News
November Highlights: Innovation, Connection, and Student Success at the College of Computing
November 26, 2024
The College of Computing hosted many engaging events for the students, faculty, staff, and the Greater Grand Rapids community.
- Professional Science Masters Internship Showcase
On November 22nd, the Professional Science Masters (PSM) program hosted an internship showcase. The PSM program is designed to enhance student’s learning while also helping them professionally to enter the workforce, which includes having students do an internship. The showcase, which was hosted at the GVSU Innovation Design Center, gives students a chance to share the projects they have been working on with faculty, staff, and other students.
Overall, six students shared extensive research they have been working on through their internships. They presented their research through poster presentations, with projects ranging in topics from the cyclical processes in freshwater lakes to cognitive analysis of pharmaceutical customers. These projects are extremely detailed and represent the hands-on experience that computing students get through the PSM program. Local employers associated with the program also attended, with the Open Avenues Foundation winning Outstanding Employer for their support of the PSM program.
- Homecoming Tailgate
The College of Computing continued its tradition this year and hosted an alumni tailgate Homecoming weekend on November 2nd. Alumni, faculty, and staff came together to have fun and connect before the football game versus Wayne State, who Grand Valley ended up beating 51 to 28.
This year’s tailgate was a huge success, with over 20 alumni in attendance, including our most recent graduates from last year and our most distinguished alumni, The College of Computing’s tent was by far the most popular spot, drawing in alumni eager to reconnect with old classmates, faculty, and staff. The energy was high as attendees enjoyed complimentary snacks and drinks while sharing memories and catching up on life after graduation. Each alumni was also given a gift from the College, as we look to continue our relationship with our alumni.
The tailgate provides an opportunity for alumni to return to Grand Valley and engage with the community in a fun, relaxed environment. Each alumnus received a winter hat as a special gift as a token of appreciation. We are committed to fostering lifelong relationships with our alumni.
- Hangout with Holli
As a part of a new initiative to engage with international students, Professor Holli Reyes will be hosting a weekly event called Hangout with Holli. Professor Reyes is the International Student Engagement Coordinator for the College of Computing and helps international students navigate GVSU. These events aim to give international students resources for their academic and professional development while also connecting with one another. Each week will feature a new topic and engage students with fun activities, guest speakers, and more.
On December 4th, the second Hangout with Holli event was held and focused on debriefing and reflecting on the fall semester before looking ahead to the new year. Events like these are important for all students, but especially international students. As the winter semester begins soon, international students are encouraged
- Lunch and Learn with BizStream
On November 21st, the College of Computing hosted BizStream, a local digital agency, for a Lunch and Learn, where they talked to students about their business, what they do, and opportunities they have for students. Representatives from BizStream included founder Mark Schmidt, senior sales representative Drew Veach, and Grand Valley alum and web developer Parker Ovadek. Over the course of the semester, the GVSU College of Computing has also hosted Atomic Object and Auto-Owners Insurance for other Lunch and Learns.
BizStream shared some of the projects they have worked on in the past to show students examples of what work looks like for their employees. Many of their projects include assistance with branding, design, development and content management systems for businesses looking to expand. Our Lunch and Learn series provides a space for students to connect with local industry partners like BizStream and helps industry find interns and full-time employees locally.
- Robert Adams hosts lightning talk
The GVSU College of Computing hosted a round of lightning talks where faculty were able to share some of their research so students can see the kinds of projects faculty are tackling. Events like this allow students to find faculty members who research areas of interest that they might share and gives them an opportunity to connect. The event was highly attended by students and faculty members, and if you are interested in hearing any of the lightning talks, click here, or reach out to Associate Dean Robert Adams at [email protected].
These outstanding faculty members were also able to share their lightning talks at Innovation Day. Students, staff and faculty were joined this time by industry executives and other members from the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Article written by Maxwell Ritchie.