WSCC to celebrate Pi Day with 3.41 mile walk.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — National Pi Day is Monday, March 14, 2016. Pi Day is traditionally celebrated on March 14 (3/14) because Pi, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, is approximately 3.1416. This year is particularly special because 3/14/16 includes the first five of Pi’s numerals.

In honor of the occasion and as part of its ongoing exploration of math themes, West Shore Community College invites the public to participate in a 3.14 mile fitness event on Pi day itself.  At 3:14 p.m. on March 14, Julie Smith, director of the WSCC Wellness Center, will lead a 3.14 mile fitness walk starting from the Recreation Center parking lot.

According to Smith, “Regular exercise is an important part of our overall health and wellness. Instead of celebrating National Pi Day with a slice of pie, let’s celebrate the healthy way with some fitness fun. We invite you to acknowledge the significance of Pi in our world and, at the same time, take the opportunity to further your own fitness!”

The outdoor fitness walk will happen rain, snow, or shine, since both Pi and the need for good fitness are constants.  However, the community is invited to travel 3.14 miles indoors as well, using the gym, pool (during lap swim times), or fitness equipment in the Wellness Center.

The first 150 participants who sign in at the Recreation Center and report their 3.14 mile fitness activity on March 14, will receive a special WSCC National Pi Day Fitness 5K water bottle to commemorate the occasion.

Mathematicians celebrate Pi in part because of its beautiful irrationality.  Its numerals extend infinitely but, although they never show a pattern, they can’t only be described as “random” since they designate the order inherent in a perfect circle.  Engineers, physicists, machinists, and statisticians of all sorts use Pi in daily calculations.

Questions can be directed to Seán Henne, chair of the college’s Academic Projects Team, at 231-843-5859, swhenne@westshore.edu or Smith, at231-843-5849, jsmith@westshore.edu.