Southwestern Adventist University entered a new era in the computer age nearly three decades ago when BTI/8000 mini-computer, affectionately named Trixie Pearl, arrived on campus. Trixie Pearl quickly made herself useful—soon she was involved in almost every aspect of administrative and student life. She was used for recruiting, admissions, registration, academic records, financial aid, alumni and donor records, payroll, the library card catalog, and faculty grade books. Students also used Trixie Pearl for writing term papers, resumes, letters, homework, airing opinions, exchanging electronic mail, and learning the joys and frustrations peculiar to using computers.

Trixie Pearl retired from Southwestern, shutting down operations on June 17,1991, and moved to New Jersey. Southwestern installed a new and improved computer system to carry on in her place. Steve Sowder, Southwestern’s director of computer services for many years, and those who worked with Trixie Pearl established a scholarship in her name.

Scholarship award requirements

This scholarship is awarded to students majoring or minoring in computer science.

Student Recipients 

2020-2021-James Reynolds

2019-2020 -James Reynolds

2018-2019 -Jennifer Orellana

2017-2018 - Elizabeth Nieves

2015-2016 - George Pritchett

2014-2015 - Rosendo Dimas

2013-2014 - Branislav Muntag

2012-2013 - Lorenzo Martinez

2011-2012 - Simeon Burns 

2010-2011 - Dennis Ramsarran