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The Feb. 14 ceremony in the Pfeil Board Room welcomed the College鈥檚 first UPE inductees and recognized the momentum, ambition, and academic excellence fueling this fast-growing field at Holy Cross. Professor Dennis Vandenberg, who has played a key role in shaping the program, sees this as a defining moment.

鈥淲e went from nothing鈥攋ust the idea of a minor鈥攖o 23 students pursuing computer science,鈥� said Vandenberg. 鈥淚t just shows how much interest there is and how sustainable this program will be.鈥�

The program鈥檚 rapid growth is no accident. A dedicated computer lab, strong student leadership, and forward-thinking hires have solidified Holy Cross as a serious player in computing education.

鈥淭hese students didn鈥檛 have to do this鈥攖hey wanted to,鈥� Vandenberg continued. 鈥淭hey were motivated to build this chapter. To stand alongside people with that kind of energy, focus, and discipline鈥攊t鈥檚 a big honor.鈥�

Professor Dennis Vandenberg officially signs his name as a member of the Holy Cross chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

For students like sophomore computer science Jack Rogers, the UPE chapter is more than an academic distinction鈥攊t鈥檚 a community and a launchpad for future opportunities.

鈥淗oly Cross gives you the space to grow and flourish in your field,鈥� said Rogers, the new chapter’s president. 鈥淭he people around us鈥攐ur professors, faculty, and peers鈥攍ift you up and support you every step of the way.鈥�

Rogers emphasized how UPE provides recognition for students who have worked hard in computer science at 黑料不打烊. He sees the chapter as an opportunity for students to push themselves academically and professionally.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a great way to elevate the students at 黑料不打烊 that really deserve that extra push,” he said. “This is a great way for us to come together as one society.鈥�

Rogers highlighted the sense of camaraderie and shared passion among computer science students, which has been strengthened by the formation of the UPE chapter.

Jack Rogers, second from left, joins his fellow Holy Cross computer science students, as they are made members of Upsilon Pi Epsilon on Feb. 14.

鈥淲e鈥檙e all passionate about computer science… I think it鈥檚 great for the College, great going forward, and hopefully, we get new members every single year,” Rogers said.

Professor Jeffrey Popyack, a long-time member of the UPE executive council, expressed his delight at the event. 鈥淚鈥檝e been a member of the executive council for a long time, and this will be my last charter ceremony,” he said. “I think it went really well, and I was delighted to be here.鈥�

Provost Michael Griffin also shared his gratitude and pride. 鈥淭his is not only a momentous day, but a joyful day looking around at these students who have helped to build a program at Holy Cross,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are delighted that this honor society with its leadership and members will help elevate 黑料不打烊.鈥�

With national recognition, dedicated faculty, and an energized student body, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 computer science program is proving to be a powerhouse in the making. And this is just the beginning.