Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Announces 2019 29 Who Shine Recipient

4/30/19
NORTH ADAMS, MASS. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that this year’s recipient of the “29 Who Shine” award is Lindsay Carter ’19 of Pittsfield, Mass.

Carter, a computer science major with a concentration in software development, is currently an intern at General Dynamics and is well on her way to career in software engineering. After starting her academic career by earning an associate’s degree in dental assisting from Berkshire Community College, she changed course and enrolled at MCLA, inspired by her brother’s MCLA experience studying computer science (and his resulting job offers). She will graduate magna cum laude and is a member of the Alpha Chi honor society.

At General Dynamics, Carter acts as a full member of the company’s software development team, working on direct applications for projects that can’t be disclosed. General Dynamics has been so impressed with her work that she has been offered a full-time position as a software engineer once she has graduated from MCLA.

Computer Science Department Chair David Eve characterized Carter as a special student—not only because of her ability, but because she has put in countless hours assisting and mentoring other students. “She has worked with Computer Science majors, helping them with academic and social issues,” Eve said. “Without compensation or title, this mentoring has helped a number of students to be successful in all aspects of their MCLA careers.”

Each student selected for the 29 Who Shine award chooses a faculty mentor to join them at a reception at the Massachusetts State House. Carter chose Associate Professor of Computer Science Mark Cohen. “Professor Cohen has always gone above and beyond to help me understand the material and get to where I am today,” she said. “He has been there when I was unsure of my place in this major. He is a great mentor and always had faith in me that I would be able to accomplish great things.”

Each year, “29 Who Shine” recognizes 29 outstanding student graduates from across the Commonwealth’s public higher education system. Each year the Governor honors the “29 Who Shine” at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House. Approximately 250 invited guests attend the event, including House and Senate leaders, the Secretary of Education, Commissioner of Higher Education, members of the Board of Higher Education, college presidents, chancellors, business and nonprofit leaders, students and their families.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the Commonwealth's public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA graduates are prepared to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.

For more information, go to www.mcla.edu.