Jim Liang '75

In today's hi-tech, communications-oriented world, it's easy to fall behind, even more so if you lack the resources to purchase the hardware and software necessary to keep yourself cyber- and program-savvy. Several Exonians, however, are making sure PEA students stay connected and that both students and faculty have the opportunity to hone their skills and stay on top of a field that is constantly evolving.

Equal Access for Exonians
Peter Scocimara '82, vice president of international operations for At Home Network, wanted his gift to the Academy to support computers for scholarship students. He believes computers are as much a part of education as books and that all students should be on a level playing field in terms of their academic resources. "I'd hate for students to miss opportunities because they didn't have a computer in their room and had to wait to hook up in the library or lab." He feels students should not be restricted to using a computer lab during set hours, that they need access in a personal way. "Common access is restricting and that imposes additional burdens on people who can't afford their own PC. It puts them at a distinct disadvantage.you want access when you need it." He adds that he hopes his gift will "allow scholarship students to feel on par in the Exeter community and to take advantage of what is available to them at PEA and beyond. The opportunity to go deeper into something that interests you or excites you is part of the educational process. students can find avenues for creativity and outlets for academic interests."

Peter Scocimara '82

Answers From the Great Beyond
Michael Petras '93, who says he was one of the few students in his Exeter dorm with a computer, also wanted his gift to the Academy to support computers for scholarship students. "I couldn't imagine being a student without a computer," says Petras, who explains that computers and technology weren't really a part of most students' educational experience when he was growing up.

He says he hopes his gift will inspire the next generation of students to seek careers in the hi-tech sector and sciences. Additionally, he hopes that his gift levels the playing field so students who can't afford a computer aren't at a disadvantage. "Considering that Exeter is remote, computers and internet access are excellent mediums for communicating with and exploring the world beyond campus." Petras adds, "One of the goals of PEA is to prepare students for life. Technology is so pervasive now that students who have a basic level of comfort with emerging technologies have a distinct advantage in college and later life."

Opening Opportunities to Faculty
Established in 1998 by Lucian Rocke Jr. '42, and his sons Loring '78 and Lawrence '79, the Rocke Faculty Technology Fund is being used to support faculty professional development in areas relating to technology. Explains Lucian, "We are glad to do this as a family. There is a generation of students arriving at Exeter who have been raised on computers, who are totally immersed in them. But some teachers may never have had the opportunity, training or time to explore what technology can do in their classrooms or subject areas. That's where the idea for our fund came from. We hope it will help."

On a more personal level, says Loring, "I wanted to give to Exeter to say thank you in some way to faculty who were kind to me during difficult times at the Academy. When I was sixteen, I was diagnosed as being manic-depressive. I didn't fully grasp what that meant at the time, but I found incredible support from faculty who handled a difficult situation well. A lot of people reached out to me when I was unable to figure out what to do." Despite a few obstacles, however, Loring enjoyed Exeter. "I feel very lucky that I was able to attend Exeter. You combine the fortune of getting into a place like PEA with a little hard work, and you've got something that will take you places for a long time." Lucian concurs. "I learned more during my two years at Exeter than at any other time in my life."

Timely Exposure
Jim Liang's first job out of college was at IBM. He went on to business school and later to Wall Street, where he is currently a managing director in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and an expert in software. As his career has evolved, Jim has always stayed involved with technology and, as a banker, with technology companies. By staying connected in this way, says Liang, he has witnessed "the profound impact technology has had on business and our economy."

Jim established the James L. Liang '75 Computer Science Fund in March 2000. The Fund will support computer science programs to benefit faculty professional development, curricular enhancements and student learning. Liang felt that gearing his philanthropy to technology and computer science at Exeter would allow students in particular to be exposed more broadly and deeply to technology. Liang feels that computer science is in its nascent stages at Exeter and that over time it will benefit from a higher profile. Comparing the Exeter he experienced to the Exeter of today, Liang says, "Understanding computers and technology is not optional any more. It's mandatory. Computer technology is an area of study that is much more relevant and fundamental in today's world."