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"Legendary" Nexus Cybersecurity Graduate Returns to Synovus Center to Inspire Others

Recent TSYS School Nexus cybersecurity graduate "Rose" Huirui Washington is described as "a legend" by her professors and peers because she secured a full-time job in cybersecurity after only her first semester in the program. On top of that, she finished the program while on the job. The professional title Rose holds is Alternate Information System Security Officer at Fort Moore.  In this role she assists the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) with new hiring security procedures and CAC card application processes, deploys the Egnyte file-sharing solution to provide seamless and secure collaboration among organizations, and monitors, identifies and reports security violations to government functional managers, among many other responsibilities. Other items on Rose's CV are also associated with legendary status. Prior to earning the Nexus degree in cybersecurity from the TSYS School in December of 2023, Rose earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from CSU in 2013, graduating with a 3.96 GPA, as an inductee into Phi Kappa Phi, and being named CSU's outstanding chemistry major. Six years later, in 2019, she earned a master's degree in applied computer science, graduating with a 3.86 GPA and as the holder of the Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. In terms of prior professional experience, Rose has been owner/operator of Simply Savory Sushi and SteakOut.
     Rose made a recent trip to the Synovus Center on CSU's main campus to encourage the current students, share the Nexus community spirit, and give tips on success in (and after) the program. According to Patrick Aiken, Director of the TSYS Center for Cybersecurity, "[It is always] heartwarming and encouraging to see our graduates giving back to this program that helped them change their lives. Makes me realize we are doing something special and unique at CSU." Cohort 10 students were also enthused by Rose's recent visit, with Daniel Kunze stating, "As someone coming from a similar service industry background, [her] journey and dedication in the cybersecurity field truly inspired me." Another Nexus student, Julia Grimes, added, "I always love hearing the different backgrounds and experiences everyone has before they entered the program. And just like all of us, they struggled and then persevered." Aiken echoed Grimes, "It's all that hard work and focused effort that prepares students to hit the ground running when they finish the program. Struggle, perseverance, and even temporary failure are part of that experience that leads determined students to their goals."

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