Association for Computing Machinery - Valparaiso University

Our Mission

The Valparaiso University Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter advances computing as both a science and a profession, guided by the highest professional and ethical standards. We align our chapter’s activities with the mission of the international ACM society, fostering the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among students.

What we do

We bring students together through events that explore computing in all its forms — from coding challenges and hackathons to interdisciplinary talks and community outreach.

Coding Challenges

Description: Engage in fun coding contests that test your skills and creativity.

Events: Code Golf, Hackathon, Hour of Code

Professional Development

Description: Enhance your professional skills and build your profile through talks and workshops.

Events: Grad School Night, Resume Night, Coding Interview Night, Job/Internship Night

Computing Discussions

Description: Explore computing technologies through interactive discussions and talks.

Events: Linux Night, Scripting Showcase, Blockchain Night, AI Night

Interdisciplinary Talks

Description: Discover how computing intersects with other fields through talks by campus professors.

Events: Solar Energy and Computing, AI Generated Music & the Future of Creativity, Exploring LLMs

Community Outreach

Description: Engage the community and share your love of computing through hands-on activities.

Events: Valpo Robotics Maker Faire, Student Involvement Fair, Haunted Science Lab

Valpo ACM E-Board Members

Profile photo of Mason Tulacz

President
Mason Tulacz

Major: Computer Science

Profile photo of Sam Thyen

Vice-President
Sam Thyen

Major: Computer Science

Profile photo of Cheyann Odle

Secretary
Cheyann Odle

Majors: Data Science & Chemistry

Profile photo of Max Kotelnikov

Treasurer
Max Kotelnikov

Majors: Computer Science & Data Science & Mathematics

Profile photo of Nick Rosasco

Advisor
Professor Nick Rosasco

Spring 2026 Events

1) Fruitful Voids and Gardens of Forking Paths: Interactive Narratives in Games

Featuring Professor Buinicki

TBD

TBD

TBD

Event Description:

Let's discuss similarities and differences between traditional storytelling and game narratives, including the importance of branching storylines and player agency.

Our Projects

Photo of the  project

Valpo ACM Game

Contributors Eric Yager, Ethan Hawk, Nathan Harmon, Alex Luke, Spencer Gannon, Matthew Spivey, Jace Nowacki
Project Description A simplistic top-down shooter game based on retro games like Space Invaders.
GitHub