USI defends top spot at AITP conference

Eighteen students from the University of Southern Indiana competed in the 2013 Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) National Collegiate Conference April 4-7 in St. Louis, Missouri. Sixty-three schools were represented with more than 500 students in attendance.

USI defended its first place position against 80 teams in the Office Solutions competition, with Andrew Poynter and Chis Bovard claiming the top prize. Two teams made up of students Aelinor Conaway and Elizabeth Karber, and Joseph Faith and Randall McGrew, finished with Honorable Mentions in the same competition.

More than 80 students attempted the national IT certifications. Of the 16 who passed the exams, five were USI students. USI student Andrew Poynter also earned the George Eggert Award for the third highest score on the certification exams.

"I think the conference is a huge learning opportunity," said Karber. "I was able to gain team building skills and also the ability to learn how to function under a great deal of pressure. I'm already looking forward to next year's conference and the opportunity to compete again."

Stacy Warford agrees it is a great experience for students. "You get to meet so many people from other universities, take a certification exam for free, and most importantly, have fun."

The students traveled with advisors Dr. Kenneth Shemroske and Ernest Nolan.