Arthur Pisanko ?26

Arthur Pisanko

Class Year

’26

Hometown

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Major(s)

Computer Science

Arthur Pisanko ’26 chose computer science as his major because of the wide variety of applications software and computers have. “Computer science is a very flexible major that fits a wide variety of other fields and uses,” he says.

Through The Aspire Program, the College’s career development program, Arthur was able to create a framework to develop his career goals, and he’s attended lectures to help him market himself to future employers. “The lectures introduce various tools and strategies, such as elevator pitches, social media, portfolios, personal brand-building, and resiliency.” He hopes to one day design software used in technology to make daily life easier or to create video games.

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“I chose Carthage because I get to explore my passions, learning both inside and outside of the classroom, while being on the beautiful lakefront.”

Arthur Pisanko, ’26

Faculty mentors

“The professors that I’ve had throughout my Carthage career have always been kind and helpful. They will always spend extra time in their lectures to answer questions and clarify complicated ideas and concepts. They also direct students to other resources that can benefit our learning. These professors influence me the most because they teach me how to be a critical and open-minded thinker.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class so far has been Game Development III. This class has a unique approach to learning that deepens my appreciation for how my favorite games work. Instead of building your own game from scratch, this class emphasizes how other games work and why they are fun to play. As well as typical assignments, this class has a GameJam, a game development competition. I had the most fun in this class because I challenged myself to explore new concepts I had never worked with before.”

Toughest class

“One of the toughest classes I have taken so far is Computer Organization. I had to learn how to adapt to a new programming language and apply it to new concepts and techniques I was unfamiliar with. Although I dealt with many challenges throughout my time in this class, I still enjoyed taking it. I learned a lot about myself and how computers work at the most basic level.”

Campus involvement

“Carthage has many different opportunities to get involved on campus and really grow as a student. There are hundreds of clubs to choose from, and you can play a great part in socializing and leading activities. I am involved in several activities and clubs on campus, especially the Carthage Activities Board (CAB). CAB’s atmosphere is very welcoming and full of fun, and we are involved in hosting many of the exciting events happening on campus. Other clubs I am involved in are Art Club, First Generation Club, and Best Buddies.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spots on campus are the iconic red Adirondack chairs that are all over the campus. Many of these chairs face a stunning view of the lake, and I find myself using them as a nice place to relax or study.”

Favorite memory

“One of my favorite Carthage memories is from the Kick-Off events at the start of every new school year. There were lots of fun and amazing activities to do, like a carnival, and it is where I made so many of my friends. It’s an event I look forward to attending every year.”

Best study tip

“A study tip that I think is important is to talk to your professors! They are great resources for information and wisdom, and they’ve dedicated so much of their time and passion for learning and teaching their subjects. They are always more than happy to help you if you’re struggling. There are also excellent on-campus resources, like peer tutoring and the Brainard Writing Center, for additional help.”

Best tip for making friends

“One of the best ways to make friends at Carthage is just by striking up a conversation with anyone about anything and everything. You never know who you’ll meet, and it’s always nice to see a friendly and familiar face on the first day of a new class. There are many clubs and activities on campus that suit specific hobbies and interests, majors, and personal values.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“If 8-year-old me could see me now, they would be absolutely blown away! At that age, I was simply a player of the video games that I grew up loving, and now, I am a student of those same games. I have learned so much about the energy and involvement it takes to craft wonderful games, as well as the innovative ideas in software development that revolutionize the industry in so many ways. Eight-year-old me would be so proud of how far we’ve come and be impatient having to wait ten more years before they can get their hands on my most recent successful projects.”