Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Former Co-Workers Surprise Don Lewicki with SNAP Lab Naming at Pitt-Bradford
Don Lewicki, former staff member and director of the computer information systems and technology major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was given a heartwarming surprise during his tour of the new George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building. Lewicki’s former co-workers named the university’s systems, networks and projects lab, as “CIST SNAP LAB: Named in honor of Donald C. Lewicki,” in recognition of his contributions to developing the university’s technology program.
Background of Lewicki’s Contributions
After joining Pitt-Bradford in 2000 from IBM, Lewicki played a significant role in the university’s technology services department. He oversaw computing, telecommunications, and media operations and was a management instructor. In 2007-08, he developed the computer information systems and technology major, and subsequently headed the program. Under Lewicki’s management, the major rapidly grew in popularity and became one of the most successful programs at the university.
During his tenure, Lewicki founded the Systems, Networks and Projects Lab, also known as the SNAP Lab, in 2015, where students worked on practical projects related to networking, and created their servers. The lab is named after its objectives – to simulate the real-world scenarios and challenges that students might face while working in information technology. Students have their own “rack” to build their servers, and during the final examination, adjunct instructor Steve Ellison subjects the servers to simulations of various issues, and the students are required to fix them.
Lewicki preferred project-based learning, which he believed was essential to teaching practical skills. As a result, the SNAP Lab became a unique asset that allowed students to gain hands-on experience and understand networking concepts better.
A Recognition of Lewicki’s Legacy
When Lewicki visited Pitt-Bradford’s new information technologies building, he was moved by seeing that the SNAP Lab was renamed in honor of his contributions. He expressed pride in the achievements of his former students and the program’s success under new leadership. At the dedication ceremony, Pitt-Bradford President Richard T. Esch acknowledged Lewicki’s influence and praised his legacy at the university.
