Wayne State University Computing and Information Technology (C&IT) awarded their 2021 scholarship to undergraduate students Malack Jallad and Michelle Senyk on Wednesday, Aug.25. Both students were awarded $1,500 towards their tuition new laptops from our partners at Dell. Interim Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President Rob Thompson congratulated the students in front of a small, socially distant gathering. 

Malack Jallad is a junior neuroscience student. In her scholarship essay, “Technology and Education: Two Peas in a Pod,” she wrote a short illustration of her everyday motions taking virtual classes—the tedious actions of virtual lectures, online homework, and even the virtual confetti that fell across the screen in Canvas when she submitted an assignment. It was an excellent look at how our strong students adapted to the change of virtual learning. Malack also showed us that even before this transition, education relied on technology and that the work we do at C&IT has always contributed to the success of our students.

Michelle Senyk is a senior media arts and studies student. In her essay, Michelle displayed how virtual learning benefits non-traditional students like herself. Michelle began her degree 30 years ago, and after leaving college to attend to life, she realized that virtual learning made it easier for her to fit her degree into her schedule as a full-time employee and mother—So she started taking classes again when WSU transitioned to online learning. Michelle’s essay is the perfect reminder of how our work at C&IT must be flexible to support every unique academic journey of our students.  

The C&IT Scholarship is offered to WSU undergraduate students annually. The award recognizes scholastic achievement, encourages continued progress, and provides financial and technological assistance for completing degree requirements. This award is made possible through the generosity of current and past employees, corporate philanthropy and C&IT's innovative entrepreneurial activities.