Computer Information Systems at Aquinas College

Why do students like Aquinas?
  • Small Class Sizes:   
    • Personal Attention
    • You'll know your classmates
    • Freedom to ask questions
    • Hands-on lab experiences
  • Faculty Availability
    • Faculty teach their own labs
    • Help available outside of class
    • Advice on curriculum and career options
    • Meaningful recommendation letters

Below here is a brief collection of stories about the experiences of recent CIS students.

 

Adrien Yondo 

Adrien

Adrien Yondo, another Grand Rapids native, is currently studying Computer Information Systems at Aquinas College. She chose this major because she took a few coding classes in high school and fell in love with it. One thing she likes about her coding classes is that she enjoys the satisfaction of finishing her code and seeing that it all works. Knowing she did it herself and watching her creation run is an excitement that other coders can relate to. After Aquinas, Adrien would like to pursue a career in Web Development or work within an Information Technology department at a high school because she loves working with kids. Adrien chose Aquinas because it is the best of both worlds for her.  

She gets to play the sport she loves, which is volleyball, and she gets to pursue her degree in Computer Information Systems. Outside of the classroom, Adrien plays on the Aquinas women’s volleyball team. Adrien works hard and excels in the classroom and on the volleyball court. Her favorite thing to do at Aquinas is hanging out with her friends and playing volleyball with her teammates. Outside of school, she likes to spend time with her friends and family and travel to new places.

"One thing I like about my coding classes is that I enjoy the satisfaction of finishing my code and seeing that it all works. Knowing I did it myself and watching my creation run is an excitement that other coders can relate to."

 

Isaiah Jackson 

Isaiah

Student-Athlete Isaiah Jackson is from Caledonia, MI, studying Computer Information Systems, running on the Aquinas Track team, and was part of the Aquinas Student Athlete Leadership Team, also known as S.A.L.T. Isaiah wanted to follow in his sister’s footsteps and pursue a degree in legal studies, but that all changed when he took a computer science course in high school. Isaiah has always been technical. When he was a child, he tried to teach himself programming and enjoyed basic robotics in his middle school class. Isaiah says, “Computer Information Systems gave me this sense of freedom that I didn't have, so I really enjoyed it. I could create whatever I wanted.” He used his interest to work as a technician for the Aquinas helpdesk. Now, Isaiah has been using his skills to create websites for small businesses and teamed up with another small marketing business to help bigger businesses. He also has an internship that will allow him to give technical support and learn additional skills in the workforce.

"Computer Information Systems gave me this sense of freedom that I didn't have so I really enjoyed it. I could create whatever I wanted."

Alongside academics, Isaiah also is a leader on Aquinas's track team. He runs the 60m and the 110m hurdles, as well as long jumps. One of his goals is to beat the #1 best all time in the 60m hurdles at Aquinas. The time is 8.10 seconds, and Isaiah holds the 2nd fastest time of 8.33.

Outside of school and track, Isaiah likes to spend time with his friends and family. On campus, he and his friends play night football on the soccer field, relax and play video games, or play cards with his roommates.