Once again highlighting that Temple University is at the forefront in its use of technology, vice president for computer and information Services Timothy O’Rourke has been named one of the Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2004. O'Rourke is also an adjunct accounting faculty member in The Fox School.

O’Rourke is the University’s second recipient of the award in the past three years, making Temple the only academic institution to have more than one honoree since the award’s inception in 2000. John DeAngelo, associate dean for information technology for Temple’s Fox School of Business and Management, was honored in 2002.

The Premier 100 IT Leaders award is presented annually by IDG’s Computerworld magazine and honors executives who show exemplary technology leadership in resolving pressing business problems, as well as demonstrate the ability to foster creativity and challenging work environments, envision fresh approaches to business challenges and efficiently manage information technology (IT) investments.

O’Rourke was selected from nearly 600 nominees who were measured against
Computerworld’s IT Leadership Index, a set of characteristics that describes executives who guide the effective use of IT in their organizations. The honorees were also evaluated by Computerworld’s editors and a panel of past Premier 100 recipients.

O’Rourke, who came to Temple as controller in 1984 and served in that position until being named vice president for computer and information services in September 2002, says that his staff deserves much of the recognition for the award.

“Temple University has a great computer services staff and it’s been a real honor working with them,” said O’Rourke. “This award is a reflection of their abilities, their hard work, their dedication, and their loyalty to Temple and making this University a real technology-savvy institution.

“They have put Temple at the forefront of university technology. We don’t take second place to anyone in the country, and we’re proud of that,” he added. “It’s been a great job managing them for the past year.”

Under O’Rourke’s leadership, Temple has accomplished a wide range of technology initiatives and upgrades, including:

• Completion of a $17 million telecommunications upgrade, which included the installation of a new PBX for processing the University’s telephone calls, upgrading the core network backbone to gigabit capacity and providing 100Mbps to the desktop.

• Implementation of an enterprise-wide e-mail system. This project consolidated Temple’s 11 different e-mail systems onto one fully functional platform. More than 45,000 accounts were successfully migrated.

• Installation of Internet2. Every Ethernet port on campus is now connected to the new Internet2 network.

• Upgrade of Temple’s course management system and installation of a University portal. As one of the largest users of Blackboard, Temple upgraded its Blackboard system and implemented a University portal to allow students to sign in all the University systems with a single ID and password.

• The creation of a computer recycling center to efficiently manage the University’s old computer equipment. Old computers are now redeployed within the University or disposed of in accordance with proper environmental guidelines.

• Implementation of wireless connectivity throughout campus. A free loaner laptop program was initiated this year at the Student Center, where students can surf the Web and check their e-mail.

• Opening of a 24-hour computer lab. To accommodate student schedules, the main computer lab on campus is now open 24 hours daily during the fall and spring semesters.

• Appointment of a security professional to protect the University network and its computers and develop a network security policy. Also, in accordance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a comprehensive information security program was developed and implemented.

“Our Premier 100 list honors those who’ve had a positive impact on their IT groups and their companies during some of the toughest times in years,” said Maryfran Johnson, editor-in-chief of Computerworld. “They lead people and projects to success. They’re adept communicators who are ‘bilingual’ in tech-speak and business talk. But most significantly, they’re still willing to take risks in these highly risk-averse times.”

The award will be presented to O’Rourke at a three-day conference, March 5-7, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, California.