by Hannah Fair, Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science will host its 17th annual programming contest on February 17 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Engineering and Science Center Rooms 242 and 243. The event is open to any Cedarville University student.
Participants will have a 45-minute practice round before official competition begins. All teams will have five hours to solve the same 10 programming problems.
There is a $10 entry fee per team. The first and second place winners receive a plaque.
“This competition shows the commitment our students have to improve their problem-solving skills. Students show initiative by committing their time to strengthen their programming skills,” said Dr. David Gallagher, professor of computer science. “It honors God when students put forth excellence in effort to prepare for a future career. Our competition especially prepares our computer science and engineering students to perform well at regional and international programming competitions.”
For the past 17 years, Cedarville computer science students have competed in the East Central North American Programming Contest, a regional competition that is a qualifier for the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals, an invite-only event.
In 2017, Cedarville was invited to ICPC World Finals held in Rapid City, South Dakota. This was a huge accomplishment, as more than 17,000 teams competed in regionals and only 132 teams were invited to ICPC World Finals.
“This local Cedarville competition equips our students with the skills needed to succeed in the larger competitions,” continued Gallagher. “This competition helps me select the strongest student-candidates, who perform well in high pressure, competitive environments, to compete in the regional and international programming competitions.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.