Information Technology Student Awards
/https://siu.edu/search-results.php
Last Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 08:43 AM

In the rapidly evolving world of Information Technology, our students stand at the forefront, showcasing their exceptional talents and innovative thinking. Their notable achievements in both academic and practical realms highlight the excellence of our Information Technology program. Our students excel in cutting-edge projects, industry-sponsored hackathons, and IT solution challenges, securing top honors and recognition. These accomplishments underscore not only their mastery of complex IT concepts but also the adaptive, hands-on approach of our curriculum. By emphasizing critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and the latest technological trends, we equip our students for leading roles in the global IT landscape. Discover the success stories of our students and understand how our program is a catalyst for shaping the next generation of IT professionals.
The SIU Security Dawgs clinched the 1st place at the highly competitive Illinois State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition on February 17th. This victory marks an exceptional start to the new Cybersecurity Technology program, showcasing the talent and dedication of SIU students in the field of cybersecurity.
The SIUC Security Dawgs competed in the 2023 Erich J. Spengler Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, which took place on March 17th and 18th at Moraine Valley Community College. Out of ten competing schools, the Security Dawgs placed third, following their previous successes of placing second in the Illinois Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and first in the Wildcard. The competing schools included Baldwin Wallace University, DePaul University, Davenport University, Indiana Tech, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Purdue University, University of Louisville, and the University of Wisconsin – Stout. DePaul University and Indiana Tech claimed the first and second spots, respectively. The SIU Security Dawgs team consisted of Dustin Myers, Trent Grider, Tyson Nicklin, Matthew Pawlowski, Tony Barnes, Mike Whisenhunt, Andrew Barnes, Alex Hayes, and Isaac Brown.
Congratulations to the SIU Security Dawgs for winning the first-place title at the Wildcard Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition! Out of 18 teams across the Midwest, the Security Dawgs rose to the top, beating opponents such as Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Their impressive win has earned them a spot in the upcoming Erich J. Spengler Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
The SIU “Security Dawgs” have reason to celebrate as they placed third overall across three states, including Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) Saturday, February 18th. The team also secured the second spot in the Illinois State CCDC, making them one of the top cybersecurity teams in the region. The Security Dawgs are now gearing up for the wildcard round of the CCDC, and the entire college community wishes them the best of luck in the competition.