News Story
April 21, 2015
La Roche College Student Receives AITP Scholarship Award
PITTSBURGH, April 21, 2015 – Peter Biernesser, a junior at La Roche University, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).
This year AITP’s essay competition challenged students to discuss the future of 3-D printing, but Mr. Biernesser did not have to look far for inspiration for his award-winning submission.
“Ironically, after hearing about this challenge, a featured video on YouTube was of a boy, who unfortunately only had one arm, receiving a new, fully-functioning, 3-D printed prosthetic arm,” he explained. “After seeing that video, I knew there couldn’t be any better future use of 3-D printing than helping the disabled overcome their impairments.”
As an undergraduate student at La Roche, Mr. Biernesser has been recognized as an outstanding student and leader on campus, serving as the executive vice president for the University’s student chapter of AITP and a member of Delta Mu Delta, the international business honor society. He is double majoring in management information systems and business management, with a minor in information technology (IT).
Management Department Chair and Assistant Professor Michaela A. Noakes said, “Mr. Biernesser is an excellent student and an engaging leader who has demonstrated significant aptitude and business acumen. His achievement in these multifaceted areas will continue to provide a strong foundation for his enduring success in future endeavors.”
A 2011 graduate of Shaler Area High School, Mr. Biernesser is the son of Peter and Judy Biernesser of Glenshaw, Pa. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to earn a Master of Science in Information Systems at La Roche. His career aspiration is to become a senior project manager.
“IT is not just a field, but a cross-functional operation that is integral in almost every type of business,” Mr. Biernesser said. “I like having to come up with new and innovative ways to resolve problems, possibly before they even arise. IT can be a challenge at times, but that is what I like most about it. I like the challenge.”
AITP is the leading society of IT professionals. The Society seeks to advance the IT profession through professional development, support of IT education and national policies on IT that improve society as a whole.
The student chapter of AITP at La Roche offers opportunities for students to participate in networking events with local professionals, develop their leadership potential, attend technical and social functions throughout the academic year, and compete in the AITP National Collegiate Conference.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate and five graduate degree programs, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
###