CAMPUSNEWS
VIADUCT UPDATE
IBM PARTNERSHIP
Construction on the viaduct began in December 2021 and is still underway, currently on track to be finished by the time students arrive for the fall 2022 semester.
Cumberlands and International Business Machines (IBM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the intent to integrate IBM course content into Cumberlands classes within the school’s Department of Computer Information Sciences.
After decades of wear and tear and several repairs to the original viaduct, professionals concluded that the safest plan was to completely reconstruct the structure. The new viaduct – still located in the same location – will feature the old structure’s iconic arches with the same dimensions, to the inch. The viaduct will be a similar gray color to the original structure but will feature black steel beams as the “railings” on the sides of the walkway. “If you ever strolled across the viaduct holding hands with your sweetheart, laughed your way across it with a friend, or raced across it because you were late to class, you know the uniqueness of that structure,” said Erica Harris, ’84, executive director of Alumni Services. “The old viaduct will not easily be forgotten, nor should it be. But the new one will serve current and future students just as well as the old one served us. Who could ask for more?” The university is thankful to Kay & Kay, contractor for the structure, as well as Contech for the design and construction. The structure is expected to be complete by the beginning of August.
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SPRING 2021
The strategic partnership will benefit the university’s undergraduate IT programs as well as its Master of Science in Information Technology and Master of Science in Information Systems Security programs. Students will have the option to complete one or more certificates from IBM in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, security, Internet of Things, or data science, and also have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in information technology, cyber engineering, security, or blockchain. Among other benefits, IBM will collaborate with Cumberlands to deploy the IBM Skills Academy to students, which will allow students access to online learning resources, Cloud access for hands-on labs, curated content, and new industry assets. Additionally, Cumberlands will be able to compete in IBM University Award Programs. At the end of each course students complete in which IBM Skills Academy has been integrated, students will receive an IBM Digital Badge, automatically generating a digital résumé with verified achievements embedded with links to real-time labor market data and job postings. Cumberlands will provide updates to IBM regarding research or curriculum development and invite qualified IBMers into opportunities for industry feedback.
