Technology Today

Everyone has a “heart” story. It may be about the time your aunt Sue had a minor heart attack, or how your uncle Joe was admitted to the hospital. It may be a personal story, a story of triumph and starting a new life. Coming together to share these “heart” stories brings a voice to heart disease, a disease that kills 420,000 women in the United States each year. That is why the American Heart Association organizes Go Red for Women, a movement to provide ‘women with the tools and resources they need to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.’

This past Friday, February 5, the American Heart Association held their 7th Annual Go Red for Women Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Sheraton Dover Hotel on North DuPont Highway. Wilmington University was proud to co-sponsor and participate in the event that benefits the Kent County Division of the American Heart Association. Students from the University’s College of Technology also designed a video presentation and shot video footage of the event along with staff from the University Relations department.

Several Wilmington University staff attended Friday’s event dressed in red to support the American Heart Association. Simone George, Assistant to the President at Wilmington University, dazzled in a colorful, silk gown as one of the Go Red models. George strongly supports the mission of the American Heart Association and modeled to show her support.

“We all know that heart disease and stroke claim thousands of lives every day, but many people still don’t realize there are ways to prevent the risk factors associated with these illnesses,” said George, who has been an athlete most of her life. “It is so important to raise awareness in the hopes of saving lives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including good nutrition and exercise can drastically reduce your chances of developing heart disease.” George says she loves living an active lifestyle and donates much of her time to nonprofit organizations such as United Way, Goodwill and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Miss Delaware 2009 Heather Lehman and Tonda Parks, Vice President of Advertising Development at Delaware State News, also participated in the fashion show as Go Red Models. Go Red models are people who have had their lives affected by heart disease, or people who are active volunteers for the American Heart Association. Each model had their own story to tell and helps inspire women to be concerned about heart health.

Through the Go Red for Women movement the American Heart Association has been working hard to change the perception that heart disease is only a ‘man’s disease.’ The movement has encouraged women to share their stories, talk to their doctors and engage in healthy lifestyle choices.

To read more “heart” stories or to learn more about the American Heart Association visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/.

To see more pictures of this event visit our galleries at http://www.wilmu.edu/photos/slideshow.aspx?pSetID=72157623296883241.

Simone George, Assistant to the President, was one of the Go Red models.

The camera crew: (from left to right) Paul Patton, the Dean of the College of Technology Ed Guthrie, 2009 graduate Thato Dadson, Scott Clegg,and Leon Barton.

Miss Delaware 2009, Heather Lehman, was also a Go Red model.

Important Information Concerning IRM Program Changes

Effective September, 2010

To:  All current Information Resource Management (IRM) Students

During the last year, the College of Technology conducted an extensive review of the Information Resource Management program which included a focus group meeting, research and interviews with information technology professionals. The result was a revamping of the IRM Program which will have a new name and direction, effective Fall 2010 (Block I). The new program name is…

Information Systems Management (ISM)

The new direction of this bachelor’s degree program will include Business Process, Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing, Systems analysis, an examination of the business process in correlation with IT system needs, and an examination of IT Policy and Strategy. This program is designed for the current industry professional interested in furthering his/her career as well as students planning for their future.  I have attached the new program curriculum for your review.

Students should have previous courses in computer network basics and/or have industry experience prior to entering this program. Students without previous academic or work experience will be required to take IRM 300, Information Technology Hardware and Software.

As a current Information Resource Management student, you may elect to transfer into the new ISM program or remain with the current IRM program.  IRM course offerings will continue until all remaining majors have completed their degree requirements.  You are encouraged to contact your Academic Advisor (Linda Hardy 302-356-6714 or Chantelle Batson 302-356-6740) to discuss your options.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.  I look forward to meeting you in the classroom and wish you continued success in your academic endeavors.

Edward L. Guthrie, Ed. D.

Dean, College of Technology

Wilmington University

Check out the link below to view the Commencement Ceremony online-

http://www.livestream.com/wilmu/video?clipId=pla_67de4a40-e20a-4587-9c60-a2e8539ef592

Photo Credit: Paul Patton

Senator Tom Carper, Governor Jack Markell and State Chief Information Officer Jim Sills III congratulated the first place winners of the Cyber Security DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge competition last Friday at a private reception in Wilmington. The team of four Wilmington University students came in first place in the undergraduate category and third overall beating out military, civilian and government teams (out of 1153 entries from 56 countries). An international competition co-sponsored by the Department of Defense, the SANS Institute and IMPACT (International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber-Threats), the DC3 Challenge was launched in 2006 and encourages participants to solve a hypothetical, challenging forensic issue.

Wilmington University’s team consisted of coach Chris Shanahan (Adjunct professor of Computer and Network Security and Wilmington University alum), Clay Batchelor, Roman Sheriff, Enjolokee Jones and Michael Escobar. They registered only two months before the challenge deadline (most teams worked on the challenge for at least six months) and worked diligently towards solving the hypothetical computer forensics examination and analysis of a federal crime investigation.

“I would like to recognize the accomplishments of these four students,” said Jim Sills III, State Chief Information Officer, “And congratulate the coach Chris Shanahan and Wilmington University. Wilmington University is one of the few institutions in the area to offer [a Computer and Network Security] degree and we need more cyber security experts in the field.”

Governor Jack Markell welcomed the four students and their families. “This is a great achievement and one you should all be very proud of,” said Markell, “You have contributed to the field of cyber security, a field of great importance and now because of you more students across the state of Delaware will be drawn to this field. You are all true role models.” Governor Markell also praised Senator Tom Carper for his tireless efforts to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security. “ I would also like to say thanks to Senator Carper for making Delaware a pilot state in this movement.”

“Over the years we have faced new and increasingly challenging threats to our nation’s security,” said Senator Tom Carper, “These threats only highlight the importance of cyber security and college students just like you. We need a team like you to play for our defense.” Senator Carper then congratulated each of the four gentlemen individually. “I would also like to thank Chris Shanahan, the team coach, and Mark Hufe, the program coordinator of the Computer and Network Security degree at Wilmington University, who encouraged the team to take part in the competition. You should be very proud of these students and your institution.”

As part of the prize the Wilmington University team has been awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Conference in St. Louis. They will also appear on a podcast, which will be aired from the Pentagon, and are scheduled to appear at a future Delaware chapter of InfraGard meeting. The students will also be appearing on a Wilmington University new podcast show that will be aired later this month. Check the Wilmington University homepage for details.

To learn more about the DC3 Challenge visit http://www.dc3.mil/2009_challenge.

For more information on the Computer and Network Security degree at Wilmington University visit http://www.wilmu.edu/itac/cns.aspx.

Wilmington University is forming a student run Cyber Defense Club whose mission will be to further the interests of cyber security students in the CNS undergraduate and MSIST/IA graduate degree programs. Here’s why you should join the club:

• Best way to learn what is going on in cyber security at WU
• Participate in cyber security competitions at local, regional, and national levels
• Find out about internship opportunities
• Find out about Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities
• Provide a collective voice to push for improvements in the program
• Serve in community outreach projects
• Improve your IT portfolio
• Network with professionals in the field
• Hang out with like-minded, motivated students
• Have a lot of fun for free!

They say “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” But, they’re wrong!
It’s WHAT you know AND WHO you know. The Cyber Defense Club builds both on WHAT and WHO.

The first meeting will on an evening TBD during the week of January 18, 2010.

To get involved, or for more information contact:
Mark Hufe: Mark.j.hufe@wilmu.edu
Ashley Jensen: ajens66432@wildcats.wilmu.edu

http://hector.wcitac.org/~avoyt/cyberwatch/