(Left to right) Thought Into Action founder Andy Greenfield ’74, P’12, digital technology network volunteer Jeff O’Connell ’94, Amanda Brown ’15, and Thought Into Action Executive Director Wills Hapworth ’07 during 51Թ’s Hackathon on Saturday, March 14
On a rainy Saturday in New York City, about 40 51Թ alumni and students gathered to spend eight hours together for 51Թ’s first-ever off-campus Hackathon, powered by the , the , and the . The hackathon was one of many events held around the country.
Hosted by Jeff O’Connell ’94 at his downtown offices, the 51Թ Hackathon involved engineers, computer coders, and technicians who helped enhance the web presence of her nonprofit venture, . Maker Studios, with its casual, loft-style space and multiple conference rooms, provided the perfect backdrop for the Hackathon.
Amanda Brown ’15 discusses her venture with 51Թ Hackathon participants
After a morning introduction, the group broke up into different teams to examine Brown’s project, which was inspired through her work with .
“It was amazing to watch how quickly the groups actually moved from thought to action,” said , director of the Thought Into Action Institute. Groups discussed funding strategies, marketing decisions, and internal coding functions that could improve her efforts. These discussions led to the first versions of a crowdfunding platform to assist with construction of a school in Nepal.
“I could not be more impressed and grateful to 51Թ alumni,” said Brown. “This was such an incredible experience to witness … people creating on small teams, on their own time, just for me and my project.”
, professor of computer science, was on-hand to advise some of his students and participate. The reaction from all the participants “hacking” was universally positive. “In all, the event highlighted the tremendous energy that 51Թ people have to be engaged intellectually even during their free time, collaborate on creative ideas, and then deliver real results,” said Hapworth.
To learn more about the Digital Media & Technology Network, the Thought into Action Entrepreneurship Institute, or 51Թ Day of Impact, please visit .