Holy Cross’ Coding Club Members Get Surprise Visit And A New Challenge
On Monday, January 9, Holy Cross’ Coding Club Moderator and Director of Instructional Technology, Fei-Wen Pirovolikos, planned quite the afternoon for her coding club members. The club’s topics of the day were 1) Ethical Hacking—a term not widely known, but one that is vital to testing and ensuring the vulnerability of an organization’s digital security is safeguarded and maximized to full potential and 2) How to Start a Software Business on a Limited Budget.
Led by two speakers, the first topic was introduced by Theodoros Karanikolas, Class of 2018. Theo’s presentation included information as to why ethical hackers exist and questioned if ethical hacking is actually an ethical way to determine the security of data. Theo’s well done and informative presentation initiated a discussion amongst his peers as well as faculty and staff in attendance.
The second presenter was Holy Cross alumnus Frank Orzo ’64. Mr. Orzo is not only a Holy Cross graduate, but he is an accomplished computer software developer, business owner, and consultant with computer programming experience that spans over four decades. In addition, Mr. Orzo holds a seat as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the school. Mr. Orzo’s presentation spoke of his time post Holy Cross graduation and how he started in the field of computers when “they were as big as the library” in the 1960s. His slideshow served as a visionary map for students—educating them on how they too can be as successful in beginning their own business just as he has been.
To state Mr. Orzo captured his audience would be an understatement as students were already discussing what they would name their future companies. At the end of the presentation, Mr. Orzo announced he had more news for the group. He shared that he would be sponsoring Holy Cross’ first-ever computer software contest with a $150 prize! Now he really had the attention of our young programmers!
THE CONTEST
The contest began on January 9 and will conclude on April 26. The three judges are Mrs. Pirovolikos, Mr. Orzo, and Holy Cross’ President, Mr. Truesdell. Judges will choose the winning software product based upon the best idea and the most progress made. Coding club members may work individually or as teams of two.
