News Story
June 05, 2017
La Roche College Student Awarded AITP Scholarship
PITTSBURGH, June 5, 2017 – Sani Shrestha, a junior at La Roche, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).
Each year the Pittsburgh chapter of AITP hosts an essay competition with two cash rewards. This year’s topic was Big Data and how it will transform the way people live, work and think.
“As a student Sani is willing to take on leadership roles, as well as team roles and gives 110 percent to either situation. She willingly shares her knowledge and experience with her classmates to help them achieve their best outcomes,” Management Department Chair and Assistant Professor Michaela Noakes said.
Originally from Nepal, Ms. Shrestha majors in information technology and minors in management. She recently became an officer for the local AITP chapter and will serve in a position that combines the roles of secretary and treasurer.
Professor Noakes said, “Having women like Sani as a professional role model— as someone who is willing to help others succeed— bridges the gender gap that still exists in STEM industries.”
Within 10 years the total number of women enrolled in a STEM major at La Roche has nearly doubled. According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, only 29 percent of women make up the science and engineering workforce.
Ms. Shrestha said, “My courses at La Roche have helped me to understand and experience more technical terms. The college environment is great here. My professors as well as my friends are there any time I seek help. One person who inspires me most is Professor Noakes. She provided me with guidance and encouragement so I would be confident in my submission to the review committee.”
Recently acquired by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), AITP is the worldwide leading society for IT professionals. The society’s mission is to advance the IT Profession through professional development, support of IT education and national policies on IT that improve society as a whole.
The student chapter of AITP at La Roche offers opportunities for students to participate in networking events with local professionals, develop their leadership potential, attend technical and social functions throughout the academic year, and compete in the AITP National Collegiate Conference. Through the chapter’s unique partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), AITP members can also prepare for certification in project management.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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