CATLab Blog

2024 CATLab Creative Team Member Julia Lottes reflects on how she expresses her authentic identity in both art and business.

As a graphic designer, I often experience the tension of being stuck between two worlds: the art world and the business world. Being a graphic artist means most of your work is done on a computer and saved to a cloud. You design, and redesign, and redesign again. 

In this blog, CATLab Director of Engineering Mike Ryu reflects on the 2024 CATLab summer and authenticity online.

A little while ago, when my wife searched “LinkedIn” on her phone, this came up. Her phone, for some reason, had categorized the app as a “Role Playing Game.” In the moment, I felt that this silly bug had poignantly summarized my (now-outdated) perception of LinkedIn.

Westmont’s transition to the NCAA Division II requires more than just stellar athletes, dedicated coaches, beautiful facilities, and robust programs. It also needs technology! Over the last year, the athletics department has partnered with CATLab and the CRM department to develop the technological infrastructure needed to make this huge transition.

Fascinated by technology and well-acquainted with adversity, Charles Ryu knows a thing or two about resilience. Born in North Korea, Charles escaped the country, not once, but twice. After his first attempt, Charles was placed in an internment camp, which he escaped again—eventually reaching the United States while still a minor. Despite not knowing English or having attended school since age 11, Charles graduated high school and eventually received a full scholarship to attend a coding bootcamp. 

Members of our CATLab team have a wide range of passions outside of their work with technology. In keeping with Westmont’s liberal arts tradition, CATLab prioritizes encouraging students to be well-rounded and providing space for reflection and art. Read on to hear from a CATLab student and staff member about how making music affects their lives.

By Zak Landrum; Adapted from 2022 CATLab Magazine

Know Your Why: Purpose First