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K-State Today

October 11, 2017

BETSOL, company founded by K-State alumnus, supports College of Engineering's Computer Science Scholars Program

Submitted by Allie Lousch

Ashok Reddy

BETSOL, a Denver-based company specializing in product engineering and managed information technology services, has given a $40,000 gift to Kansas State University's Computer Science, or CS, Scholars Program in the College of Engineering to help develop the program and competitively recruit prospective students

K-State's CS Scholars Program was created to equip students with academic and professional advantages to prepare them to lead in the competitive computer science and information technology industries. The program offers students smaller class sizes, academic enrichment, professional development opportunities, industry networking, mentoring with faculty and industry representatives, and an advanced application of computer science theory through research and internships.

Ashok Reddy, BETSOL's founder and vice president, is a 2001 graduate of the College of Engineering with a degree in computer science.

"K-State gave me the skills, confidence and self-belief to succeed, which is all a student can ask for," Reddy said. "We want to support K-State so that they can continue to do the same for a new generation of students. The faculty at K-State bring out the best in the students, and students of K-State showcase the potential of the next generation."

"The Computer Science Scholars Program competes with top schools around the nation to attract and retain high-achieving students," said Scott DeLoach, computer science department head. "BETSOL's gift will provide $10,000 in scholarships per year for CS Scholars students over the next four years, which will enhance our recruitment of these high-achieving students to K-State."

Students in the program say it makes a difference.

"Since we are in two classes together and it is all the same group of people, we have formed a community," said Justine Onnen, freshman in computer science from Topeka. "Scholars have the opportunity to get to know each other better than most people will get to know their college classmates. The scholars program has taught me to never underestimate myself. It made me feel that if I try really hard I can accomplish anything."

"With access to campus and industry mentors, challenging coursework and sense of community within the program, the CS Scholars Program prepares us to collaborate now and compete in outside opportunities including ambitious internships and scholarships," said Nathan McClain, junior in computer science from Overland Park.

As K-State's strategic partner for philanthropy, the Kansas State University Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State family. The foundation is leading Innovation and Inspiration: The Campaign for Kansas State University to raise $1.4 billion for student success, faculty development, facility enhancement and programmatic success. Visit www.ksufoundation.org for more information.