NJ Society for Information Management Awards YWCC Scholarships
Computer science undergraduates Alfred Simpson and Luis Velasquez each received $5,000 scholarships this spring from the New Jersey chapter of the Society for Information Management.
The society is a professional organization for information technology executives. Scholarships are provided by the state chapter's charitable foundation.
Simpson, of Jersey City, and Velasquez, from Budd Lake, both transferred to NJIT's Ying Wu College of Computing after earning associate degrees at community colleges, excelling in the classroom here and demonstrating financial need. Both students also intend to remain at NJIT for an M.S. in cybersecurity and privacy, ultimately looking to work in government.
Simpson started in a different field. He studied journalism at New York's Orange County Community College, left school for several years to support his family by working in technology sales, returned to study computer science at Borough of Manhattan Community College and then transferred to NJIT for his baccalaureate degree. He chose NJIT because a relative is an alumnus and highly recommended the university.
Simpson wants to enroll in NJIT's wing of the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program where students receive tuition in exchange for commiting to work in government roles after graduation.
"In going federal, I feel like I can make a bigger difference for the community," he said. He noted that protecting corporate data is important, but it's more rewarding to protect networks that protect public communities.
Simpson said his fellow undergraduates should never be intimidated to apply for scholarships and other opportunities. After a career in sales, he said he learned that you have to constantly try, or else you can't win.
Velasquez moved to the U.S. from Colombia five years ago and did know know English. He received an associate degree at County College of Morris and said NJIT was his first choice for a four-year degree. Looking forward, "I want to help the government to protect its citizens," he said, noting that a federal career is one way to show patriotism for his adopted country — there is some discrimination in the American computing industry because relatively few Latin people choose that field, he added.
Upon becoming a cybersecurity expert, "It gives you power, and that power can be used for positive things. I'm an ethical person," Velasquez said. "I know people who graduated from NJIT and have a wonderful life, a wonderful career and a job that they love. I want something similar or even better. With NJIT I'll be able to create my own company and help other people."
"Congratulations on your scholarships," said Michele Bell, associate director of academic advisement, who taught both students in her Computing and Effective Communication course. "You are hard workers and were always a pleasure to have in class."
