Olivia Lutterman
Olivia Lutterman
Class Year
’22
Hometown
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Mathematics
Minor(s)
Physics, Secondary Education
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“The math faculty are super supportive and always willing to help — whether it be about classwork or career advice.”
Favorite class
“Abstract Algebra with Professor Sara Jensen ’08 was my favorite class. The workload was engaging and the friendships I made in the class were wonderful! Plus, we played with toy princesses, which was fun.”
Campus involvement
“I’ve been on the e-board of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) org as the treasurer since freshman year and absolutely love the group! Through SPS, I’ve gone to Chicago multiple times and even went to Providence, R.I. my sophomore year. We’re all really friendly with everyone in the club!”
Toughest class
“While it was my favorite class, Abstract Algebra was also the toughest class. The content was really hard, and we were given a lot of academic independence.”
Internships or on-campus employment
“My freshman year, I was an engineer on the Collegiate Rocket Launch Team through the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. My junior year, I was the team lead for the competition. I also tutored for the math and physics departments all four years at Carthage and was the mentor tutor for all of the math, physics, and computer science tutors.
“Off campus, I worked as an AmeriCorps science educator at the Racine Zoo and as a mechanical engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.”
Scholarships
“I received the Hay Scholarship, Music Scholarship, and Noyce Scholarship. I’m so grateful for the scholarships I was given. I wouldn’t have been able to afford Carthage without them, so I’ve been trying to make the best of my time in college out of respect for the money that generous donors have invested in me.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“I love hanging out with Professor Jean Quashnock during lunch and asking him endless questions about physics or hanging out in his office after hours and doing math with my classmates. I also cherish the time I spend studying with friends at Starbucks or the tutoring lounge.”
Biggest surprise so far
“How nice everyone is!”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“If you’re majoring in mathematics, be sure to get involved with academic organizations and research projects.”
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the small class sizes and its connection with the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.”