TROY, Mich., May 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of Michigan College of Engineering scholarship committee has announced the first three recipients of the Leinweber Software Scholarship. The Leinweber Software Scholarship Society provides financial awards to outstanding undergraduate students who are Michigan residents, and who are enrolled full-time as Computer Science (CS) majors at the University of Michigan. In addition to GPA requirements, this scholarship is only awarded to individuals interested in working in Michigan within the software industry after graduation.
With an average GPA of 3.6, the first scholarship recipients are:
Jill Bender, Senior from Bridgman, MI
Jill's interest in computer science began her sophomore year with an introductory course, which blossomed into a passion for CS. Soon to be a 4th generation UM graduate, Jill plans on pursuing an advanced degree and would one day like to start a tech company in Michigan.
Jill's Dream Job:
"I would love to start an internet company and take down Comcast!"
Eric Riedel, Sophomore from Sterling Heights, MI
During his freshman year of high school Eric was assigned an "unsolvable" problem. To his teacher's surprise, he solved the problem and has been in love with CS ever since. Eric will be working for HP in Pontiac, MI this summer and hopes to start a web design company one day.
Eric's Role Models:
"My Grandpa got me interested in engineering. Also, Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway and founder of FIRST Robotics Competition. He made technology cool for kids."
Kristopher McAtee, Sophomore from Midland, MI
Kristopher's interest in computer science began in 10th grade, and he has competed in programming competitions across the State of Michigan. When Kristopher graduates, he hopes to have a career where he can impact large numbers of people via his software.
Kristopher's First Job:
"I had a paper route at the age of 7, and I've been working ever since. This summer, I will be conducting research at UM."
The scholarship program was created by Larry D. Leinweber, founder and CEO of New World Systems, a software company outside of Detroit, Michigan that provides solutions to public safety agencies and local governments nationwide. With this scholarship, Mr. Leinweber and his family will support the growth of the software industry in Michigan, and further diversify the state's economy.
"We hear from young professionals consistently that they would like to stay in Michigan if provided the right opportunity," said Larry Leinweber. "Companies like New World Systems provide that opportunity."
New World Systems employs more than 400 people with a passion for technology, primarily in the State of Michigan. The Company and its employees have helped cities and counties in 48 states, Bermuda, and Guam improve safety and efficiency for more than 30 years. Please visit us at www.newworldsystems.com for more information.
Trusted by more than 1,000 public sector organizations nationwide, New World Systems designs, develops, markets, supports and implements the integrated Logos™ Public Administration Suite for local governments and the Aegis™ Suite of Public Safety Solutions for Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS.