November 10, 2005 == MEDIA ADVISORY
Calvin College sophomore computer science major E.J. Dyksen is one of five
national grand prize winners in Microsoft Corporation's Start Something Amazing
Awards.
Dyksen is in Redmond, Washington, today with the other winners for a meeting
with Bill Gates at Microsoft headquarters.
The contest recognizes people who use Microsoft systems and software to pursue
their passions.
"In my case," says Dyksen, an East Lansing native, "my passion is comedy."
His essay and video clip, spotlighting Calvin's new student sketch comedy
group LaughterHouse Five, was selected from among thousands of entries in the
awards' "Memories" category.
The value of Dyksen's grand prize is estimated at $20,000, including an
all-expenses paid trip to a movie premiere in either New York or Los Angeles
with first-class airfare, accommodations for two nights, and $500 spending
money. Dyksen also receives a $5,000 technology package of Microsoft-based
products including a Windows XP Media Center Edition PC and a Tablet PC.
But Dyksen, the son of Calvin graduates Wayne and Marcia Dyksen (Wayne Dyksen
is a Michigan State computer science professor), says the meeting with Gates is
priceless. He admires the software magnate not only for his acumen as a
business icon, but for his philanthropy as well.
"The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in
the world," says Dyksen, "big on health issues, especially for children, and on
technology in education."
For the full story, including a pic of Dyksen and a link to the Microsoft
contest site, see:
http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/dyksen.htm
Contact Dyksen at 616-526-1316 or ejd7@calvin.edu
-end-
Received on Thu Nov 10 13:02:12 2005
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.8 : Thu Nov 10 2005 - 13:02:12 EST