Ian Finley of Lebanon, Pa. Earns Second in Computer Programming Competition

2012 Apr 16

Ian Finley of Lebanon, Pa., a freshman computer science major at Lebanon Valley College placed second at the 12th Annual Dickinson College Spring Programming Contest. The competition included 20 three-student teams representing colleges and universities from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The LVC team solved five of the eight computer programming problems in four hours.

LVC's computer science curriculum is distinguished by its emphasis on computer programming and a decidedly mathematical nature. Five of the required seven CS courses are primarily about programming, and programming plays an important role in most of the advanced courses. This emphasis develops strong analysis and problem-solving skills. Students take 19 credits of mathematics (seven courses), more than is typical of undergraduate CS programs. This math foundation gives students an analytical background that applies broadly in their CS coursework, helping them become better programmers and analysts.

Students in the program spend time working one-on-one with faculty on class projects, in independent study, or as a member of the competitive programming team. It is in this setting that students and faculty can accomplish the most, and it is a hallmark of the program. LVC's computer science students work hard, and the faculty work right along with them.