Computing

Computing Scholarships

Valparaiso University’s Department of Computing and Information Sciences proudly offers scholarships that celebrate academic achievement in mathematics and computer science. Whether you’re diving into algorithms or innovating with data, these awards support students who show outstanding promise in tech-driven fields.

Program-based Scholarships

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Scholarships Available to Computing Students

Students in the Valparaiso University Computing and Information Sciences Department are eligible for two scholarships. One is awarded annually to a student in either mathematics or computer science, while the second is reserved exclusively for students of computer science.

the College of Engineering

Louis A. Foster Scholarship

Louis Foster joined the faculty of Valparaiso University in the spring of 1961. Prior to this, he served as a chaplain in the United States Navy. From 1965 until 1977, he served in a variety of administrative posts, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, acting vice president for academic affairs, coordinator of curriculum revision, and director of institutional research. The University regarded him as a gifted administrator.

Two men in suits shake hands while one receives an engineering certificate during an indoor award ceremony. — Graeme Roberts & Professor James Caristi

Professor Foster was a faculty member whose talents as a teacher of mathematics and computer science were of the highest magnitude. In the 1980s, he brought significant direction to the fledgling computer science program. His research in computer science led to a collaboration that took him to Exeter University in England for an extended period of time.

After his retirement, the department was pleased to announce the Louis A. Foster Scholarship for outstanding computer science majors, in recognition of his many contributions to the department.

Louis A. Foster Recipients

2004–05 Whitney Tyson
2023-24 Mason Tulacz, Aubrey Kranz
2022-23 Spencer Gannon
2021-22 Nathan Harmon, Ethan Hawk
2020-21 Erik Johnson
2019-20 Eric Yager
2018-19 Carly Armor
2017–18 Kimberly Orr
2016–17 Dylan Snyder
2015–16 Chinedu Emeka
2014–15 Stephen Mezzacapo
2013–14 Graeme Roberts
2012–13 not awarded
2011–12 Kirk Baly
2010–11 Brian Havlisch
2009–10 Kelly Roth
2008–09 Kristopher Willmert
2007–08 Frederick Spreen
2006–07 Matthew Jungwirth
2005–06 Matthew R. Schaefer

CIS commit Award

In computing, various tools are used to help keep a development team all working from the same set of files and information. Many of those tools use the word “commit” as a command or instruction. Executing that command places work in a shared area for others to call upon and helps complete the common goals. This award takes its name from that command. For a working computing professional, to run it is an indication that “I’m done; this is good. I’m ready for this work to be seen — and employed by others.”

Any student who has taken courses from the department is eligible; recipients of this award have demonstrated both academic ability and an ongoing commitment to professional and technical excellence.