A dream come true

Twenty students joined the Computer Professionals Program in May 2004 and have brought with them a fresh wave of enthusiasm and focus from 11 countries. The students pictured above were enrolled in their first course called Science of Creative Intelligence — the study of consciousness.

“I have gained many new insights from this course, and I feel a lot of personal growth since I am here,” says Devender Mannen who came from Malaysia but is originally from India (top row, third from the right). His group began “Modern Programming Practices” in the coming weeks following this article. “It is a dream come true to be here with my wife,” says Devender. "I am especially looking forward to expanding my programming skills and then applying them at a U.S. company.”

After six months of study on campus, Devender entered the U.S. job market as part of his curricular practical training. He graduated last year. He is still employed by the firm in Peoria, Illinois, where he performed his practical training.