Concordia's Programming Team Welcomes New Members

Concordia’s programming team likes to solve problems, in one way or another. This year, they’re coming back ready to work with a team of eight returners and an additional five new freshman.The team is coached by Marcus Gubanyi, assistant professor of computer science, chair of the mathematics and computer science department, and assistant coached by Ian Kollipara, Concordia alum.  

Students on the team have a large variety of interests within the realm of computer science. Gubanyi has worked to make sure that this variety of interests has the opportunity to match. Within the group, the programming team works to stretch themselves inwardly and externally. Externally, the team frequently participates in programming competitions. This fall, the team will be competing in five different competitions including the International Collegiate Programming Contest and the Universal Cup. Andrew Brandt, a senior on a team, acknowledges the new freshman as a critical part of the team “They are doing a great job adapting to the team. They’re learning it much faster than I did at their age. I’m excited to see what they will be able to accomplish in a year or two.” 

Internally, the team spends time on personal projects and collaboration opportunities. Current projects include websites and a high-tech escape room on campus. In the spring, the team will focus on tech career-preparedness. This means field trips to tech companies, meeting professionals, building tech portfolios, and prepping for interviews. Gubanyi states that, “The team includes students with a variety of programming backgrounds. Some are experienced and some are beginners. Some are more interested in working on tech projects and some are more interested in competitive programming. Nonetheless, the team members all share a common interest for solving problems with programs and enjoying each other’s company.” 

List of programming team members includes: 

Returner Members: 

Andrew Brandt, senior, Knob Noster, Mo.  

Tytus Woodburn, junior, York, Neb.  

Andrew Pfeiffer, senior, Bettendorf, Iowa 

Aaron Cumming, sophomore, Allen, Texas  

Alyssa Butler, senior, Houston, Texas  

Alexander Johnston, junior, White Bear Lake, Minn.  

Ames Andelt, senior, Crete, Neb.  

Jacob Woodmancy, senior, Grant, Neb.  

New Members: 

Ethan L'Heureux, freshman, Cedar Falls, Iowa  

Isaac Dawson, freshman, Cedar Falls, Iowa  

David Marin, freshman, Omaha, Neb. 

Caden Korell, Blair, Neb. 

Silas Curtis, Worden, Ill.  

Are you interested in pursuing a degree in computer science at Concordia? Learn more here.