Software development major Tripp Guinn stole the show at Lander University's 2nd Annual Computer Information Systems Showcase.
Guinn received a plaque from David Cline, owner of Piedmont Contract Manufacturing Group, "in recognition of outstanding professional service in the preparation and the launching of the company's new interactive website."
Guinn, a graduating senior from Elberton, Ga., performed the work during a recently completed internship with the company, which manufactures tubing and other plastic parts for the medical industry, including such major corporations as Johnson and Johnson, Abbott Laboratories and Siemens Healthcare.
"They wanted something really spectacular to show off their products, something that nobody else does," said Guinn, who earlier this year was named Lander's "Man of the Year."
Using product descriptions provided by the company, images by local photographer Jon Holloway and 3-D perspectives by himself, Guinn worked for several months to create a website that would be more user-friendly and have a brighter, cleaner design. Updating the company's search engine, to generate more inquiries by potential customers, was another part of the job.
According to Cline, he succeeded remarkably well.
"We've recently had success with people finding us on the web through the search engine that we had never had before. We've gotten some customers from this, so we think it's accomplished our goal."
He was recently contacted by a representative for a large German company that Piedmont CMG has been trying to establish a relationship with for five years, who said, "'Wow! You guys are pretty impressive. Please tell me more.' I mean, that's gold," Cline said.
While he was impressed with Guinn's skillset, Cline said he was more impressed with his "can-do" attitude, a trait he said "will distinguish you from most people."
Cline also had kind words to say about Lander.
"Obviously the education that was gained here had to have been first-class," he said.
Business Development Manager Tony Byrum, who oversaw Guinn's work, said that Piedmont CMG started a relationship with Lander in 2013 and has hired numerous Lander graduates.
"We have been extremely impressed with this institution," he said.