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Scott Arcuri Hometown: New Milford, Conn. Major: Computer Science MINOR: Security WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science Internships: Web development Internship at Consumer Reports Activities: Resident assistant, treasurer of Grasso Hall Council, University Judicial Board student representative |
Honors and Awards: Dean's List, Housing Academic Achievement Award, Wohlever Award in Computer Science, Who's Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities, 3.67 GPA
Some students come to WCSU from across the country and others from around the corner. Scott Arcuri is one of those students who wanted to stay close to home. "I decided to come to Western because of the strong relationships I had here. I am one of four children in my household that currently attend WestConn, so I am never too far away from my family even while living on campus."
Arcuri says he chose to study computer science because "it's an interesting field, especially in today's society, with technology advancing at an astonishing rate. Understanding the logic behind it, and being able to contribute to the technological age in itself is a reward. Software engineering can produce an infinite amount of applications, and thus can be used as a solution to almost anything. It's a major where the more one learns about it, the more intrigued they become. I am fascinated and engulfed by the subject, as every day provides new breakthroughs and topics to be learned."
Professors of Computer Science Dr. William Joel and Dr. Gancho Ganchev have been vital to his success at WestConn, Arcuri says. "Dr. Ganchev was my adviser for a student-developed study, and has been incredibly helpful in providing information on how to do well in the department. Dr. Joel catered a faculty-developed study in the scope of an intersession research project to individuals' needs, which I then used as a reference of my work when I had job and internship interviews."
Asked what he will remember most about his WCSU experience, Arcuri says, "My most memorable experience was when a group of computer science majors and I attempted to resurrect the Computer Society, a club that had not been active in years. For a semester, every Friday we would get together and try to gather numbers, in order to make it official. We would discuss digital electronics, use logic boards, watch lectures from MIT, and plan events such as LAN parties. The disappointing factor was that it was a lot of work keeping the club running with too few members, and it turned into more of a social and educational extension of the major. While it lasted, it was a valuable experience, and I can only hope one day the club can return as more interest is generated within the department.”
After graduation, Arcuri plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master's degree in computer science. "I have applied to both Marist and Sacred Heart," he says. "The deciding factor on which school I will go to will depend on if I can use my summer experience working to obtain a full-time position close to either of the college campuses and become a part-time student."
Arcuri’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: "One of the most valuable skills a freshman can have is time management, as WCSU has the resources to allow every student to do well if you spend your time wisely. The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words: 'I did not have time' - Franklin Field.”
