Bradford

Branch AAUW

The meeting of the Bradford Branch of American Association of University Women began with a program on the Computer Information Systems & Technology (CIS&T) at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Madeline Miles, program vice president, introduced Don Lewicki, professor emeritus of CIS&T at Pitt-Bradford, who played a pivotal role in establishing the program and served as the founding program director. Before joining Pitt-Bradford, he worked at IBM for 17 years in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Miles then introduced Dr. Ken Wang, an associate professor and the current director of the CIS&T program. He is actively engaged in research in information systems and related fields. His contributions have been published in numerous academic journals.

Lewicki explained that the CIS&T is one of the largest programs at the college and that all faculty members in the program have industry experience. CIS&T differs from Computer Science in that it is less theoretical and more applied with enterprise solutions and applications. The program includes the areas of computer networking, systems development, and database project management. Students have the opportunity to concentrate in the area of software application programming; cybersecurity or digital programs. There is an emphasis on internships, a capstone requirement and study abroad opportunities. CIS&T courses are project oriented.

When asked about the percentage of female students to male students in the program, he answered that there is a large disparity and that, while it has vastly improved, more needs to be done to attract women to this growing program. Members offered to work with Lewicki and Wang to encourage more girls and women to consider this field of study.

Dr. Wang discussed the rapidly emerging technology that includes virtual reality (VR), computer generated reality, and mixed reality. VR is a simulated experience that gives the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of this emerging technology are being used in training pilots, industry training, health care, medical and military training. Wang also covered the topic of artificial intelligence, which allows computers to exhibit human intelligence. This topic stimulated numerous questions and comments about the positive applications of the technology and its possible dangers and misuse. Both speakers left the members wanting to learn more about these new developments.

Holly Spittler opened the general meeting of AAUW by thanking the work of the hospitality committee, which included Dr. Julia Morgan, Dr. Anita Herbert, Susan Hughes and Holly Spittler. A moment of silence was held in memory of life member Jeanette Matto and Patty Stromberg’s husband, Dennis. Both Matto and Stromberg were active in the community and are greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. The minutes of the November meeting were reviewed and approved. Treasurer Terri Leven presented the treasurer’s report. Leven noted that the audit for FY 2022/23 will be conducted by Diane Gardner, Katie Nussbaum and Susan Hughes.

A number of initiatives and projects are currently underway. Marietta Frank reported that she is currently exploring the best way to address record keeping and is working on establishing protocols for document maintenance and retention.

Kay Hurley, legislative chairperson, provided a detailed overview of relevant issues and topics, including education, voting and economic equity. She encouraged members to read the most recent issue of the Keystoner Newsletter for more information.

In the area of website development and implementation, Nussbaum reported via written correspondence that the design and text of Bradford Branch website is ready to go. The text will be inserted into the format by Nussbaum, and then tested before going live.

Julie Stacey reported on a potential bus trip to Seneca Falls scheduled for Oct. 19. The trip will be open to anyone who has an interest in learning more about women’s fight for equal rights. Efforts will be made to reach out to Pitt-Bradford students and members of the community. Prior to the trip, the planning committee will be identifying various speakers, readings and events to broaden our understanding of women’s ongoing struggle to be treated as equals.

Cheryl Lutz reported that the Bradford Branch donated $825.00 cash and $917.00 worth of food, personal and hygiene items to the Bradford YWCA during 2023.

Madeline Miles, vice president of programs, reminded members that our next meeting will be on Saturday, March 9 with the topic being Famous Women Re-enactments. Members and guests will select a famous woman, read up on her life and “become” that woman by providing clues and interesting facts while wearing an outfit or item that represents that woman.