[393] Computer Science celebrates 25th anniversary April 14

For release: April 12, 2012

News and Media Relations contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-5616 or Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu
MTSU Computer Science contact: Dr. Chrisila Pettey, 615-898-2397
or Chrisila Pettey@mtsu.edu


MTSU Computer Science celebrates 25th
anniversary Saturday during Alumni Weekend

MURFREESBORO — As part of MTSU’s Centennial celebration during the University’s upcoming spring 2012 Alumni Weekend, the Department of Computer Science thought it would be a grand time to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

On Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. until noon, the Computer Science 25th Anniversary Reunion will take place in the James Union Building’s Hazlewood Dining Room and in nearby Kirksey Old Main, where the department is located.

“As part of the 100th anniversary (of the University), we decided to do a 25th anniversary reunion during Alumni Weekend,” said Dr. Chrisila Pettey, interim chair for the department. “They (Alumni Relations) were wanting people to participate. It seemed like a good thing to do.”

Alumni, their families and friends will be gathering to reconnect and meet fellow computer-science alumni, visit former teachers and hear from current students during a morning social in the JUB and department tours in KOM, which was one of the original four structures built on campus in 1911 when it opened as Middle Tennessee Normal School.

Tours of the department and computer-lab rooms will be held at 10:30, 11, 11:30 and noon. Computer Science is located on the third floor of KOM.

“If you’ve not been here in awhile, the lab looks really different,” Pettey said. “Come and see old friends and faculty, and tour the department.”

To register to attend, call 615-898-2922 or 1-800-533-6878.

Pettey said there are 325 to 350 computer-science majors in the program, including undergraduate and master’s-level students. She adds there about 1,600 alumni, many who live in the middle Tennessee region.

Computer Science, which is one of 10 departments in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, has 12 full-time faculty, two full-time temporary faculty, three adjunct faculty, an executive aide and a lab director.

“Our students are some of the best at the university,” she said. “They usually score above the national average on major field tests and the general education tests.”

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The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized MTSU for its outstanding curricular engagement, community outreach and partnerships. As MTSU celebrates its 100th anniversary, Pride, Tradition and Excellence are the cornerstones of "Tennessee’s Best"!


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