Mark Mowers Jr. was awarded scholarships by Interactive Business Systems, Inc. through the Open Door Education Foundation. IBS, the single largest donor to the Open Door’s Named Scholarship Donor Program, continues to support IT education through the Open Door and students like Mark.

Since Mark was a little boy, he always wanted to work with computers. He has been using computers since shortly after he learned to walk. During his sophomore year of high school, Mark decided that he wanted to attend Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Ill., and complete his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Several individuals in the Information Technology workforce recommended NIU to Mark, citing it as one of the best computer schools in the nation. Another interest of Mark’s is the use of computers to create music. He has declared his second major in Computers and Electronic music. Mark’s plan is to complete this program in addition to his Computer Science degree. Mark will attain his undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Computer and Electronic Music from NIU in May of 2004.

Mark is a very fortunate young man when it comes to his college expenses. After an extensive scholarship process, he received an Academic Finalist Scholarship from Northern Illinois University. He was also awarded the Centennial scholarship from NIU, which is contingent on his participation in extra-curriculum activities. He is also the recipient of the Robert Byrd scholarship. And lastly, he was awarded three scholarships through Interactive Business Systems for the Spring and Fall 2002 and again for Fall 2003. The scholarships awarded through IBS and Open Door helps relieve some of the burden of trying to work to pay college expenses and study at the same time.

Mark has not yet decided how he wants to utilize his computer knowledge when he enters the working world. Mark worked as an intern during one summer building and repairing computers. While he found the work fascinating and learned a wealth of information about the inner workings of computers, he doesn’t feel he would be satisfied working in sales or repairs for a career. He is currently considering two different career paths, both of which strongly involve computers. Mark’s first option is computer programming. He will have extensive experience in programming from his coursework at NIU by the time he graduates next May. Mark is also trying to design a software program to perform tasks that currently have no programs available. He is doing all of this in addition to his required coursework.

Mark’s second career option is to focus on computer audio recording. He feels his courses in electronic music and recording at NIU will give him the necessary experience for work in a number of different studio environments with a wide array of computerized equipment. His experience with digital mixers and work with professional recording equipment will prove invaluable.

Some of Mark’s computer-related experiences include working as a stage crew, security crew and stage assistant manager for Northern Illinois University’s University Programming and Activities, as well as building, repairing, and troubleshooting computer hardware and software for the Computer Store. He has also done Website design and has acted as a Webmaster and technical consultant for Land Treatment Alternatives. In addition, some of Mark’s community activities include assisting with building homes for the financially challenged as part of the Habitat for Humanity Program. He has also acted and worked with the Children’s Community Theater. As if all that weren’t enough, he is a singer and guitarist for Common Ground, a Youth Worship Program.

When asked about the current economic climate in the Information Technology field, Mark said, “While technology may change and the way we do business may change, the thirst for information will always continue. As long as people want to know what is happening in the world, there will be jobs in Information Technology. Even if the job market is slow, there are always needs to be filled, both now and forevermore.”.