AT&T Foundation Provides $49K for Computer Lab

The AT&T Foundation has donated $49,000 to Skidmore to modernize and enrich the College’s Computer Science curriculum.

The grant will help the College build and operate a new Linus laboratory in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science during the 2003-04 academic year. At least eight new computers and software will be purchased to develop a working environment for students to gain hands-on experience in Linux, a free Unix-type operating system. Study of Linux and the application of its resources are considered vital and essential for computer science students.

“Linux is a widely used operating system and will give students a chance to develop their flexibility and skills in developing such systems,” said Tom O’Connell, assistant professor of computer science. The new computer lab will enhance his courses in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Operating systems, as well as other courses in the College’s computer science curriculum. Students in O’Connell’s AI course are required to complete a major project: writing a computer game and developing artificially intelligent people to play the game.

In addition to laboratory hardware and software, the AT&T funds will support the work of a systems administrator who works closely with the Computer Science faculty to provide technical support for up to 600 students and nine faculty members. “This is a great opportunity for students and faculty at Skidmore to use leading-edge technology to pursue important networking issues in computer science,” said John Ryan, sales vice president for AT&T Business Service. “The foundation grant underscores AT&T’s commitment to the community and educational initiates that use technology in innovative ways.”

The new laboratory will supplement an existing lab with machines that operate Windows 98. Together, the two labs will enable the College to commit to more advanced Computer Science courses through increased information technology resources for both students and faculty. Recent courses demonstrating this commitment include the upper-level AI class that O’Connell introduced this year, as well as a robotics course.

The AT&T Foundation’s gift underscores the company’s commitment to education, according to Barry Pritzker, director of foundation and corporate relations at Skidmore. “The grant will support an important parallel with the AT&T mission: an educated work force, and in particular students becoming proficient in the theory and practice of advanced technology and its applications,” he said.

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