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Mark Mintzlaff was able to combine his interest in computer engineering with his passion for lacrosse at �ֲ���ý Northern University.

Mark is graduating this May with his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the T.J. Smull College of Engineering. 

It was Mark’s older brother, Jared, who first introduced him to computer engineering when Mark was a junior in high school. “He was working on the tech side of business and eventually moved into entrepreneurship. Seeing the things he was building really drew me toward the major,” said Mark.

Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Mark initially considered larger universities. However, after looking closer at �ֲ���ý, he realized the small class environment was exactly what he needed to succeed.

The bonus: �ֲ���ý had a lacrosse team, and Mark’s high school lacrosse team was having an outstanding year. He reached out to �ֲ���ý’s lacrosse coach, and was recruited to play for the Polar Bears, eventually serving as team captain.

At �ֲ���ý, Mark balanced a rigorous schedule as a student-athlete and team leader. Beyond lacrosse, he completed a year of research through the College of Engineering, served as a teaching assistant, and completed several internships.

Giving back was also a priority for Mark. During the summers, he returned home to coach youth and high school lacrosse teams, including workshops with Project Missouri Lacrosse to help develop the next generation of players. Among his favorite academic projects was the opportunity to develop a game controller designed to help students in under-resourced schools practice math skills through play.

After graduation, he’s heading to a career as a software developer at Spectrum. Reflecting on his �ֲ���ý experience, he feels he found his perfect fit at �ֲ���ý. “I’ve loved finding that balance of being able to do engineering while also playing the sport I love,” he said. “That has just been great.”