A new chapter begins for the math and science departments as George Valverde ‘14 and Vianney Truong ‘10 assume leadership roles as department chairs. Both look forward to building on the high-quality work their departments have been doing and plan to engage continuously with teachers and students to ensure the curriculum remains both challenging and engaging.
Truong, now in his eighth year teaching at Loyola, has taught a variety of chemistry and biology courses. Valverde, now in his seventh year of teaching at Loyola, has taught several courses within the math department, including the freshman hybrid course, Regular and Honors Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, and Honors Multivariable Calculus. Both are excited to lead their departments with the perspective of having been both students and teachers at the school.
As department chair, Valverde shared his goals: to maintain the department’s high standards, to analyze the curriculum for opportunities to support students studying math at a college level, and to ensure that students of all levels are appropriately challenged. He expressed pride in the department’s achievements so far and hopes to continue this excellent work into the future.
Truong, who succeeds Dr. Fawzia Qazi after eight years as head of the science department, sees his role as an opportunity to listen to his colleagues: “My goals are to support my department members, to listen to them, and to move the department forward in ways they envision, supporting their initiatives and ideas.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Truong explained, “I went here, so it’s special to not only work at Loyola but to also help lead the science department.”
Valverde is excited about leading his department and growing as a mathematician while incorporating his student experiences into his decisions. Since there was no hybrid math program when he attended, he was placed in Algebra 1 as a freshman. These circumstances inspired him to work diligently.
“Beginning in Algebra I, I was a little jealous of the kids taking accelerated Algebra I, Honors Geometry, or Honors Algebra II, so I thought, how can I one-up all the guys?” Valverde said. He took the initiative to learn calculus independently, describing this endeavor as “wildly crazy.” After taking precalculus in the summer, he advanced to AP Calculus BC, where he earned a five.
In his free time, Truong enjoys traveling—he especially loves Portugal—and he leads some of the trips Loyola offers. He is also passionate about amateur photography and plays volleyball on the weekends.
Valverde also shared his enthusiasm for collecting pre-Disney-era “Star Wars” memorabilia and leading the German Club. Above all, he spends most of his time caring for his two young daughters.
“I look forward to teaching them both calculus by fifth grade,” he joked.
