Celebrating 40 Years of Computer Science Leadership
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Please join us in the Fall of 2007 as we celebrate 40 Years of academic leadership in Computer Science at NC State University.
From our humble beginnings in Harrelson Hall in the Fall of 1967, to the recent transition into EBII, our modern new high-tech state-of-the-art teaching and research facility on Centennial Campus, the NC State department of computer science has been a leader in the production of computer science talent and technology.
In recognition of this milestone event in the life of our department, several celebratory events and activities are planned including:
The Fidelity Investments “Leadership in Technology” Executive Speakers Series – join us in September as we launch a new and exciting executive speakers series, made possible by a generous grant from Fidelity Investments. The talks will take place monthly throughout the academic year and will feature such noted technology leaders as Stephen Scullen (President of Fidelity eBusiness, a division of Fidelity Investments), Matthew Szulik (CEO of Red Hat), and Frank Plastina (CEO of Tekelec), and many more. For specific dates, times and locations of the talks, consult the Fidelity Investments “Leadership in Technology” Executive Speakers Series page.
“Geek-a-thon” – a student-led volunteer effort the weekend of October 5-7 to refurbish donatedPCs to give to needy middle school families. 
This event is being conducted in partnership with Centennial Campus Middle School, which will host the event in their cafeteria. Primary sponsors of the event include the NC chapter of the Society for Information Management, Cisco Systems, and The Pantry / Kangaroo. To learn more about volunteering or donating a PC, visit the event web site.
“40th Year Technical Symposium” – a day-long celebration of our past and a look toward the future of computing. This star-studded event on October 25th will feature University dignitaries, corporate panel discussions, and keynotes from the likes of Dr. Dorothy Strickland, Dr. Larry Hodges, Dr. Al Aho, and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer. Space is limited, and pre-registration for this event is required.
“40th Tailgate Party” – join us for a special pre-game tailgate party prior to the Homecoming game on October 27th. Before the Pack takes care of UVA, we’ll dine on traditional NC BBQ, fried chicken and all the fixin’s. Special “meal only” or “game ticket & meal combo” options are available and must be ordered by October 1st through the Alumni Association site.
“40th Year Scholarship Online Auction – donate items now as bidding begins on September 15th on our first-ever online auction to raise money for a new scholarship endowment. This is a way that all our alumni around the world can be a part of this special 40th Year Celebration. Items up for bid include trips, restaurant gift certificates and special sports collectibles. All bids officially close on October 31st. Visit the online auction site for more information about donating, bidding, or becoming a sponsor
Finally, the department has also set a goal of commemorating our 40th Year with a bold and transforming goal of increasing our endowments by 40% during 2007. Several individuals and corporations have stepped forward to launch new endowments this year.
Perhaps the crowning jewel of these will be a new "40@40 Scholarship Endowment", which we hope to launch with proceeds from the online auction mentioned above and through donations to a special “40@40 Campaign”. By early August, all CSC alumni will be mailed a package detailing this new endowment and asking for their support. We have partnered with the Alumni Association to offer donors numerous benefits based on their support level, including 40th Year Commemorative items, a year’s membership (or extension) in the Alumni Association, an engraved brick on Centennial Campus, a special dinner at the Park Alumni Center, and a chance for tickets in a luxury suite for the NC State vs Maryland football game on November 24th.
It has been said that you only turn 40 once. Unlike the human reaction to this event, the NC State department of computer science embraces and celebrates this milestone, knowing that we are positioned among the very elite computer science departments in the nation.
You are encouraged to bookmark and check this page frequently as changes may be made and new events added.
For more information, or if you would like to be involved in any of the 40th Year Celebration events and activities, contact Ken Tate.
