CAMPUS EVENTS

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

Generations of Computer Scientists at SEU

JUDY (REGAN) MESSING, ’60, was a computer scientist before the computer science major was even invented.

“At the time, companies looking for computer programmers hired math, music or philosophy majors because we all had courses in logic,” recalls Judy, who earned her bachelor’s in mathematics in 1960.

Fascinated by the intellectual challenges in this burgeoning field, Judy was able to put her talents to work writing diagnostic programs for an experimental computer at Univac, a computer manufacturer, shortly after graduating. In the years to follow, Judy would work in different capacities for multiple companies and agencies. Some of her accomplishments include programming large displays of military information, coding war game simulations, coding systems for the U.S. Army, testing early email programs and looking at solutions for protecting classified information. Judy even co-wrote a research paper on a mechanism to track access to computer files called “Beyond the Pale of MAC and DAC.”

While Judy’s passion for this field predated any curriculum for computer science, Saint Elizabeth University students are now able to reap the benefits of studying this degree directly, and for one student the effects are life changing.

“It was my failures more than my successes that proved SEU was the right school for me,” says WALNIER “WALLY” PEREZ, ’22, a computer software engineering major. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Wally’s mother prioritized her son’s education over anything else. This encouragement empowered Wally to move to the United States alone just before his senior year of high school to prepare for and apply to college. As a first-generation college student, Wally encountered many challenges during his freshman year that he easily overcame. However, one academic challenge proved to be a more formidable foe: math class. He wasn’t fond of the subject in high school but, due to his intended career path, knew he would have to use it in his daily life after graduating.

Left: Judy (far left) with members of the Alembic Science Club and a prescient verse from the 1959 Elizabethan Yearbook. Right: Wally, enjoying time off on campus and speaking at the 2020 virtual President’s Council luncheon; and Judy with Dr. Crosby and at a gathering with loved ones. “I had a very bumpy start with it, but I learned that I didn’t have to go through it alone,” recalls Wally. “When I failed that class my first semester, the faculty and staff did not discourage me. I was flooded with love and support from each one of them.” Instead of chastising Wally for his struggles, the SEU community directed him toward three tools: the Academic Success Center, Counseling Services Center and their unwavering support. Through weekly peer tutoring, therapy sessions to manage test anxiety and guidance from faculty and staff, Wally began thriving in all his classes. “Honestly, I think the only way to not succeed here at SEU is if a student did not desire to do so,” says Wally. “This community has proven that they can guide students without holding their hand and, with the correct support, anyone can flourish as long as they pour their heart into it.”

This community has proven that... anyone can flourish as long as they pour their heart into it.”