Student Spotlight: Chad Schwinghammer - Recipient of TLI Scholars Initiative 2022

This week's spotlight is on Chad Schwinghammer! Chad is one of the first recipients of the TLI Scholars Initiative, a scholarship program that TLI just launched this year.  Chad will start TLI's MS in Security Technologies program in the fall. He is an IT Strategy Consultant at Loffer Companies in Bloomington, MN. Chad primarily works with vCISO and vCIO engagements with clients around the Midwest. Congratulations, Chad, and welcome to TLI!

Fun facts about Chad:

• He lives in Edina with his wife, two sons, and their 13-year-old black lab
• He earned his bachelor's degree from Saint John's University in 1992
• He's an avid reader and enjoys playing tennis
• Chad's favorite hobby is travelling with his family

Check out the interview below and find out Chad's dream about pursuing a graduate degree, what this scholarship means to him, and what he's looking forward the most in his new career journey.

- What attracted you to the MSST program?

I have always been interested in pursuing a graduate degree but the timing has never been right for one reason or another. I was almost ready to give up on the dream entirely. As my career began to take me more deeply into the world of Information Security a couple of years ago, I realized that there is still much for me to learn and began exploring my options. I was looking for a high-caliber program at a local institution where I would have a cohort of other people from the area. The ST program met my criteria perfectly. I like the focus on the leadership, governance and management of Information Security versus the more technical aspects of it. It fits in well with the work I do with my clients.

- How do you think the scholarship will help you to achieve your goals?

Even after being accepted to the program, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that I was going to be able to make the financial commitment to enroll. The scholarship was the help I needed to get me over the hump.

- What are you looking forward to in this program?

I’m looking forward to being a part of a cohort and meeting people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. I’m confident the program will enhance the depth and breadth of my knowledge in Information Security. Once I’ve completed the program, I will be proud to have earned a Master’s degree from an outstanding university.

Thank you, Chad, for sharing your story with us, and good luck on your new career journey!