Bill Gates' Visit Marks Beginning of Sixth Annual CEACS Student Leadership Institute

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences (CEACS) kicked off its Sixth Annual Student Leadership Institute on Friday, Oct. 14, with a special visit from Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and chief software architect. He spoke with students on “The Impact and Opportunity of Technology: Why Computer Science? Why Now?” Gates discussed new technological innovations, as well as the opportunities and rewards of careers in computer science. “The opportunities for computing to change the world have never been greater, and the ideas and excitement of today’s computer science students are driving the future of innovation in our industry,” said Gates. His visit to Howard wrapped up the second year that he has conducted a three-day national college tour where he sits down with students from some of the best computer science and engineering departments in the U.S. and Canada.

Gates and Dean James Johnson, CEACS

In addition to Howard, the tours have included: University of Michigan; the University of Wisconsin, Madison; the University of Waterloo, Ontario; the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard and Princeton universities.

“To the extent that the Gate’s name is almost synonymous with computers, software and with innovation and creativity in the industry, Howard University regards it as a great honor to have Mr. Gates on our campus explaining first-hand to our students his vision for the use of technology in achieving significant social changes in the world," said President H. Patrick Swygert.

The Student Leadership Institute, held for CEACS students, annually features corporate representatives conducting professional development workshops. This year’s institute was sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation; representatives from Black & Veatch and Lockheed Martin led the seminars.

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