Lewis Student Brian Wilhelm Wins Computer Science Departmental Award

Brian Wilhelm of New Lenox recently earned a Departmental Awards at Lewis University. Wilhelm was the recipient of the Computer Science Award. The Departmental Award is the highest award given to a student in each major. Wilhelm was honored at the College of Arts and Sciences Senior Honors Ceremony held at the university’s Main Campus in Romeoville.

Recipients of the Departmental Award must have a GPA greater than 3.5 and must represent his or her academic department well in all respects, including character, potential, integrity and service. Martin Strus of Hickory Hills won the award in the Mathematics Award. 

“Both Brian and Martin exemplify the kind of student we wish to graduate from the two programs: innovative problem solvers of high integrity who possess a sincere desire to put their skills to work helping others,” commented Dr. Ray Klump, chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. Wilhelm and Strus graduated in December 2012.  

Lewis University offers bachelors’ degrees in Computer Science with areas of specialization in Computer and Network Security, Video Game Development, Distributed and Mobile Computing Technologies and Simulation of Scientific Systems. Many Lewis Computer Science students pursue internships in the field as students, and several alumni have gone on to found and lead area technology firms. Over its 40-year history, the Computer Science program has undergone continuous improvement and refinement to keep pace with changes in technology. It recently opened four new labs, including the Ubiquitous Computing Lab to teach students how to program mobile and embedded devices, and the Networking and Security Lab to equip students to work on the front lines of cyber defense. The department is currently working on new offerings in cloud computing and data mining.

Contributed by Kathrynne Skonicki