Welcome! This 2015 December issue of ACM Inroads is longer than a typical issue and contains very interesting articles. In addition to the excellent insights (columns) and features (e.g., EduBits, Back Page, and Spotlight) from our faithful authors, we have a remarkable presentation on the way industry has influenced a computing curriculum in Russia, and the second part of a special section on the CS10K project. This issue should be a keepsake for future reference.

The article on the evolution of a computing program in Russia is noteworthy, showing how the current computer science program at Petrozavodsk State University evolved over the years by addressing the needs of its local industries. The fascinating cooperation between commerce and academia has led to a very robust and modern curriculum. As a result, the program and the university have garnered a reputation of excellence in the region and the country. Moreover, as the article points out, the resulting program is in close harmony with the CS2013 curricula recommendations endorsed by ACM and IEEE. Other computer science programs should consider mapping their own curricula following the method detailed in this article.

I am delighted to report that this issue of ACM Inroads contains the second part of the two-part sequel under the CS10K rubric. The first part, presented in the 2015 September issue, focused on the "Exploring Computer Science" course; this second part addresses the ongoing "Computer Science Principles" project. Once again, Quincy Brown and Amy Briggs, guest editors for both parts, have piloted this formal dissemination of the CS10K initiative, assembling an exciting collection of a dozen thought-provoking articles that focus on the National Science Foundation's CS10K project, under development since 2009. The project has stimulated many new initiatives including an eighty-one million dollar grant for schools in New York City [1]. These informative articles will not disappoint.

For me, it is time to say "Good-bye" as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of ACM Inroads, a position I've held since its inception in 2010. As the founding EIC, it has been a long, but rewarding journey. I trust that this ACM window to the world has made a lasting contribution to computing education worldwide. Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued dedication of the regular Inroads authors and of the many contributing authors over the years. This issue also marks the last insight and the last activities as associate editor for Lisa Kaczmarczyk, whose dedication to this publication goes back to its inception. Thanks, Lisa! Allow me to point you to her Percolations (p. 31), where she reflects on how life and computing education has changed during her tenure. To all Inroads contributors past and present, I extend a heartfelt thanks for your time and your efforts.

I take this opportunity to introduce to you my successors: co-EIC Mark Bailey and Laurie Smith King. Mark and Laurie are excited about their new roles and the future of the publication. Transitioning as EIC is not always easy, so please reach out and give them your support.

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Mark Bailey
Co-EIC, ACM Inroads
[email protected]

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Laurie Smith King
Co-EIC, ACM Inroads
[email protected]

I bid you farewell and wish all of you many pleasant computing educational experiences and journeys.

Warm wishes,

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John Impagliazzo
Editor-in-Chief

References

[1] New York Times, New York City; http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/16/nyregion/de-blasio-to-announce-10-year-deadline-to-offer-computer-science-to-all-students.html?emc=eta1&_r=0. Accessed 2015 October 22.

Copyright held by author.

The Digital Library is published by the Association for Computing Machinery. Copyright © 2015 ACM, Inc.

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