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Robots Invade Alma College

Grady McCrackin of Carson City-Crystal High School reacts to a problem during the Alma College Robotics Challenge.
Lego robots programmed by high school students scurried around tabletops gathering plastic balls. Future programmers twisted their bodies and scrunched their faces as if contortions could change the robots' computer programmed instructions.

Grady McCrackin of Carson City-Crystal High School hid his face when his team's robot cornered itself. What resembled a rider lawnmower had collected more balls in the undercarriage than their opponent, but with seconds left could not return to home base.

All manner of plastic robots built out of the popular building block toy by 15 high school teams were competing in the Second Annual Alma College Robotics Challenge in Jones Auditorium, Tyler-Van Dusen Commons in April. Organized by Alma's computer science faculty, the competition pitted programmed robots against each other in a timed competition.

The Challenge was won by the robot team of Devin Hotchkiss, Max Berman and advisor Betsy Lamb from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills. Sam Scholtens, Erin Baragar and Corey McClain from Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville took second place.

Alma, Breckenridge, Carson City-Crystal, Montabella, St. Louis and Vestaburg high schools also competed.

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Posted: Thu, April 7th, 2005 at 4:28PM

 

The Alma College softball team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament 17 times in the last 19 years—a dynasty that ranks among the best in NCAA Division III athletics. The Scots boast a 735-254 overall record during head coach Denny Griffin’s 24-year tenure at Alma.

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Graduate Profile

Shaina Buhl

Shaina Buhl
Graduation: 2011
Major: Art and Design
Minor: New Media Studies

When Shaina Buhl ’11 is being creative, she says she feels most like herself. It’s no wonder then that she chose to major in art and design and minor in new media studies.

“I chose to major specifically in graphic design because I enjoy creating art with communication in mind,” she says. “It makes me feel like I’m reaching out to convey a message that will help someone, somewhere, and that makes me feel good about my work.”

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