LLAMA LEGACY: THE DIGITAL DETECTIVE — LINDSEY OROZCO

In the world of cybersecurity, where digital warriors protect virtual frontiers, a hidden gem has been found – a female cybersecurity student whose journey began in the unconventional corridors of hacking forums. Meet Lindsey Orozco, a trailblazer whose fascination with computer science leads her on a path to use her skills for a noble cause – finding missing people. 

THE EARLY SPARK

Lindsey’s story begins in her childhood, where her curiosity for technology first began. Growing up Lindsey found herself intrigued by the intricate world of coding and cybernetics. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a passion as she dove into the depths of the internet by exploring various hacking forums. In her sophomore year of high school, Lindsey was introduced to Trace Labs a nonprofit organization aimed to help investigations of missing persons. It was this experience that molded Lindsey’s future. The ability to help others through technology opened a new way of thinking. Unlike many who associate hacking with malicious intent, Lindsey saw an opportunity to leverage her skills for good and soon she became captivated by the potential to use technology to solve real-world problems.  

ADVOCATING FOR ETHICAL HACKING

Driven by an innate desire to help people, Lindsey became an advocate for ethical hacking. Her journey led her to the vibrant hacker community, 801 Labs in Utah, where she found a like-minded network of individuals eager to explore ethical hacking. Events organized by 801 Labs included not only games but also opportunities for learning and teaching, fostering an environment of collaboration and skill-sharing. Inspired by the book “Breaking And Entering: Extraordinary Story of a Hacker Called Alien,” Lindsey sees hacking as a means of freedom and self-expression.

WHY NEUMONT?

It was evident that Lindsey needed a degree program that matched her enthusiasm for cybersecurity. Neumont College, with its fast-paced and project based curriculum, provided the perfect fit. Lindsey enrolled at Neumont College and is on track to graduate alongside her peers with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems (and still before many of them) due to Neumont’s three-year degree program.  

PASSIONATE INVOLVEMENT IN CYBERSECURITY CLUB

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Lindsey immersed herself in Neumont’s Cybersecurity Club, taking on roles as the Events Coordinator and Client Relations Coordinator. Her commitment goes beyond campus, as she volunteers at cybersecurity events and seminars across Utah, leveraging opportunities to gain insights and advice from industry mentors. Currently pursuing the Security+ Certificate from CompTIA she aligns her studies with confidentiality, integrity, and availability – the Triad Triangle.  

FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

On track to graduate in 2025, Lindsey envisions a career as a penetration tester, with a desire to work internationally. Her dream job is not limited to a specific sector in cybersecurity – government or private – if the position allows her to help others, she believes she is in the right field. Guided by the philosophy that to be a hacker, one must think like one, Lindsey is poised to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity world. 

As she continues to immerse herself in the world of ethical hacking, Lindsey stands as an inspiring figure, paving the way for the next generation of cybersecurity enthusiasts. Her story reminds us that unconventional paths often lead to extraordinary destinations, and that hacking, when approached with responsibility and ethics, can indeed be a force for good.  

Interested in earning a degree in Cybersecurity? Get an inside look of what our degree entails below. 

Chess Club Is Making Moves In The World Of Esports!

In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the landscape of competitive chess, our Chess Club has announced its integration into the official Esports Program. This strategic decision marks a significant milestone for the Chess Club as they gear up to compete in the upcoming season of the NACE Starleague tournament, a platform traditionally dominated by video game enthusiasts. 

THE FUSION OF CHESS AND ESPORTS

Traditionally, when one thinks of esports, images of fast-paced video games like League of Legends or Overwatch come to mind. However, Neumont College is pioneering a new era by bringing the intellectual and strategic prowess of chess into the esports realm. This bold move not only breaks the mold but also showcases the versatility and inclusivity that the esports industry can offer. A major goal that Esports President, Eric Heil, aims to achieve with the program in 2024. 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NACE STARLEAGUE:

The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Starleague tournament is one of the most prestigious collegiate esports competitions in the country. Known for attracting top-tier talent and fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment, NACE provides a platform for colleges and universities to showcase the skills of their esports teams. 

For our chess team, competing in the NACE Starleague represents a monumental leap forward. It not only validates the strategic depth and skill required in chess but also underscores the growing recognition of chess as a legitimate and engaging esports discipline. 

BENEFITS OF THE INTEGRATION

The decision to join the official Esports Program brings many benefits to the chess team. First and foremost, it opens new avenues for collaboration and camaraderie among students who share a passion for competitive gaming. The members will now be able to tap into the resources and support structures provided by the larger esports’ community at Neumont College. 

Furthermore, the integration into NACE Starleague provides the chess team with a broader platform to showcase their talents. This exposure brings recognition to the players and contributes to breaking down stereotypes associated with chess as a slow and static game. The dynamic and intense nature of esports tournaments will undoubtedly shed new light on the excitement that chess can generate. 

LOOKING AHEAD

As the chess team prepares for the upcoming NACE Starleague season, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The move to officially join the Esports team signals a paradigm shift in the perception of chess, elevating it to a status that aligns with the fast-paced and dynamic world of competitive gaming. 

The Neumont community, along with chess enthusiasts and esports aficionados alike, eagerly awaits the next season of NACE Starleague! Team Captain, Colin Greiss, believes he and his team will “…take this next competition with a trophy right off the bat!” This historic fusion of chess and esports has the potential to redefine the boundaries of both worlds, creating a unique and inclusive space where strategy and intellect take center stage. 

Follow our esports journey. We announce matches, livestream, and post updates on our Esports Instagram page. 

LLAMA LEGACY: NAVIGATING THE CS WORLD WITH POISE, PASSION, AND FEMALE INGENUITY

KAREN SALCEDO-SANCHEZ

In the heart of the bustling tech hub at Neumont College of Computer Science, a rising star is making waves with her determination, passion, and ingenuity. Meet KAREN SALCEDO-SANCHEZ, a dynamic student who is breaking barriers in computer science as a proud first-generation college attendee.

FROM MEXICO TO GREENVILLE, SC

Originally born in Mexico, Karen moved to the states as a young child where she grew up in the city of Greenville, South Carolina. She continued to celebrate her heritage by being a part of a Cumbia dance program and regularly volunteered for cultural events in her local community, a habit she has continued throughout college. Karen has been a part of multiple clubs and volunteer events including Women in Tech Club, Spectrum Club, Esports, Student Activities, and works for the Neumont Marketing Department. 

DISCOVERING THE LOVE FOR CODE: A JOURNEY TO TECHNOLOGY

Karen’s introduction to computer science occurred in middle school when she enrolled in a Gateway to Technology class. It was in this class that she first delved into block coding, the foundational language of computer programming. The opportunity to create her own video game lit a spark within her, setting her on the path to pursue a future in technology.  

Karen’s journey in STEM took a significant turn when she enrolled in the General Electric Girls program. Immersed in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, she gained valuable insights into a number of STEM careers, including in the medical and technical fields. This experience broadened her horizons and ignited her determination to carve a niche for herself in the tech industry.  

But it was here, at Neumont College, that her journey into the world of computer science truly began, fueled by a desire to explore the endless possibilities of tech. Currently, Karen is paving her way into the tech industry through a Bachelor's Degree in Technology Management with a focus in Data Sciences. She envisions starting her career as a business analyst to gain hands-on experience and implement her knowledge before ascending to the coveted role of a data scientist specializing in artificial intelligence.  

CHOOSING NEUMONT:  A PIVOTAL DECISION 

Karen’s journey in the male-dominated tech industry comes with its own set of challenges, but she faces them with resilience and determination. Growing up in a family of all girls, she not only carries the responsibility of being a woman in tech, but also a woman of color. This familiar pressure motivates her to excel, setting an example for her sisters and proving that success knows no gender or ethnicity.  

As the previous Vice President of Neumont’s Women in Tech Club, Karen actively contributes to creating a supportive community for women pursuing careers in technology. She recently attended SheTech, an event where networking with fellow women in the industry left a lasting impression. The camaraderie among women in tech, Karen notes, is unparalleled, as they unite with a common goal—success for all; a belief she intends to share amongst other young females. 

BUILDING A LEGACY: EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS 

Karen’s involvement in the Women in Tech Club has been a source of great satisfaction. From witnessing the club’s inception to playing a pivotal role in its growth, she has found a community that resonates with her goals and values. Post-graduation, she is exploring opportunities to join Women in Data Sciences Worldwide, further extending her reach into the world of tech enthusiasts.  

Karen Salcedo-Sanchez’s story is not just about navigating the tech landscape; it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring others, and leaving a legacy that echoes the power of passion, perseverance, and a touch of llama magic in the world of computer science. As she continues her journey, Karen exemplifies the spirit of a true Llama Legacy at Neumont College of Computer Science.

School: The Hardest RPG in Your Life

Gamers and educators, brace yourselves, because “School: The Hardest RPG in Your Life” has arrived on the scene!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF RPG

The RPG (Role-Playing Game) genre has evolved significantly over the years, with many titles focusing on epic adventures, fantasy worlds, and complex character development. This team of creators took players to the familiar but often challenging environment of school. 

Rather than battling dragons or exploring mystical realms, players must navigate the trials and tribulations of student life. Your goal as the player is to battle your way through math tutors, choir, band students, and homework to avoid mandatory summer school. From attending classes to socializing with classmates and even dealing with teachers and assignments, this game includes a multitude of student life perspectives. Choose to relive your school days or experience something entirely new. 

When developing a game in a short 10-week timeframe, you’re bound to encounter significant hurdles creating cutscenes. With the help of a cutscene creation package, the team created specified cutscenes that were time-intensive but completely necessary to unfold a storyline. “School’s” cutscenes featured everything from storytelling and “game over” scenes to credits and tutorials. 

HUMOROUS AND RELATABLE STORYLINE

One of the standout features of “School” is its witty and often humorous narrative. The game doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the quirks and challenges of the educational system. From overbearing teachers to awkward classmates, the characters in “School” are designed to be relatable and entertaining.

UNIQUE GAMEPLAY

While “School” is undoubtedly a game designed for entertainment, it also offers some educational value. The gameplay combines elements of decision-making, time management, and strategy. Players must balance academics, social life, and their character’s well-being. Will you choose to be a straight-A student, a social butterfly, or perhaps a troublemaker? The choice is yours, and it leads to multiple branching storylines and outcomes. 

“School: The Hardest RPG in Your Life” is a refreshing addition to the world of gaming, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and relatability in an educational setting. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and lighthearted gaming experience, “School” has something to offer.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the ups and downs of student life, “School” awaits you, for free, on Steam.

BITSY

The Itsy Bitsy Spider … Destroyed A Tiny Spaceship

Indie games have long been celebrated for their unique and unconventional approach to storytelling and gameplay, and “Bitsy” is no exception. Developed by Neumont Game Studios, this unassuming title stands out as a testament to the power of simplicity in gaming. See why Bitsy is a must-try game for anyone seeking a different kind of adventure.

THE GOAL

Instructed by the Neumont Llama, you must infiltrate the ship and collect specified items while also battling artificial intelligence in order to sabotage the enemy.

A World of limitations

Bitsy’s most distinctive feature is its constraint-based design. With a time constriction of only 10 weeks and taking the developing team’s inspiration of Tron, Bitsy was created to encourage exploration, conversation, and reflection. The not-so minimalist visuals forced the creators to rely on symbolism and abstraction, creating a unique and immersive storytelling experience. 

You control a small character, a robotic spider, who moves through a series of interconnected rooms that serve as bite-sized narrative vignettes, offering small glimpses into the creative minds of the game developers. What’s impressive is the ability to move the spider, not just along the floor, but along the walls and ceilings. To do so, the team decided to create a camera from scratch instead of using Cinemachine, a tool commonly used for game development. Developing their own camera means they  could control all components and angles of the camera’s direction. For example, when the spider jumps on to the wall, the camera rotates so that you are now looking at the room sideways, but you do have the ability to rotate your camera in the angle you wish to see through. This camera process took a full 10 weeks to develop.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS

The dev team embraced simplicity while pushing the boundaries of what is possible to achieve their goals within the constraints of a 10-week deadline. Some creators spend years crafting entire worlds with interconnected stories, while others focus on a single room that tells a poignant tale. Bitsy’s detailed lighting primarily uses real lighting as well as visual assets to include detailing in the floors, walls, lasers, and many customizations. Every pixel feels deliberate, and the specified color palette adds to the game’s unique atmosphere.

Another very important detail that the team chose NOT to overlook is the use of Procedural Animation. When playing, pay attention to the spider’s ability to step off of an object with one ‘foot’ on the floor and another still on the previous object. The range of motion is more natural and realistic giving the game depth. How did the team accomplish such detailed animation? Lots and lots of calculations. This process took roughly 80 hours of dedicated time to accomplish. 

Whether you’re an aspiring game creator or simply someone looking for a unique gaming experience, Bitsy, alongside all other Neumont Game Studio games, are well worth your time. 

Play Bitsy for FREE on Steam!

RAGS TO LICHES

Sometimes we all just want a little peace and quiet …

Begin your journey as Raemond, a farmer, looking for a quiet place to settle, which sounds like a simple task. But in this world, your enemies refuse to let you live peacefully. This is not your typical storyline, you’re not fighting off demons and dragons, there is no ‘save the princess’ dialogue, or winning the war. And just when you begin to advance, the game throws you a curveball! Goodbye farmer character, hello Liches. You are now a lich in the game and everything just got harder… 

Neumont Game Studio

As part of Neumont’s Game Studio, a team of five students merged their skills to conceive and create the action-filled game: Rags to Liches. A small, third-person, action, tower defense game that entails an adventure to find peace. You must battle through waves and waves of enemies in order to protect yourself and Neuman, your beloved llama. (It wouldn’t be a Neumont game if there weren’t any llamas, obviously!)

HOW IT’S MADE

On average, modern PC or console games take anywhere from three to five years to be developed. These five students tackled this development project in a matter of 10 weeks. 

What does it take to develop a game in a short amount of time? Coding, coding, and more coding. From creating an idea to mapping out the game, and in between testing every two weeks to maintain quality between builds, these students had a lot to accomplish.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Some of the obstacles in creating Rags to Liches included tackling animation, including idle animation. The player will notice the detailed movement in Raemond’s cloak, the jumping motions from Neuman, and even the weaponry movement. The enemies are AI generated and travel in all directions testing your defense strategies to the max.

It’s the little details that take this game to the next level. Inventory, level design, and its map building are extremely well done. Players have the ability to change screen resolution and graphic settings which are details that usually don’t receive a lot of attention when developed quickly. When playing in high quality mode, players will notice characters are given shadow effects. 

Just like the game, there were many challenges throughout its development. A recurring problem that the team faced involved the AI enemies. The paths are nodes, therefore an enemy moves from one node to another node. Once an enemy detects you, the player, they disconnect from the node system to charge. The problem was getting the enemies back to a node path after seeing you. By using tools built into unity and the knowledge gained at Neumont, they were able to make the AI enemies revert back to their path.

An amazing job well done by Neumont Game Studios.

PEER REVIEWS

@tylerobo wrote, “story just could not stop making me laugh. Nothing is explained and I LOVE it…”

@Night from Steam says, “make a 2nd game. This one was fire!” And @dockbkblbobo rates it as a “peak game.”

“Definitely enjoyed watching our boy go from a farmer to a geared out bad dude, but man being a lich sucks the lich stages were miserable, but the game is a blast for a free to play I love that it has a story and that we get to watch our character progress. It's pretty bare bones in way of tower defense mechanics, but it's still cool to be able to slaughter waves of enemies. I wish the lich form had more unholy abilities or towers, but instead you turn from a sword wielding blender to a lethargic victim. Definitely recommend though it's free to play and worth the time.” - @TheFluffyPanda

Play Rags to Liches for FREE on Steam.

THREE GENERATIONS OF NEUBIES. ONE HERITAGE.

Kaavya Bhattarai (Left), Nirvik Sharma (Middle), Savya Bhattarai (Right).

Neumont College of Computer Science is a small, selective, niche school located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each year over a thousand applications fly in from all over the nation. Classroom sizes are limited, allowing for a small percentage of applicants to get a seat on campus. Of those applicants, Nirvik Sharma, Savya and Kaavya Bhattarai are three generations of Nepalese who ventured to Neumont to embark on their computer science journey. Savya and Kaavya were both born in Kathmandu and moved to America as children. Nirvik attended school in Nepal, but spent the majority of his adolescent years here in Utah. So, what brought them to Neumont? Passion. Passion for technology brought Nirvik, a third year student who will be graduating this September, Savya, a second year student and Kaavya, a first year student, to Neumont.

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION WITH TECHNOLOGY STEM FROM?

Nirvik recalls watching his older brothers play video games; he was more interested in how the games worked than in learning how to actually play the games. Nirvik began learning how to code in 7th grade and even enrolled in Khan Academy, an online education tool that offers courses in all subjects, to create his very own game! 

The Bhattarai brothers first became interested in tech when their Bubā (father) brought home a computer. The two brothers got to play on the computer daily, learning everything they could. Kaavya recalls right-clicking and experimenting with the ‘inspect element’ feature where he edited every line of code to see what would happen.

When Savya and Kaavya started high school, they both immediately enrolled in computer science classes. Savya was able to enroll in the Hardness Program, where students take coding classes outside of their traditional school to immerse themselves in CS. Kaavya took networking, JavaScript, and C++ classes at his high school.

It’s easy to see why these boys’ choose to attend Neumont. Their passion for technology began at an early age and grew with them into young adulthood. Neumont students are known for their tenuous work ethic because we empower them with the tools to learn CS. Check out our clubs page to get an idea of what the student life culture is like on campus.

WHAT’S YOUR CODING SECRET?

Have you ever changed your grade on a test before showing your parents? Remember the old school way of changing an F to an A with a red pen? Nirvik, on the other hand, took a high-tech approach and once used his HTML coding skills to change one of his school grades from a B to an A. Don’t worry, he could only change the image of the grade; his actual grade remained unchanged in the system. After all, he’s a coder not a hacker.* 

Savya shared an experience with portal ‘hacking’, where he logged into his high school’s system and changed the forwarding email to his personal email so that his Bubā would not receive emails from the school (just in case he was ever in trouble) which Savya assured us was his only intention. 

WHY NEUMONT?

Before you hear their why, listen to their original college plans:

Kaavya had intended to attend his local university, which was the cheapest college nearest him. Savya and Nirvik had no plans of attending college, so they both took a gap year after high school. A year later, their decision reversed when they received a yellow envelope in the mail from Neumont that offered a:

1. Three year bachelor’s degree program

2. Better potential of landing a high paying tech job

3. Curriculum that would allow them to start coding on day one 

Nirvik had insider information about Neumont because his brother is actually an alum! Following his brother's college decision is something Kaavya knows all about. During Savya’s orientation, his brother Kaavya accompanied him, where he learned all about Neumont’s culture and curriculum. By the end of the day, Kaavya had leaned over to his older brother and said, “I’m coming to this college next year, too.”

Got what it takes? Begin your application process here:

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 *Neumont in no way condones or promotes academic cheating.

FEATURING COHORT 36’S FIRST NEULY HIRED: JEREMY JORDAN

Jeremy Jordan, who is from the small town of Gloucester, Virginia, was initially interested in studying marine biology but quickly changed gears when he discovered his superpower in Cyber Security! We are a bit biased here at Neumont, but we think it was a great decision to shift gears.

MARINE BIOLOGY TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

Jeremy’s first memory of technology is playing on his father’s Nintendo 64 (which is still in good condition by the way), but this did not spark his interest in tech just yet. In fact, throughout high school Jordan still intended on majoring in marine biology at his hometown college. 

What prompted Jeremy to change directions? It began at his high school, where Jeremy earned his Microsoft Specialist certification. According to Jeremy, it was no big deal, but this ‘small’ achievement opened the door to new possibilities. He began researching computer science programs and quickly learned about Virginia Tech, a CS school in his own state. So, why Neumont?

Four factors convinced Jeremy that Neumont was the right school for him: 

1. three year curriculum for a bachelor’s degree, 

2. graduating with experience through Neumont’s Enterprise Program, 

3. a class specifically designed to teach students how to secure a career in tech and 

4. finally, he was able to experience Neumont in person which sealed the Neumont deal for Jeremy! 

Jeremy’s journey had only just begun after enrolling at Neumont. He needed to select his major and hone in on a specific skill, and with a shortage of skilled candidates in cybersecurity, Jeremy made his decision. Neumont’s newly expanded Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Cybersecurity was the perfect fit. Between 2013 and 2021 the number of vacant cybersecurity positions increased from 1 million to 3.5 million. That’s a 350% increase! If you haven’t already heard, Neumont responded to industry demand by expanding our IS degree. As a computer science school, we recognize that this industry is constantly evolving and we strive to evolve alongside it.

THIS LLAMA’S LEGACY

Jeremy’s legacies at Neumont include founding the Cybersecurity Club, which is flourishing on campus, he also acted as the Esports Rocket League Team A Captain, and created a program in his Capstone Project that has been implemented in the server room on campus. Alongside his teammates, Jeremy designed and “rebuilt the network to put in critical infrastructure such as a new firewall, intrusion detection in prevention systems, and a new VPN access.” Neumont is pleased to see Jeremy’s passion and dedication within these campus halls. 

Given that Jeremy was the first in his cohort to be hired (before completing his final quarter) he made an excellent choice in choosing his major. Following an extensive interview process that included a technical quiz, technical interview, cognitive and behavioral test, and a requirement that he write a paper, Jeremy will be working for ReliaQuest as a Cybersecurity Analyst Associate. 

Congratulations, Jeremy! 

Before he leaves, Jeremy has some advice to those who are considering Neumont: 

The Four B’s Of Advice:

• Be willing to go outside your comfort zone by going above and beyond

• Be willing to look at businesses that you wouldn’t really think to normally look at

• Be active in the Neumont community

• Be confident in your interview, they obviously invited you to the interview for a reason

Interested in Cybersecurity? Learn how Neumont can prepare you for a career in the growing field.

LLAMA LEGACY: CHOOSING THE OUT-OF-STATE ROUTE

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Noel was recently named Student of the Quarter for her achievements with Neumont’s Women in Tech club (of which she is the president). She led the effort to get the WIT club to this year’s SheTech Explorer Day hosted by Womentechcouncil, an event dedicated to inspiring female youths to pursue a career in STEM.

SO, WHY cOMPUTER SCIENCE?

“It’s a funny story: when I was in fourth grade, I would help in the library instead of going to recess (yeah… the nerd has always been there). When our school got our first set of iPads, they downloaded Scratch, which is a block coding app that helps beginners understand the concepts of programming. The librarian couldn’t figure it out, and since she knew me so well, she asked me to give it a try. I got so good that by fifth grade, they had deemed me the “Tech Leader” (I got to make my own sparkly badge and everything), and I would come in and teach the other fifth grade classes how to use Scratch. When she told me this was a real job and I could become a programmer, I said ‘okay’ and I just started to chase my passion for tech.

By majoring in Business Technology Management, Noel is able to stay in the computer science field (which makes her nerdy side happy) but also allows her to follow her passion to one day be a Product Owner. She says, “I will definitely stay in the computer science industry, one day leading a team of developers that are creating a product. Instead of just focusing on the how for my team, I’ll get to look from the business side and represent my customers, my executives, and my team in various ways.” Sounds like a well-rounded and exciting career!

OUT-OF-STATE VS IN-STATE

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There are many factors to consider when making the decision of going to college in your hometown or making the jump to another state. Now that Noel’s been at Neumont for two years, we asked how she feels about her decision because moving to Utah from St. Louis, Missouri was no easy task but Noel explains why Neumont was the best decision for her:

“I had taken several coding classes through high school, and while I enjoyed it, I knew it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do as a career. But, I decided to keep going anyway and decided to attend a state university for a computer science degree. Then, I got a bright yellow letter in the mail that caught my attention. Most college scouting letters went straight to the trash, but this one was different and caught my eye. After reading a bit about the institution  I learned about their Business and Technology Management degree. I got really excited because it actually sounded right for me.”

Out-of-state became an easy decision after flipping through Neumont’s viewbook and seeing the hands-on curriculum offered. Noel goes on to say that “the school hasn’t disappointed me and I’m on track to graduating early as the first student to do so in Neumont history. I’m glad that I moved away from home because it forced me to develop an 'adult’ personality and allowed me to become more independent.”

Is attending an out-of-state college the right choice for you? Check out College Raptor’s article: How To Decide Between In-State Or Out-Of-State Colleges. They explain how your choice of major is a huge factor when deciding on which college to attend.

If you’re looking for a successful college journey like Noel’s, request a viewbook to learn more about Neumont.

ESPORTS WINTER SEASON '23 RECAP

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - What an epic season for the Neumont Llamas! Six of our eight teams battled their way into the playoffs this season. Our SSBU and CoD teams both advanced to the NACE Starleague Championships. And our Rocket League B Team qualified for The League Esports Breakout Division Championships.

During the NACE Starleague Championships, our Call of Duty Team A faced off against the UNT Dallas Trailblazers. As this season’s runner up, our CoD Teams are now more motivated for the start of next season. 

Brandon Smith “Eukaryotic” made waves this season with his SSBU team. During this season’s championship game against George Fox University, they had viewers on the edge of their seats. Cheering him on from the livestream party, his fellow teammates and friends yelled: “Eukaryotic he’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one can!” Well, he and his teammates did it, by smashing the final round to take home the gold! 

Neumont Esports Top 3 | 2023 Super Smash NACE West Central Champions

Friday, April 21, neubies and current students got to watch our Rocket League B Team live for The League Esports Breakout Division against Team SG. Having played against Team SG several times over the year, our Rocket League team was confident in the endgame. Team captain, Alexander Stokes, practiced with his team and together they took home the title of TLE’s Breakout Division Champions.

Neumont Esports | 2023 TLE Breakout Division Rocket League Champion

Follow along on the socials for Neumont esports updates. And check out some of our season recap Top Threes below.

NEUMONT COLLEGE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE LEVELS UP WITH NORTHWEST ACCREDITATION

On July 23, 2022 Neumont College of Computer Science received formal notification regarding our acceptance as the newest member of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

As a member of NWCCU we join a list of prestigious schools such as the University of Utah, Utah State University, Gonzaga University, Brigham Young University, Boise State University, Oregon State University, University of Washington and other recognized institutions.

Watch an interview with Dr. Aaron Reed, Neumont’s president and CEO, regarding what this news means for the future of Neumont.

NWCCU was founded in 1917 and accredits institutions of higher education by applying evidence-informed standards and processes to support continued improvements and promoting student achievement and success. NWCCU is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education (CHEA) to accredit postsecondary institutions.

Speaking of newsworthy items, earlier this year, in a study by Georgetown University, Neumont was ranked #1 in the nation in terms of return on investment. And most recently, Neumont was ranked #1 in the state of Utah and 21st in the country in economic mobility on Third Way’s Economic Mobility Indicator.

Since 2003, Neumont College of Computer Science has united business, technology, and creativity to educate tomorrow’s tech elite. With a focus on project-based learning, students are immersed in a tech environment from day one to earn a degree in computer science.

NEULY HIRED

We couldn’t be more excited about our 2022 graduating class. Read on to see where some of our super Llama grads are taking their tech talents and a little fun trivia about these future alum.

OWEN STEVENS
Associate Cloud Native Developer
Redstone Content Solutions

Q. What’s something you can’t leave the house without?
A. My headphones, I’m always listening to YouTube or music.

Q. Weirdest food combo that you like?
A. Black coffee and popcorn, they go together surprisingly well.

Q. What’s a song you can listen to on repeat?
A. Sincerity is Scary by The 1975

Q. Favorite video game?
A. Final Fantasy XIV

Q. Favorite programming language?
A. I really like C#. It has the versatility without having to pull outside libraries.

JEFFREY FERGUSON
Software Test Engineer
Cox Automotive

Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. Work on my car or play games.

Q. Favorite app on your phone?
A. YouTube.

Q. What’s your go-to background show?
A. King of the Hill

Q. Sci-fi or fantasy?
A. Sci-fi, Reel Steel is one of my favorite sci-fi shows.

Q. Favorite programming language?
A. Python- it doesn’t require setup and can accomplish simple tasks quickly.

REBEKAH ANDERSON
Associate Engineer
Verint

Q. Favorite video game?
A. Skyrim, on my Nintendo Switch.

Q. What’s a song you can listen to on repeat?
A. Keep Me by Novo Amor

Q. Sci-fi or fantasy?
A. Sci-fi alllll the way! My favorite sci-fi books are Red Rising and the Ender Series and my favorite movie is Dune.

Q. Weirdest food combo that you like?
A. Strawberry jam on a fried egg (don’t judge it until you’ve tried it).

Q. Favorite programming language?
A. Python- it’s amazing for interfacing with cloud platforms and data processing.

MISHA FINLEY
Web Developer
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Q. Favorite video game?
A. My favorite game right now is Rocket League

Q. What’s your go-to background show?
A. Usually a sitcom, like How I Met Your Mother”

Q. Weirdest food combo that you life?
A. Pickled mushrooms are a top tier food.

Q. Favorite app on your phone?
A. Definitely TikTok.

Q. Favorite programming language?
A. Python. It was my first language and I enjoy how freeform it is. It feels kind of like sand but you can still build sand castles with it.

TEACHING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Neumont students know Bret Wardle from his UX and Software Engineering classes, but our talented instructor also shares his expertise by volunteering in the STEM community and speaking at Salt Lake City's 2022 TEDx. Bret has been teaching at Neumont College of Computer Science since 2016 and we are excited to celebrate Bret’s upcoming appearance at TEDx this Saturday, June 11, 2022.

MAKING AN IMPACT WITH TED TALKS

Not new to TED speakers, Neumont has also had the privilege of having the CEO of InclusionPro, author, and official TED speaker, Sara (Dansie) Jones as our 2021 Commencement speaker. The TED Foundation celebrates and promotes “Ideas worth spreading,” and at Neumont College, we strive to inspire our students with instructors and speakers like Bret and Sara who provide diverse and innovative ways of thinking. 

The theme for this year’s Salt Lake City TEDx is Radical Reframe. 13 speakers including Neumont’s very own, Bret, will be discussing a variety of topics such as the environment, LGBTQ+ rights, the education system, humanities, digital privacy, and technology. Bret brings his unique expertise of “making better software and products by understanding how games are designed.” By connecting the design psychology behind games, especially the 1994 Nintendo classic game, Super Metroid, Bret’s TEDx talk will shift the way many programmers look at software design.

WHO IS BRET WARDLE

As a Neumont instructor, Bret is able to balance working in the tech industry and teaching students and prides himself on being able to give Neumont students a learning experience in UX and software design that is based on current industry trends. According to Bret, who went to a small tech college, having a great instructor and meaningful classes makes a huge difference in students’ lives and that’s what he strives to do for our Neumont students. 

In the industry, Bret is a “product design, UX, and gamification expert,” and he has been working in product management and design positions since 2007. He has had a wide variety of passion projects over the years and has found that a lot of his best work is done when he is trying to solve a problem that he has himself. Bret said “Some of my favorite work can be found in projects that have failed, or never seen the light of day. There are a lot of lessons learned in those projects, and they are quite often the ones that are born out of passion rather than funded by money.”

A PASSION FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE

Bret’s passion for computer science started like many of our students did, by tinkering with computers as a kid. “I helped build my first computer when I was 10 (way back in 1991). I have been hooked on technology ever since. My interest in the psychological side of design came later.”

He also has a love of video games and believes that when it comes to creating games, “there is no substitute for good design. You can make a game as pretty as you want, but games have always been about FUN. And if your game isn’t that, it won’t survive.” Aside from the classics, Bret enjoys “story-driven RPGs games and couch co-op gaming.” He often plays games for research in his work, really exemplifying the classic “do what you love” motto. 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Like his fellow staff and faculty members at Neumont College, Bret Wardle works to help prepare students for their futures in the tech industry. One of the biggest lessons Bret’s students should take into the industry is to “Solve problems. Anyone can write code and make ’software.’ But the real talent comes in understanding the Who, What, and Why before you start to build a solution.” 

Bret also reflected that the gaming sector has some notable trends. Computer science students should expect to see “the growth of VR/AR type experiences.” This is one of the many reasons why VR is a big component of the Software and Game Development program at Neumont College. In his research, he has found that “games are trending back to their roots in a way. Large studios are having a hard time keeping up with smaller independent teams.” 

Finally, having a collaborative spirit in the industry is an important concept for our students. Utilizing Neumont’s Career Services programs like Enterprise Projects will help students expand their opportunities and knowledge. Emphasizing the TED spirit of learning from others, Bret loves “the amazing, talented people and clients he gets to interact with.” Nicole Lazzaro, Jane McGonigal, Celia Hodent, Don Norman, Jakob Nielsen, Yu-kai Chou, and Shigeru Miyamoto are some of the many people in the tech industry that have both inspired Bret and helped him in his tech journey. 

We can’t wait to see what other gaming and software insights Bret Wardle will uncover in his TEDx Talk this weekend, and couldn’t be more proud to have one of our own alongside all the other incredible speakers. 

Utah Computer Science College Named Nation’s Best Return on Investment

A recent study, published by Georgetown University, asserts that Neumont College of Computer Science, located in Salt Lake City, has the best return on investment for low-income students in the nation. Neumont offers six bachelor’s degrees, all focused on computer science and information technology, and has been operating in Utah for almost two decades.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science is one of the fastest growing jobs market1.  Jobs in computer science fields have meteoric upward mobility and anyone with a CS degree is highly sought after by all sectors of the economy. As College Factual points out, in the 2019-2020 school year there were only 53,200 computer science degrees awarded2. While this may seem like a large number, there are over 351,000 open computer science positions according to Indeed.com3. That equates to 6.5 jobs for every CS grad in the United States. This backlog of open positions that aren’t being filled is predicted to get much worse in the next 10 years based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics4.  The projected growth in industry demand for technology workers is likely to further fuel the already tremendous return on investment realized by computer science graduates from Neumont College.

The industry demand represents a massive opportunity for students looking to earn degrees in computer science. Neumont’s President, Dr. Aaron Reed said, “Neumont is uniquely positioned to help prospective students earn a bachelor's degree in computer science and launch themselves into highly lucrative and exciting careers in technology. With six degrees, all focusing on different areas of computer science, and our hands on, project-based approach, students are well prepared to enter the industry and become tomorrow’s tech leaders.”

The authors of the study point out that Neumont is “at the top of our weighted list of bachelor’s-degree-granting institutions that give the highest ROI to low-income students.” For most Americans, the amount they pay for college is second only to purchasing a home. As many families know, picking the right college and degree is an extremely important decision and has a lifelong impact. Knowing that Neumont has the best return on investment in the nation gives Neumont students and alumni high confidence in their educational investment.

1.      According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. National employment is projected to grow from 162.8 million to 168.8 million over 2019-29, which reflects an annual growth rate of 0.4 percent.

2.      https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/

3.      https://www.indeed.com/q-Computer-Science-jobs.html?vjk=96a4f48ce742ff70

4.      https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

NEUMONT ESPORTS ORIGIN STORY

In April of 2021 Joseph Rodriguez, a current student in Neumont’s Information Systems degree program, decided he we wanted more from the Neumont esports club that he presided over. The esports club was a relaxed space that allowed students to hone their skills but lacked the thrill of competing against other teams. Joseph approached Neumont staff about his idea of expanding the esports club into a full-fledged program that would represent the school on a collegiate level.

After getting the support needed from the school’s president, Dr. Aaron Reed, Joseph recruited a team of officers to aid him in his quest to transform the esports club into a competitive program. The team of esports officers spent countless hours organizing, researching equipment, and pitching their ideas to a panel of Neumont staff.

Joseph Rodriguez mees prospective students at FReX.

Student Mark Nusser demos his lightsaber for fellow esports players.

Beginning in November 2021 Joseph, the esports officers, and some supporting staff converted a classroom into a state-of-the-art esports arena with 6 Syber Cube Extreme 400s with customized GPUs, graphite desks, Corsair chairs, Logitech G PRO X headsets, and a TV to help with film sessions. The same group also built a separate room for student-casters to provide streamed play-by-play and color commentary on the school’s Twitch page.

Neumont Esports members pose in The Llama Base.

During the process the esports club went from 10 students to a full-fledged program with 60 members playing on 6 teams (League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Call of Duty, Valorant, and Overwatch) with a constitution, tryout structure, player contracts, and personalized jerseys. Currently the program is affiliated with NACE and is gearing up for the fall tournament season.  

Joseph’s efforts paid off demonstrating how some passion, motivation and drive can take you a long way. Joseph will be graduating in the summer of 2022, but his legacy will live on in Neumont lore for many years to come.

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THE LLAMA BASE BUILD OUT