CIMST Hosts Alumni Engagement Meeting to Strengthen Academic and Professional Ties

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On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Department of Computing, Information, Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST) at Chicago State University held a special alumni engagement meeting with former students, particularly those who graduated from the Mathematics and Computer Science programs.

The event was organized by Dr. Daniel Hrozencik, Professor of Mathematics, in collaboration with Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, Chair of the CIMST Department. The meeting was attended by several faculty members including Dr. Rohan Attele, Dr. Elaina Khasawneh, and Dr. Saifuddin Saif.

We were also honored by the presence of Ms. Anna Kulseth, Director of Alumni & Individual Engagement at the Chicago State Foundation, who provided a brief but insightful overview of current alumni initiatives and opportunities for involvement at CSU.

Distinguished alumni in attendance included:

1. Kaife Abedin, Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Olive-Harvey College
2. Evens Alexis, Faculty, Mathematics, Malcolm X College
3. Dr. Hope Essien, Professor of Mathematics, Malcolm X College
4. Carnice Jefferson, Director of Scheduling, Chicago State University
5. Dr. Opal Jones, Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Malcolm X College
6. LaVonte Stewart, Executive Director, Lost Boyz Inc., Chicago
7. Cody Wurzelbacher, Data Engineer/BI Specialist, Wells Lamont Industrial (a Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway Company)

The meeting focused on the newly redesigned Mathematics program with a Data Science option. Attendees engaged in a productive discussion about the program’s viability, outreach strategies (especially to local high schools), curriculum design, core learning outcomes, internship and project opportunities, student engagement through a Data Science Club, and practical applications of data science skills in real-world contexts.

The session concluded on a hopeful note, with a shared commitment from both faculty and alumni to collaborate on initiatives that will enrich the department’s programs, provide meaningful student opportunities, and strengthen the CSU alumni network.

 

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