The University of Nebraska-Lincoln department of computer science and engineering celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday.
The two-day celebration kicked off with a reception to honor the program. Afterward, guests were given a tour of the facilities. Then, the crowd moved to the Nebraska Union for guest lectures from UNL alumni Michael Sump, Mark Tuttle and Tom Seevers. The three spoke of their experiences at UNL as well as insight into their daily lives as engineers.
Since their studies at UNL, the three have worked at numerous corporations including IBM, Intel and Texas Instruments.
"I'm proud of UNL," Sump said. "They always turn out great engineers and we need them in the world we are in."
Sump began his education as an English major but later switched to engineering. Upon graduating in 1986, he began working at Texas Instruments where he has been for 20 years. He credits his success to the department and his professors, some of whom were in attendance.
Jeffrey S. Raikes, a Stanford graduate and CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also gave a guest speech to commemorate the new Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. The new program was previously named the J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management. It was renamed in June and includes management leadership curriculum, Raikes said.
Visitors and spectators later went to the newly christened June and Paul Schorr III Center, located on the south side of Memorial Stadium. The formal dedication of the building was celebrated with cocktails as part of the reception.
The finale of the celebration took place at the Nebraska Champions Club, where everyone that contributes to the department was recognized.
As the program continues, many alumni feel they made the right choice of being apart of it.
"I'm tremendously happy. I have a good life thanks to UNL," Tuttle said. "Happy birthday, computer science department!"
louisteal@dailynebraskan.com
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