Edsel Stiel

Professor’s Legacy Encourages Math Majors

The late Professor Edsel Stiel loved mathematics and liked students to find math as exciting and enjoyable as he did. A certified Marriage and Family Therapist, he practiced parttime while continuing to teach. He was able to combine these interests by holding workshops for CSUF students to overcome their math fears and anxieties.

Stiel and his family established the Stiel Prize for Excellence in Mathematics to support and recognize students pursuing math degrees.

“Dr. Stiel wanted to encourage more math majors,” recalls his widow, Laurie Stiel. “Math has been, and will continue to be, a vital field in helping us to understand our world and develop innovative solutions to make it a better place for everyone.”

Professor Stiel, Laurie and his daughter, Melissa Stiel Harrington, all attended Cal State Fullerton, so his connection to the university ran deep. He was one of the earliest members of the math department and a member of the campus community for 40 years, serving as the department’s second chair in 1971. He passed away in January from cancer. He was 74.

“CSUF has been an important part of our family for decades; we are pleased to give back to this top institution and make a positive impact on students,” Laurie says. “We look forward to continue watching Titans gain invaluable knowledge and experience, and go on to become leaders of our community.”

His speciality was differential geometry, but his interests went beyond mathematics. A painter, sculptor and actor, Professor Stiel also practiced stand-up comedy.