A key component in the strategy for the future of the Department of Computer Science is to build an excellence fund that will allow this department to respond to its rapidly changing needs and demographics. This fall, progress was made towards that goal when Qualcomm, a long-time supporter of the department and frequent recruiter of its graduates, stepped forward to make an $80,000 commitment to that fund. Because these funds come with unusual flexibility, they can be used to support any number of demands, which range from scholarships, to new initiatives, to operational expenses.
In recognition of their contribution, the Board of Regents agreed to name the coffee shop in the new Bill and Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex, “The Qualcomm Café.” The café is located on the ground floor of the atrium, the social hub and heart of the complex.
Darren Hrabovsky, the Qualcomm Staffing Specialist who initially approached the department about making the gift, said, "We couldn’t be more excited to see this happen. Qualcomm employs an extensive number of UT Computer Science alumni and expects to continue to do so for many years to come. Having so many longhorns in the Qualcomm family makes this gift particularly meaningful to us. Naturally, we were very pleased when the regents chose to recognize this contribution and the special nature of the relationship between Qualcomm and the University by naming the Qualcomm Café."
The Department of Computer Science warmly thanks Qualcomm for their generosity in support of the faculty, students, and mission of UTCS and the University of Texas at Austin.