We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Susan Dean CCSC Distinguished Service Award recipient is Dr. Mark Hoffman awarded at the CCSC Annual Business Meeting on March 22, 2024, in Portland, OR, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the success of CCSC:NE conferences and unwavering dedication to Computer Science education. Professor Hoffman’s dedication and tireless efforts over a decade have significantly impacted the CCSC:NE organization, fostering a welcoming environment for attendees and contributing to the success of numerous conferences.
Dr. Hoffman was was unable to be at the CCSC Annual Business Meeting in Portland to accept this award. It was presented to him at the CCSC Northeastern Conference on April 12, 2024.
Mark Hoffman
Mark’s involvement with CCSC:NE began even before joining the board in 2013. His leadership and organizational skills were evident when he volunteered to host the highly successful 2012 conference at Quinnipiac University. This conference boasted a record attendance of 285, including a vibrant student presence in the programming contest and poster competition. This early initiative showcased Mark’s commitment to fostering student participation in CCSC:NE events.
Recognizing his potential, Mark was nominated and joined the CCSC:NE Board in 2013. He also took on the crucial role of Registration Chair, a position he has held with distinction ever since. There are many challenges associated with conference registration, particularly for student teams in the programming contest, and Mark handled them with grace. His dedication is evident in his efforts to streamline the process using ConfTool software and addressing specific issues related to student registration. His meticulous planning and problem-solving skills have minimized registration issues, allowing conference organizers to focus on other aspects.
Beyond his role as Registration Chair, Mark actively contributes to board meetings and discussions, fostering a collaborative spirit within CCSC:NE. Colleagues praise his dependability and willingness to go the extra mile, ensuring smooth conference operations. For example, a colleague highlights Mark’s invaluable contribution in speeding up the check-in process, significantly enhancing the attendee experience.
Mark’s commitment extends beyond the mechanics of registration. He has actively participated in numerous conferences as a reviewer, author, presenter, panelist, and committee member. He consistently attends board meetings and conferences, fostering a strong sense of community within CCSC:NE. Furthermore, he has played a key role in bringing new members into the organization, ensuring its continued growth and vitality.
Mark Hoffman exemplifies the spirit of service that this award recognizes. His dedication to CCSC:NE has ensured smooth conference operations, fostered a welcoming environment for attendees, and significantly contributed to the organization’s success. CCSC is proud to present Mark Hoffman with the prestigious Susan Dean Distinguished Service Award for 2024.