By LAURA BORRELLI
Web Editor
The Computer Science Club was founded in the spring semester of 2018 by Catherine Davis, a Saint Rose graduate. Her intentions were to create a space where students in the computer science field could come together and be exposed to opportunities in the field.
Since Davis has graduated, Sam Winter has taken over as president of the club. They have biweekly meetings, resume reviews, job fairs, and collaborate with other clubs as well as New York Tech Loop that occurred Thursday, Nov. 7.
“The purpose of the club is to provide a space for students to network not only with each other but with the help of our advisor Professor Cornell, network with employees of many computer science and programming related businesses here in Albany,” said Winter.
They are a Student Association approved club last semester and they are excited to move forward with their new designation.
Winter said that Assistant Professor of Computer Science Kimberly Cornell is the advisor for the Computer Science Club.
“Professor Cornell is the oracle and the overall guiding force of the club,” said Winter. She is supportive of all of the club’s endeavors and goes above and beyond to help her students and club members, according to Winter.
Cornell said she enjoys helping the club; it is a rewarding experience for her. She teaches the eboard and members how to plan and set up events and allows the students to make and utilize connections with people working in the field of computer science.
“I see my role as trying to cultivate independent Computer Scientists,” said Cornell. She is encouraging and provides advice when needed. The eboard are the club’s leaders, and Cornell’s role is to assist in any way possible when she is needed.
Cornell said that when she was a student, she was passionate about making computer science clubs. She believes that every computer science department should have one. Her past experiences influenced her to become apart of the club on campus.
Cornell said it is hard to make connections between peers, but it is an important skill for all students. Cornell believes the computer science club is a fun way to meet new students in your similar major, and form connections that will be useful in the industry after graduation.
A club setting allows Cornell to connect with her students on an informal level and students will have a comfortable setting to share ideas. Through the development of connections and communication of new innovative ideas, Cornell believes that she is able to foster a community experience for students at The College of Saint Rose.
“Ensuring that students are gaining leadership and networking experience in a safe environment is my top priority,” said Cornell.
Vice President senior Isa Yolbarsov said he is excited for the upcoming semester of the club. The club was SA approved last semester, but was in need for eboard members and general members this semester. Yolbarsov got involved when he heard about the club. Winters attended computer science classes in the beginning of the semester to advertise for the club.
Yolbarsov said that the club was a good way to make connections with professors, peers, and employers. He decided to run for vice president and has been collaborating with Winter and the rest of the eboard to bring events on campus and opportunities for students just like himself.
The club is a welcoming place to meet other people in your field, and learn about other events that are going on around campus that are focused on jobs and success after graduation for computer science majors, but any major is able to attend.
If you are interested in joining, they meet every other Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Albertus 404. Their next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 20.
“The club is a focal point for students unsure of where to begin making connections and working on projects to have a place where they can find support just like that,” said Winter.
