A marriage built on love and computer science

The love and support of a spouse has seen Erik and Natalie Lowell through college and now to graduation. Whether it was reminding each other of upcoming deadlines or keeping each other on task while working on a project, the couple has worked hard together and will now graduate together.

The love and support of a spouse has seen Erik and Natalie Lowell through college and now to graduation. Whether it was reminding each other of upcoming deadlines or keeping each other on task while working on a project, the couple has worked hard together and will now graduate together. They’ve even joked about buying one cap and gown to share for the commencement ceremony. On May 12, Erik and Natalie will receive B.S. degrees in computer information systems; Erik will also collect a B.S. in accountancy. The Lowells attended DISC (Department of Information Systems Club) meetings together and participated in community service projects together. Erik has even been known to sit nearby while Natalie attended a Women in STEM meeting. “It's been great. We've been able to support each other because we know the other one's struggles and we can fully appreciate each other's triumphs. We don't have to feel alone during school,” Erik said. The couple met during a church mission experience in Peru. They realized they were both considering ASU for college and off they went, together.

They got married in their sophomore year, during midterms — a decision Natalie declared unwise. Her professor and the students in her group were supportive, but one of her projects was due the week after the wedding. Natalie said the preparation and work for both was too much. “I did not think it would be a big deal to get married in the middle of the semester because a wedding only lasts for half the day — boy was I wrong! I definitely do not suggest people get married in the middle of the semester,” she said.

Guidance from an alum

Choosing a CIS focus was not on the radar for Natalie and Erik. Natalie was planning to go into web design and Erik had chosen accounting. It was Natalie’s brother, Robert McKay, a W. P. Carey alumnus, who introduced the couple to the CIS program and the many career opportunities in the field. “As I spoke with Natalie about the different options available to her I pointed out that the tech industry was in search of intelligent and hardworking women that could bring in a different point of view and change the industry for the better,” McKay said. When McKay graduated in 2011 with B.S. degrees in supply chain management and CIS he was the Outstanding Graduation Senior for the Department of Information Systems. He returned to W. P. Carey to earn the Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) in 2014. Now he’s working at the American Express Co. as an engineer in the company’s security division, specifically identity and access management. McKay’s advice to his sister and brother-in-law: no matter what the setbacks are in life, don’t give up. “Life can offer many challenges that might seem insurmountable at the time, but by pressing forward, goals that are realized not only effectuate amazing change and growth in yourself, but others along the way,” he said.

Erik will return to W. P. Carey after graduation to earn his master’s degree in accounting in preparation for the certified public accountant exam. Accounting represents a fork in the road, because Erik originally set out to be a Spanish teacher. Instead he chose accounting, and after taking Accounting 444 he realized the importance of CIS across the business disciplines and decided to double major. Erik, a Las Vegas native, was looking at a couple business schools and ultimately decided on W. P. Carey because of the business school’s stellar reputation, and the fact that Natalie was enrolled helped his decision. He saw a difference in the teaching style and the way the courses prepare students for the working world. “There is a big difference between getting good grades and learning. I remember in high school and in some lower level college courses, I was able to get the grades without exactly learning,” Erik said. “Such was not the case at ASU. You need to learn to get the grades, and that is really a good thing. What we learn is what we take to the workplace. The grades just stay on the transcript.”

Favorite teachers

Many professors have left a lasting impression on Erik. Chris Olsen and Kathleen Moser guided both Erik and Natalie throughout their college years. That extra time and effort didn’t go unnoticed, Natalie said. “Sometimes I see how far a W. P. Carey faculty member goes to help Erik, and I’d take them cookies afterwards to thank them,” she said. “There are many reasons we are grateful to so many faculty members here at ASU, and it means that much more when we see them helping our spouse.” Natalie, who is a southern California native, said many of her professors challenged her in class and were supportive, even outside of class. ”In my time at ASU each class has stretched me, and I have had the best teachers,” Natalie said. “The faculty here really does care and they are good people. This is something I plan to take with me if I ever find myself struggling to enjoy assignments in my future job.”

Natalie is currently working at the Vanguard Group and will stay there after graduation. She said her CIS degree can take her anywhere. For example, she could work in the medical field and help people without being a doctor or nurse. “The sky is the limit when you pick this major,” she said. A valuable lesson Natalie learned during her time in college is to embrace what you think holds you back and turn it into a tool for growth. “I was pleasantly surprised at how much more enjoyable my experiences were at school when I learned to work with whatever I struggled with,” she said. “Your weaknesses can become your strengths if you are willing to work with things instead of against them.”