Graduate Ready

Luke Laurenzana ’26 says Illinois College gave him the opportunity a lot of schools couldn’t: pursuing both computer science and the arts.

While many people on campus knew him through music ensembles and drumline, Laurenzana spent much of his academic career immersed in computer science research and software development.

After graduation, he will continue his education pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

“The computer science program here gave me opportunities to go beyond the classroom,” Laurenzana said. Working closely with Associate Professor of Computer Science Takako Soma, Laurenzana completed multiple honors projects focused on algorithms, data structures and software design.

“Dr. Soma encouraged independent thinking and helped me develop confidence as a researcher,” he said.

Laurenzana credits the small class sizes with allowing faculty to adapt coursework to students’ interests and skill levels. “I always felt challenged and engaged,” he said.

Outside academics, Laurenzana remained heavily involved in music performance groups across campus and credits Drumline Director Tyler Carpenter with feeling connected to campus outside of the classroom. “As a member of the drumline, I feel like a valued collaborator rather than just a mentee. Professor Carpenter gives it his all in a way that’s very inspiring.”

Looking toward the future, Laurenzana hopes to continue exploring research and academia within computer science.
“IC helped me learn how to think critically, solve problems independently and communicate complex ideas,” he said. “I feel Graduate READY for graduate school and beyond.”