Daniel Wetherald

Class Year

’13

Hometown

Homer Glen, Ill.

Major(s)

Computer Science

Minor(s)

Physics

Dan Wetherald has seen a significant shift in his priorities since he first came to Carthage. At first, his focus was golf. Then he decided to participate in Carthage’s dual degree engineering program and major in physics.

Then he was introduced to computer science. “I decided to become a computer scientist because I had such a strong passion toward the subject,” Dan says.

He began developing iPhone applications and was eventually hired by the College to help develop applications for student use. His application, ShuttleTrak, is now used by students to track the Carthage Shuttle, which brings students to off-campus parking lots.

Since switching over to computer science, Dan has noticed a definite expansion of the department. He believes that the number of computer science majors has almost doubled in the past two or three years. But, he says, that doesn’t take away from the experiences that you get in the department.

“There are certainly enough classes and opportunities to learn anything you want to learn,” he said. “The program is mostly run by Mark Mahoney, and he has created a very personal-feeling program. He seems like more than just a teacher when it comes to anything you’re working on.”

Career goal

“To own my own business in the website industry.”

How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?

“Mark Mahoney is my favorite professor because he is a really intelligent person. He is always able to figure out problems that need to be solved, always able to help with your assignments and get your question solved, and will stay the extra hour to help you.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class was Database Management. We learned how to put together databases for back-end applications and I have been able to apply that to my own projects and I feel really strong in that aspect of the field. I really enjoyed designing databases for the applications that we would make for the front end of the project.”

Toughest class

“My toughest class by far is Data Structures. This is a very difficult class where you create data structures. There is a very complicated thought process that needs to go along with creating data structures.”

Favorite moments and memories at Carthage

“Some of my favorite moments: Creating the ShuttleTrak application, pledging Tau Sigma Phi, working in the Web Development Office, and being with my best friends that I met at Carthage that I will be close to for the rest of my life.”

Favorite spot on campus

“I have a favorite spot in the library where I always go to work on assignments or my own projects. It’s upstairs, in a chair that faces the vaulted ceiling over the basement, facing the baseball field. But when I’m hanging with friends, the new Student Union is an awesome place to be with your friends and work on projects in groups.”

Biggest surprise so far

“Seeing my own app in other students’ hands. It is a pretty cool feeling when you see all your hard work in other people’s hands from your community and see it solving a problem.”