DINE WITH NEUMONT

At Neumont University, we're always looking for a few good men and women to join our ranks. And that's why we're inviting you and your guests to learn more about us at a dinner on Wednesday, May 18. 

This event is an opportunity for you and your guests (up to three) to learn more about our project-based approach to learning. Current students, faculty, and staff will join you for dinner and share their Neumont experiences with you. You'll also have a chance to explore our campus.

Registration is required and seating is limited. Register now!

SERVICE DAY

Despite feeling some apprehension, volunteers from Neumont University's admissions, financial aid, and marketing departments knew they were doing something to benefit The Road Home. The local homeless shelter provides emergency shelter and programs to help individuals and families step out of homelessness and back into the community. 

Karick Heaton, Neumont University director of admissions described the group's arrival. “Once at the facility's door, we could tell that the entire block was swarming with individuals who are certainly less fortunate in many ways, and who also must rely on the service we were about to discover.” 

The NU volunteers were buzzed in and introduced to a number of employees “who were all very cheerful and pleasant,” Karick said.  The group took a tour through the donation warehouse where donations are delivered and “ended at the foot of a giant pile of boxes and bags, all filled with clothes, food items, and a number of interesting odds and ends.”

There were mounds of donations to tackle and the team eventually found its groove.

“We suddenly got into a rhythm and were abuzz with activity,” Karick said.  “We unloaded boxes and bags, sorted socks, hats, shirts, and canned food. We cleaned shelves, bins, and racks. And of course all the while, we were being our usual goofy selves and definitely having some fun as well. Suddenly, we were done, having cleaned an entire room of its contents.”   

Matt Brown, Neumont University enrollment coordinator summed up the team’s experience. “We arrived to see about 700 square feet of clothing that required sorting and putting away, and upon leaving the warehouse, the space that contained all that clothing only hours before was now empty."

Special thanks to Brad Morris, Neumont University financial aid advisor and the primary point of contact for this event. To learn more about the event, read the press release on PRNewswire or at www.neumont.edu.

2016 COMMENCEMENT

Neumont University, a private university that grants bachelor’s degrees in computer science and related fields in only three years, congratulates the 100-plus graduates attending the Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.  The event was held at the Masonic Temple in downtown Salt Lake City. Graduates and guests were addressed by keynote speaker Carine Clark, president and CEO of MaritzCX. 

“You are more prepared and ready for your careers than any other college grads. You have been taught well and great things await you,” said Clark. 

Then, she encouraged the graduates to build a phenomenal life by embracing failure, dreaming and exploring, forging connections, recharging, helping others, and believing nothing is impossible. 

Neumont University President Shaun McAlmont noted that while the students had all started at Neumont before he arrived, “I can honestly say that I feel like I’ve known many of you for years; and I have also seen the best many of you have to offer in terms of your determination, performance and the steps many of you have taken toward your goals. You are a truly impressive and talented group.”

McAlmont also noted this was a particularly key year for Neumont graduates starting their careers at Google. In total, the search giant hired three graduates from this year’s graduating class in addition to the alumni already working at the Silicon Valley-based company.

On average, 97% of Neumont graduates are employed in their field within six months of graduation with average starting salaries of $63,000. 

Rachel Antion earned her Bachelor of Science in computer science and has started her career at Seagate. Graduates Taylor Garcia and Jonathan Pearl both earned bachelor’s degrees in software and game development and have also started working at Blizzard Entertainment and Microsoft respectively. 

Neumont University’s Class of 2016 has already accepted offers from more than 45 companies. In addition to the companies named above, Neumont graduates will launch their tech careers at companies like 3M, Cisco, Fidelity Investments, and more. 

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

Neumont University announces Robert Lamb as the new chair of the software and game development bachelor’s degree program.

Lamb was promoted to the position after a year of teaching game development courses at the Salt Lake City institution. He will continue to teach as he takes on the new responsibilities of chairing the program. Lamb joined Neumont University in 2015 after a career in game and user development. He has worked on projects of all sizes, the most well-known of which is Disney Infinity through EA Games.

"Throughout Robert’s time as a Neumont instructor, he has displayed a real depth of passion for the software and game development program. His passion combined with his authentic concern for the success of each and every student has made him the perfect choice to lead and guide the BSGD," says Director of Academics Tim Clark. "We look forward to the great progress we will see within the BSGD program through Robert’s leadership."

The university is also pleased to announce that adjunct instructor Ryan Cox will now join the university in a full-time position as a computer science instructor. Cox began teaching at the university while working as an information security project manager for Walmart.

"Ryan has actually been one of our most counted upon adjunct instructors over the last five years. It seems the stars finally aligned and he is now a permanent member of the Neumont family," says Clark. "We are excited to finally have him full-time and are expecting marvelous things."

“While I was an adjunct, I loved working with students, but I didn’t have a lot of time to get to know them.” Cox says, “Already, the way I’ve been able to help them is more complete.

ERASMO FLORES

For most Neumont University students, earning their degree means launching their career in technology. But for Erasmo Flores, it was a different story. He had already held C-level positions at various companies in Mexico and was looking for a degree to help him understand the technology he was managing. When he found Neumont, he enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.  At Neumont,  Erasmo found much more than credentials. He discovered a new way of looking at and learning technologies that made him an even more attractive candidate for leadership in the tech sector.
 
Now he travels the world working for HP Enterprises (one of two publicly listed, Fortune 500 companies created from a split of the original Hewlett-Packard) and has some great insight for current and prospective students.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Have you ever suffered from “buyer’s remorse?” It’s when you purchase something that you later regret buying. More often than not, it happens to people who didn’t take the time to figure out if a purchase was really what they wanted or needed. For some decisions – a new pair of socks or My Little Pony sheets – it’s not that big of deal if you regret your decision. 

But for other choices, like college, you want to be certain that you’ve made the right choice. 

There are advantages to choosing Neumont University. Our accelerated program means a bachelor’s degree in just 3 years – you get in, get out, and get paid. There’s no wasted time flipping burgers in the summer instead you attend school year-round to earn your degree that much faster than your peers. 

We pride ourselves on real world experience. This means real projects, with real clients giving you experience built right into the curriculum. Our project- and problem-based curriculum  means:

• 97% of our graduates are employed within six months of graduation. 

• Our graduates earn an average starting salary of $63,000 per year. 

• Graduates are placed all over the country, from Google, Amazon, Nike, and Microsoft to Wills Towers Watson, React Games, and 1-800 Contacts.  

For complete employment disclaimers, go here.

Our Admissions Officers have years of collective experience evaluating and choosing the type of student who will succeed at Neumont. Finding the right fit for them means helping prospective students understand the unique culture and experience at Neumont, so you can make an informed decision about what college is best for you. 

We have four tips outlined below to help you determine whether or not any college, not just Neumont University, is right for you.

• Know what you want to study. When choosing any university, it helps to know what areas you're most interested in and passionate about. Go to a university where you can study your interests and learn skills to advance your career. Are you passionate about technology? It’s more than a love of gaming – but a fascination with progress. It’s getting a rush from finding and solving a challenging technological problem. 

• Decide what your ideal experience looks like. If classroom time entrenched in theory and attending weekend football games wearing your school colors are at the top of your list, we know Neumont is not right for you. Successful Neumont students want more than theory. They are motivated and enjoy the challenge of working hard to solve  complex problems. Many of our students don't fit the traditional high school mold, and now find themselves surrounded by people who share their passion for being part of the next generation of the tech elite. Neumont is for you if you want a college experience that provides hands-on experience to launch a career in technology.

• Visit our campus. One of the best ways to get to know Neumont is to spend some time with us. Freshman Experience (FReX) is a two-day event (March 11-12, 2016 and April 8-9, 2016) that gives accepted students a chance to experience Neumont life. The deadline to register for March FReX is Monday, February 29. The deadline to register for April FReX is Monday, March 28. Accepted students can register to attend FReX here.

• Ask for help. Choosing the right university is tough, so ask for help whenever you need it. In addition to speaking to people you trust (family members, mentors and friends), Neumont has staff and resources to help you make the best decision. Our Admissions Officers and Financial Aid Advisors are always happy to help. From Enrollment Agreements to FAFSAs to roommate concerns, your Neumont team is standing by to answer your questions. Call 888-638-6668, email admissions@neumont.edu, to get the help you need.

Our students know that their future is in technology. They may or may not have previous experience with coding – but when our students visit Neumont, they experience an “ah-ha” moment. A moment that answers the question: Is Neumont the right fit? 

STEVE HALLADAY

As Neumont University Computer Science Program Chair, Steve Halladay's responsibilities are far reaching. With 25 years of industry experience as both an individual contributor and manager of start-ups and larger organizations, he's played key roles in tech for most of his life. He has been teaching at Neumont for nearly a decade.

Besides owning a few patents and participating in numerous public speaking opportunities, Hallady is also a prolific writer–he has several texts regarding programming published. His “Turkeys and Eagles” piece found below, was written from a deep concern and as a warning for his students wasting their time and talents on gaming verses putting in the hard work and time it takes to succeed.  

TURKEYS AND EAGLES

There are two kinds of birds; turkeys and eagles. Both are birds, but they are very different. What is the difference between turkeys and eagles? A turkey is a woeful, smelly and disgusting creature. It exists by scratching out a living from the dirt every day. Turkeys are stupid. I've been told that they can literally drown in the rain.

Eagles, on the other hand, are noble symbols. They live in rocky cathedrals. They soar over shimmering lakes, desert valleys and majestic peaks. Each day eagles have vistas before them that turkeys can't even dream about.

So what makes the difference between turkeys and eagles?  Well, the difference is one of capability. An eagle knows how to soar while a turkey can only scratch in the dirt.
Birds are different than people. Birds are born as turkeys or eagles and they will never change. Try though they might, a turkey will always be just a turkey and will never experience the exhilarations of the eagle.

People are not birds and the big difference between birds and people is that people can choose to be either turkeys or eagles. This choice is not a one-time thing where you raise your hand in class when the teacher asks you if you want to be an eagle, an active learner or a self-directing individual.  This choice is made moment by moment as you decide how you will spend your time. You can tell a lot about a person by what he or she does when he or she doesn't have to do anything and what he or she thinks about when he or she doesn't have to think. Eventually the law of the harvest will kick in and you will reap what you sew. One day you may wake up and say to yourself - I'm glad I struggled and took the high-road, for it has led me to become an eagle. Or, you may wake up one day and say to yourself - I wonder what it would be like to be soaring up there with the eagles.

But you are lucky - you are a person and not a bird, so the choice is yours.

WINTER TECH TALKS

Every quarter, we’re impressed with the companies that join us for Career Week. This quarter was no exception.

To kick things off, we had an early Tech Talk with Empowr, an online democratic social economy combining Facebook, eBay and Tumblr to empower people. A couple weeks later, Tech Talks continued with a visit from Autopoint, a science-driven automotive marketing company.  Then Indus Valley Partners stopped by to talk about what it’s like working at the hedge fund tech company.

This week we heard from Axxess (a tech company providing software to help home health businesses) and Workfront (project management software). Workfront's complete Tech Talk was streamed live.

And finally to cap off an incredible series of Tech Talks, students will hear from Tope Technology on Monday, February 22. Tope Technology is a professional services company dedicated to delivering best-value IT services and solutions. 

A thank you to all the students and representatives from the companies who joined us on campus for another amazing Career Week.

We would be remiss however if we didn’t mention, Paul Rhode. A Neumont University alumnus working at Google, who went above and beyond to conduct mock interviews with current students. Thank you, Paul, for your time and willingness to help. 

LAUNCHING CAREERS

It's unusual for a university to brag about their students getting jobs immediately after college. But at Neumont University, it's a core focus for our staff and faculty. We work with tech companies to develop a curriculum that will teach our students the technical and interpersonal skills they will need to succeed in a professional environment. That means from day one, we're working with ever student to launch their career in technology. The experience culminates for students with Enterprise Projects in their final year when they work with companies on real projects. 

Chief Academic Officer Aaron Reed explains the role he plays in bringing together students, faculty, and staff with industry partners to help our grads get great jobs. 

JOHN BELAK

If you need some heavy lifting done–whether at the gym or on campus–John Belak is your guy. That is, as long as he doesn’t have to climb a ladder to do it. The native from Canton, Ohio is the current president and co-founder of Neumont’s Fitness Club, but also admits to being terribly afraid of heights “so much so that I get anxiety from simply seeing other people on ladders or balconies.”

Besides a passion for weight-lifting, he is also one of the friendliest people on the planet.  (He considers “talking to people” one of his main hobbies.) In fact, John is such a force for good that when you’re around him; it’s hard to imagine him being negative about anything. Though he did confess to hating holiday music "in most forms,” it doesn’t look like there’s much use for “Jingle Bells” in the Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree. So we’re giving him the full benefit of the doubt.

We caught up with John via email; and he had this to say about his Neumont experience so far. 

NU: First off, how much programming experience did you have prior to coming to Neumont?

JB: Before coming to Neumont, I didn’t even know what code looked like, let alone how to write it.

 NU: And your favorite programming language?

JB: I’ve only had experience learning Java while at Neumont, due to the mandatory Intro to Computer Science and Object-oriented Programming classes. Being in the Technology Management degree here at Neumont, I didn’t have as many opportunities to learn different programming languages in a classroom environment. I have, however, dabbled in a bit of Python for another class assignment, and it was an interesting experience. I think that maybe because I got to explore that on my own that I’m a bit more partial to Python over Java at this point, but there aren’t any programming languages that I prefer overall.

NU: What’s a project you’ve enjoyed most during your time at Neumont?

JB: In my 7th quarter, I had a class called System Analysis and Business Modeling Project. This solo project consisted of conceptualizing a future technology and modeling a business around it, completing work such as market research, identifying competitive advantage, and more. This is what I felt like the Technology Management degree was leading up to, and as a result it was very rewarding to be trusted with this kind of assignment. I was so excited to give the final presentation that my passion for the project made me give my best, or at least my favorite, presentation to date.

NU: What’s been the most surprising thing about your Neumont experience?

JB: I was not prepared for how close-knit the community is here at Neumont. More often than not, you’ll know everyone here or at least know someone who does. This makes the community pretty open and friendly, to the point where you can ask most people for help with just about anything. That, coupled with Neumont’s student support department, ensures that there’s always someone looking out for you, and that surprised me a lot.

NU: Tell us a tech trend you’re interested in and why.

JB: Personally, I like watching the advancement of wearable technology and smart devices in general. The whole idea that everything we interact with on a daily basis can be connected is really exciting to think about, and it’s even better considering companies like Vivint are working today to make that a reality. We’ve got a bright future ahead of us and I’m excited for what we have in store.

NU. Finish this sentence, “While attending Neumont, I’ve experienced:”

JB: Growth. Physical, emotional, mental, you name it, I’ve experienced so much growth since I moved to Utah. Coming straight out of high school to college was a daunting experience, especially considering I moved two time zones away. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else for these past two years and I look forward to the years to come.

NU: And looking towards the future - your dream job? 

JB: I’d be happy with a management position, primarily. Project management, program management, you name it. A lot of people strive for an executive position in a company, and I’m no different. But hey, baby steps, right?

UTAH STEM FEST

Neumont University will be at the 2016 Utah STEM Fest at the South Towne Expo Center from Tuesday, February 2 through Thursday, February 4. 

“STEM Fest is a great opportunity for us to show 7th through 10th grade students in Utah what software development means,” said Director of Enrollment Karick Heaton. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this event and can’t wait to see how they react to our students’ games.”

The computer science-focused university will demonstrate video games their students have worked on primarily in Enterprise Projects. Current students and faculty will show the games:

•  “Super Dungeon Bros” is a rock-themed dungeon brawler with on and offline cross platform co-op gameplay. 

• “DubWars” is a music game that combines the mechanics of a top-down shooter with the power of dubstep and electronic music. 

Utah STEM Fest is dedicated to engaging middle and high schools students in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning. 

The festival is open to 7th through 10th grade students from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The public is invited to attend this free event from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2. Be sure to stop by and say, "Hello."

KEVIN TEYNOR

It’s no secret that at Neumont University, we love celebrating our alumni’s successes. So when we had the chance to chat with Kevin Teynor, game programmer at React Games, we jumped at the opportunity. Kevin graduated in the first Bachelor of Science Game Development cohort in 2014 and recently served as an alumni judge at CPI (Capstone Project Invitational).

He has been at React Games for just over a year, and says one of the benefits of working for a small studio is that “all the programmers get a chance to work on various things.”

While a typical workday consists of coding, testing and reiterating, the development process at React is highly collaborative. He says, “Even though I'm an engineer, I still have some influence on the overall design which is really cool.”

Like a lot of locals, Kevin loves to ski. He also enjoys going to movies, and --no surprise here for a BSGD grad-- playing video games. Below are his answers to a few questions about his current work and where life has taken him since graduating from Neumont University.

NU: What’s your best Neumont University memory?

KT: I don't know that I could pick out a single memory that was the best. Just working on all the different game projects was a lot of fun. Winning project showcase with one of them, 3D Geometry Wars, was pretty cool.

NU: Now that you’re in the industry, what do you think the industry is lacking?

KT: In my (limited) experience, the biggest thing I see is a lack of diversity. Too many people with too similar views, backgrounds, and ideas is a huge limiter on what we can even think to make.

NU: How did Neumont prepare you for your current role?

KT: Outside of the actual education, Neumont's accelerated schedules and at times overwhelming workload was a great way to grow acclimated to how the actual industry is. Learning how to manage tough deadlines is as important as any of the technical skills.

NU: Any words of wisdom for current (or prospective) Neumont students?

KT: Stay motivated. It's a lot of work, but it's incredibly rewarding when it's something you're passionate about. Don't burn yourself out by not taking breaks or doing something fun. Also, if you're not so good at it already, learn how to ask for help. This goes for both technical and personal problems. If you're having trouble with anything the best thing you can do is get advice or at least another perspective.

NU: You are working in a field that is predominantly male. Any specific thoughts on women and STEM or what the industry can do to attract more talented women?

KT: I think it's a shame that there aren't more women in the game industry, and I think the biggest reason for it is the whole "boy's club" mentality that idealizes the exclusivity of the existing culture. It's the biggest thing that I think needs to change before more women will be attracted to the industry; and it's the responsibility of the entire gaming community--not just the developers--to make it happen.

NU: What’s a tech trend you’re interested in and why?

KT: All the new virtual and augmented reality tech looks really cool and interesting, and I can't wait to see what sort of games will be made around the hardware. The possibilities are virtually endless. I'm willing to bet entire new genres will emerge.

NU: With Salt Lake City deemed the world’s best Comic Con, if you had one super power what would you want it to be?

KT: I'm too indecisive to choose one; I imagine I could have fun with pretty much any super power. If I had to choose, it would probably be the ability to fly.

[This interview has been edited for clarity and content length.]

SWE VOLUNTEERS

Last week, Neumont University joined with millions of students across the world to celebrate ‘Hour of Code’ – a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming.

A few Neumont students from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) volunteered their time and talents to help fifth graders at Salt Lake City School District’s Highland Park Elementary School. The SWE volunteers answered questions about technology, what types of jobs they’re planning to have in the future, and what it's like going to school year-round at a computer science focused university. Some of the fifth graders were especially relieved to hear that you don’t have to be Einstein or a straight-A student to code and love computer science. 

We got a kick out of reading the 10 and 11 year-old’s responses about their “Day of Code” experience with Neumont.

“I learned that technology is cool to study. I learned that there is a technology college. I learned that there is no summer in technology school. I learned that technology is very interesting.” 

“I learned that you can make any game you want. But you have to work very hard to get an education and go to college.” 

“It was great. I learned how to code Minecraft.” 

“I liked how [Neumont] came and led us on the 'Hour of Code.' They are so nice, and they will help us figure out the problems on the computer. Even if they are like 10 years older than us, they are so nice. I can’t stop saying how nice they are to us. I love math and science.” 

“Today, I learned to code you don’t have to be good at math or science cause to be truthful I am so so so so so so bad at math and science.” 

“I learned technology is way cool. I love the people that taught us the stuff today. They are so cool. I am so glad and grateful they came today. I learned a lot more today than I was suppose.”

“I learned that coding is fun! You can make video games which is awesome! When you go to [Neumont] you get no summer vacation! You don’t have to be a genius to go to Neumont University! You can work for Google and other companies. CODING IS AWESOME!”

“I liked learning about how these students are accomplishing. I liked hearing what they want to be when they grow up. It was fun. Thank you.” 

“I love the code game because it makes me feel like really smart and I love that all of these people are here, and it was amazing, and I want them back!!!!!!” 

“I love coding! My brother will freak out when he hears about Minecraft coding.”

“NU taught me about computer science. They have all made me think what if I want to work with technology and gaming and more. I hope one day I could learn about technology and be a science geek and help others.” 

2015 Capstone Project Invitational

Neumont University announces Emerson Schaffer and Scott Fries as the winners of the university’s second bi-annual Capstone Project Invitational, held Thursday, December 3, at the Salt Lake City Public Library.

Scott Fries and Emerson Shaffer were name the Industry and Alumni Choice winners respectively for the Capstone Projects.

Emerson Schaffer (Spokane, WA) took home the Alumni Choice Award for his project “Fracture.” Frustrated with the “canned” destructions in today’s games, Schaffer wanted to bring a more realistic approach to objects being destroyed. He created Fracture – an algorithm that allows for any convex shape to be broken apart without modification to the shapes’ underlying data—meaning each shape has a unique destruction each time in the game.

The Industry Award went to Scott Fries (Clarksville, TN) who created “The Balance Engine – Android.” Pulling inspiration from the untapped game-use capability on the Android, Fries’ game engine allows developers to more easily create games on the Android.

Aaron Reed, chief operating and academic officer, explained Neumont University’s Capstone experience “is a senior project on steroids.” The two winners were chosen from the final five finalists, out of more than 40 projects.

The presenters take to the stage awaiting the announcement of the winners.

Prior to beginning their Enterprise Projects -- the pinnacle of Neumont’s project-based experience where teams of students work on large-scale, enterprise-level projects chosen by an Enterprise Partner with input from Neumont University -- Neumont students must independently complete a Capstone Project. Students start with an idea and software development know-how then build the project in only 10 weeks.

Additional finalists from the event included:

•  FuzzBuzz by Wayne Maree (Smallwood, NY): This 3D maze/puzzle game created with JavaScript using two objects (light and a character) to work in harmony to complete levels.

•  Project Livewire by Mark Journigan (Toole, UT): Project Livewire is a tool for small business, school districts or any number of organizations to install multiple operating systems to several computers at once instead of loading an OS one computer at a time.

• Controlled Assault by Ryan Garcia (Modesto, CA): Controlled Assault is a real-time strategy game where two teams battle to see who can eliminate the other team first.  

“It’s a busy time of year for everyone – which makes the caliber of these projects even more impressive,” said Reed. “Our students still have an additional week before finals and to get their projects ready for grading, so to have something showcase-worthy already is that much more impressive.”

Reed adds that while the majority of Neumont’s students have a passion for computer science and gaming, “Most have little-to-no coding experience when they join our ranks. It’s pretty incredible what they’re able to accomplish with our unique project-based learning model.”

You can watch the complete event on our YouTube channel. 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”  --William Arthur Ward

I agree. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for Neumont University and the community this institution provides to our students, staff, and faculty.

 I’m constantly impressed with the effort of the students here. Achieving a bachelor’s degree is not easy, and that is especially true at Neumont. The work our students put in each day is admirable. Many of our students also take the time to improve themselves and their community, it is remarkable to see these young men and women working each day to earn a degree while also finding the time to volunteer, tutor, and help their peers.

This year, I’m especially grateful to be at Neumont. The warm welcome I have received from the students, staff, and faculty here is touching. Furthermore, everyone’s commitment to an extraordinary computer science education encourages me daily. Thank you for your continued support of our small community working so hard to make a big difference in education and technology.

Whether you are traveling or staying close to campus for the break, I wish you all a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing holiday.