JM
James Mikolasek
  • Lemont, IL

James Mikolasek Uses Computer Skills to Help Non-Profit

2012 Jun 7

Non-profit organizations Advocate Family Care Network and Seeding Change recently benefited from Lewis University Computer Science students applying their skills to help others. James Mikolasek of Lemont was among the undergraduates enrolled in Dr. Cynthia Kersey's Software Engineering course that built contact management software for the community service providers.

"This course is a very valuable experience for students because they gain some real-world experience by developing software for clients," said Dr. Ray Klump, chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Lewis University.

The projects required the students, divided into two teams, to gather and document system requirements, design software to meet those requirements, design and develop database backends, and write the software to implement the required functionality. Both teams wrote their solutions in PHP, Javascript and CSS. Both teams created useful solutions that immediately benefited the organizations.

Students involved include Joshua Brauer of Plainfield, Ill., James Bretz of Chicago, Ill., Jeffrey Brick of Joliet, Ill., Jessica Dreher of Justice, Ill., Ram Von Cliff Flores of Plainfied, Ill., Robert Granko of Manhattan, Ill., Kevin Krewer of Arlington Heights, Ill., James Mikolasek of Lemont, Ill., Geoffrey Powell of Upland, CA., Jonathan Ronchetti of Coal City, Ill., Tony Ruggiero of Downers Grove, Ill., Elie Shmayel of Darien, Ill., David Tennant of Algonquin, Ill., Brian Wilhelm of New Lenox, Ill. and Dan Zubek of Homer Glen, Ill.

Lewis University's Mathematics and Computer Science program prepares students to be tomorrow's innovators and problem solvers. Students spend time practicing in the university's state-of-the-art computer labs. They enhance their learning experience by applying newly acquired skills and knowledge to businesses and organizations outside of Lewis University. Using theoretical knowledge and technical skills, students acquire the experience necessary to form successful careers.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for further information.