Boston, MA – August 28, 2005 – Wentworth concluded its summer semester on August 12th with seniors presenting their final design projects to fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Projects were presented in 12 majors, including management, computer science, interior design, facilities management, and construction management.

Each project focused on the practical application of course material. Some also involved service work with Wentworth’s surrounding neighborhoods.

Management Students Paul Geffken, Andrew Clapp, Deane Geddes, Villyphone Voarvong, Edwin Barrientos, and Frantz Paillant designed a wireless Internet network for the Madison Park community near the Wentworth campus. The students collaborated with the community to properly address the needs of the Madison park residents.

“The community had a need," says Professor Patrick Hafford, “and I had a class of seniors."

Computer science students George Jouvin and Dave Ditunno designed a web site for the Jamaica Plain Open Studios, an organization of artists in another nearby section of Boston.

The website contains a list of artists in the area and gives them the opportunity to post photos of their work, as well as announce and retrieve information for events in the area. The site also features an “artist of the month," and a popular chat-forum.

“The web site is a very significant piece of work," says Computer Science Professor Lisa MacLean. “I’m very proud of the students accomplishments."

Facilities management senior Melissa Fortuna created department procedure manuals for a unit of General Dynamics, a major defense contractor headquartered in Virginia. In presenting a project that might be less than exciting to some, Melissa captured everyone’s attention with her charisma and ingenuity.

“She took a hugely boring project and made it very exciting," Professor Kate Thibeault said of Melissa’s project. “It’s a great program."

Interior design student Julian Hace used her creativity to created a bungalow-style assisted living home for the elderly. The students’ ingenuity was popular among industry leaders who came to Wentworth to critique the senior projects.

“They were all high level people in the field," Professor Thibeault said of the guest critics. “They have been in the field for a very long time. Many of them are CEOs. They really loved the students presenting to them!"

Construction management students had the opportunity to meet Parson Brinckerhof Northeast Vice President Gene McClusky, as well as the President of Shawmut Design and Construction, Thomas Goemaat. The professionals’ offered unique perspectives that could not be found in the classroom.

The presence of industry leaders was certainly a treat, but for professors and students it was the perfect conclusion of four years together at Wentworth.

“It’s wonderful to see the students maturing," said Interior Design Professor Corky Binggeli. “It has been great to see them do the work. They have taken huge steps towards becoming professionals."