Sergey Degayev

Alexander Pell's life was a testament to resilience and transformation. Born into the turmoil of late 19th-century Russia, he became involved with the Narodnaya Volya revolutionary group, which was notorious for its radical actions, including assassination attempts against Tsar Nicholas II. After escaping punishment by fleeing Russia, he adopted the name Alexander Pell and began a new life in South America before moving to the United States.

In the U.S., Pell worked menial jobs while his wife supported them financially. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, earning a PhD in mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. He later became a respected professor at the University of South Dakota and the Dean of its School of Engineering. Known for his kindness and humor, Pell mentored students like Anna Johnson, who went on to become a renowned mathematician.

After a stroke in 1911 ended his academic career, he passed away in 1921. His legacy endured through the Dr. Alexander Pell Scholarship established by Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler in 1952. This scholarship continues to honor his contributions to education and mathematics. Pell's journey from revolutionary to esteemed academic highlights his ability to transform personal struggle into a lasting impact on academia.