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Northern Illinois University

Computer Science

Calling all Computer Science Alumni!

What is the CSAC?

Founded in 2006, the NIU Computer Science Alumni Council (CSAC) is the official affinity group of the NIU Alumni Association (NIU AA). While the NIU AA serves the needs of all of NIU's graduates, the CSAC focuses its efforts on alumni, faculty, and friends of the NIU Department of Computer Science and those in Information Technology field.

What are the goals of the CSAC?

The CSAC has four groups of constituents it seeks to serve, each with its own distinct goals/mission:

CSAC diagram
  • Alumni: Serve as a vehicle to create and reinforce strong relationships and networking between NIU Computer Science alumni.
  • University: Provide guidance and support to NIU and the Department of Computer Science on matters such as direction, curriculum, and industry knowledge and alumni experience.
  • Students: Assist students and recent graduates with a successful transition into the workplace and ongoing career networking.
  • Industry: Contribute to the good of the greater Information Technology industry, as well as encourage qualified students to consider pursuing a degree in Computer Science at NIU.

What types of activities or events does the CSAC hold?

In partnership with the NIU AA, the CSAC has co-sponsored events such as IT-related networking events, a wine tasting, Cubs baseball games, tents at Homecoming, and annual holiday parties. In 2008, the CSAC has had its own social and professional events. For 2009, plans are in the works for such things as job seeker workshops, professional lectures and speakers, a golf outing, student mentoring, intern sponsorships, and more.

Is there any cost to join the CSAC?

No, membership in CSAC is free of charge. We do however encourage all of our participants to become a member of the NIU AA at either the "Cardinal & Black" or the "Legacy" level. More information can be found at: http://www.myniu.com/alumni/membershipinfo.html .

How can I stay informed about the CSAC's activities?

You can stay informed about the CSAC by joining the CSAC's group on Yahoo! Groups. This can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NIUCSAC/ .

Also, we have a LinkedIn group that you can join to help connect with other alumni in the IT field. Visit it at http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/51929 .

How can I get more information about the CSAC or become more actively involved in the CSAC's activities, perhaps in a leadership role?

If you would like to give something back to your alma mater, the CSAC is a great way to do so. Contact Jim Huguelet (B.S. 1993, M.S. 1995), President of the CSAC, at 847.867.8706 or jhuguelet@huguelet.com for more information on opportunities to become actively involved in the CSAC. Or, visit the NIU Alumni Association web site at http://myniu.com/alumni/affinity.html . Since the CSAC is still developing, now is a great time to make an impact and help shape the goals, direction, and activities of the CSAC for years to come.

Please join the fun with the Computer Science Alumni Council (CSAC), an affinity group under the umbrella of NIU's Alumni Association. CSAC has already sponsored several activities, including a wine tasting in St. Charles and outings to Chicago sporting events. Check the NIU Alumni Association for future events that will get you back in touch with other Computer Science alumni and faculty.