Researching Arnold Ross

Ross taught at several institutions including St. Louis University before becoming chair of University of Notre Dame's mathematics department in 1946. He started a teacher training program in mathematics that evolved into the Ross Mathematics Program in 1957 with the addition of high school students. The program moved with him to Ohio State University when he became their department chair in 1963. Though forced to retire in 1976, Ross ran the summer program until 2000. He had worked with over 2,000 students during more than forty summers.

The program is known as Ross's most significant work. Its attendees have since continued on to prominent research positions across the sciences. His program inspired several offshoots and was recognized by mathematicians as highly influential. Ross has received an honorary doctorate and several professional association awards for his instruction and service.

Arnold learned clarinet, trumpet, and violin as a child before picking up piano when he was twelve years old. He played on a cruise ship before relocating to New York City, working there with Jack Jenney. He then joined Vaughn Monroe's backing band, and in 1943 was drafted and entered the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. From 1944 to 1947 he worked with Harry James; around the same time he played with Harry Edison, Charlie Ventura, and Charlie Parker. He moved to California in 1947, working with Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Crosby, and Billy Eckstine, in addition to leading his own small group.

By 1960 Ross had become addicted to heroin, and entered a Synanon treatment program; he became affiliated with the Synanon organization and appeared in the Synanon film in 1965. He worked extensively with Nelson Riddle from 1968 to 1976, and was active as a touring performer into the 1990s.