Pitt-Bradford Team Wins First Place in Microsoft Competition for Web Site Design

Two students in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s computer information systems and technology program have won first place for Web site design in Microsoft Corp.’s Imagine Cup 2010 competition.

Ceegan Danielson, a freshman from Lewis Run, and Melissa Lupole, a senior from St. Marys, will split a cash prize of $2,000.

The two said they learned about the nationwide contest from Dr. Ken Wang, assistant professor of computer information systems and technology, during the course Introduction to Web Programming.

With a few weeks of class under their belts, the two students decided to pair up and take on the challenge of entering the nationwide contest.

Imagine Cup is a Microsoft-sponsored student technology competition in which students use Microsoft products to compete in a variety of categories, including Web site design, software design, development for embedded devices, game design, digital media and an IT challenge.

Students competing in the Web design competition had to choose one of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and design a Web site about it. Danielson and Lupole chose “Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty.” They researched and designed the site outside of class, primarily during their spring break from classes.

Because of their inexperience, they said some things took them longer to do while they figured out new software or languages.

“It was definitely worth the experience,” Lupole said.

“We’re very proud of them,” Wang said. “This is a national competition, and they won first prize. Being recognized by Microsoft is an information technology student’s dream. This is evidence of Melissa’s and Ceegan’s talent, creativity and motivation.”

Don Lewicki, director of information systems and associate professor of business management, said, “As their faculty mentor, Ken Wang is to be commended for the leadership and technical guidance he provided. He is always finding new ways to challenge his students. This award speaks volumes about all of them and reflects positively on the growing strength of our computer information systems and technology program.”

Danielson is also doing Web site work for Quick Way Auto in Bradford to redesign that company’s Web site. He is active in the Pitt-Bradford Outdoor Club and works at McDonald’s. He is the son of Lorie Henning.

Lupole works in the office of Computers, Telecommunications and Media Services on campus and is the daughter of Daniel and Diane Lupole.

Pictured, Melissa Lupole and Ceegan Danielson, left, show off the Web site that one first place in Microsoft Corp.’s Imagine Cup 2010 competition to Dr. Ken Wang, assistant professor of computer information systems and technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
(Photo courtesy of Pitt-Bradford)