Professor Dr. Artūras Štikonas, and academician Prof. Dr. Jonas Šiaulys
This year, the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Vilnius University marked Pi Day a day early. As is tradition, the winners of the Vilnius city mathematics olympiad, together with the teachers, gathered at the faculty’s Pi celebration.
The event opened with a lecture by Marius Dundulis (Euromonitor International), a social partner of Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, entitled “What Do Mathematical Beauty and a Successful Career Have in Common?” This was followed by an awards ceremony for the top performers of the Vilnius city mathematics competitions for grades 9–12 and their teachers.
The celebration also featured a memorable musical moment – Tomas Šiaulys, a teacher from Vilnius Jesuit Gymnasium, took to the guitar and performed a hit reciting the digits of Pi, giving the audience an unexpected mathematical serenade.
Anniversary congratulations were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr Paulius Drungilas, and the President of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society, Prof. Dr Artūras Štikonas, who warmly honoured Assoc. Prof. Dr Romualdas Kašuba and Dr (HP) Juozas Juvencijus Mačys on the occasion of their anniversaries.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Romualdas Kašuba has for many years inspired students, teachers, and pupils to take an interest in mathematics. He has actively contributed to the organisation of mathematics competitions in Lithuania and internationally, led Lithuanian teams at international competitions, and written books and problem collections that promote mathematics to a wider audience.
Dr (HP) Juozas Juvencijus Mačys has made a significant contribution to the popularisation and teaching of mathematics in Lithuania. He has written and translated educational books, delivered lectures for pupils and teachers, organised mathematics competitions, introduced the Kangaroo competition to Lithuania, conducted research in probability theory, and contributed to the creation of the trilingual Dictionary of Mathematical Terms.
Pi Day served as a reminder that mathematics is not merely formulas and calculations – it helps us understand the world around us and can also be an engaging and creative pursuit.
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