Why these smarty-pants went to Marquette, Michigan

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Algoma U students compete at NMU Invitation Programming Contest

SAULT STE. MARIE - This past Saturday, five teams from Algoma University's Computer Science Department competed in the 14th Annual Northern Michigan University (NMU) Invitation Programming Contest in Marquette, Michigan, where their skills and knowledge of computer programming were put to the test. 

The University placed third amongst schools.

Each year, Algoma University sends teams of three students to the programming competition, which provides additional practice for those participating in the prestigious Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) International Collegiate Programming Contest.  

The competition also exposes students to real life computer programming problems and working around tight deadlines. 

In total, about 30 teams represented six universities from the Lake Superior region. 

Universities that participated were Algoma University, Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan), Michigan Technological University (Houghton), NMU (Marquette), and the University of Michigan (Flint).

This year's participants were treated to Lord of the Rings themed questions, adding a sense of fun and excitement to the programming competition. 

Aside from the themed questions posed, students also were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity with team names. 

Team "Bin Array" consisted of Lindsay Mantzel, Jason Lambkin, and Matt Battison. 

"Vicious and Delicious" included Braedon Young, David Radford, and Valerie Platsko. 

James Ruckstuhl, Dan Harasqmiw, and Jon Murphy were a part of "Binary Brotherhood". 

"Team Kro" included Jon Krotkiewicz, Greg Twentyman, and William Skylar Barth. 

Lastly, "Here Comes the Flood" consisted of Connor Flood and Rob Bialy.

Each team was given six computer programming questions to answer in five hours. 

With only one computer per team, students had to solve the problems at hand by using C, C++, C#, or Java languages, and only communicate amongst themselves. 

Teams were allowed to ask for technical assistance from a judge, but only the runner of the team could consult with the judge, which must be done through written notes. 

No face-to-face communication was allowed.

"For upper year students, the competition is a great opportunity to work in team settings and pressured environments. For newer students, it is great exposure to practical programming problems and also gives them the opportunity to learn from our upper year students," adds Lindsay Mantzel, a Computer Science student and member of Team "Bin Array", who helped organise the University's participation. "But most importantly, it is a lot of fun!"

About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic and Social Development, and Biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.

To learn more, visit www.algomau.ca.

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