Empowered Maker Challenge Transforms St. Edward Campus Into Hub of Innovation and Collaboration

Last weekend, the EmpowerED Maker Challenge turned our campus into a vibrant hub of collaboration. Partnering with individuals who use a wheelchair, Edsmen joined forces with seasoned engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to design solutions aimed at positively impacting their partners’ quality of life.

The event truly embodied our Holy Cross mission as students merged classroom knowledge with a passion for addressing complex challenges in service to others. Notably, they worked not just for those in need but with them, a mindset that contributed to the challenge’s overwhelming success.

The innovative solutions developed during the challenge included:

• TEAM HANNAH introduced the "Claw" for independent door handling, empowering Hannah to grasp and pull both door knobs and handles.
• TEAM TIM C. delivered a gaming setup tailored to Tim's needs, featuring an Xbox Adaptive Controller and a custom mount for his Windows tablet.
• TEAM DONNA implemented sensors for hazard awareness and safety on Donna's wheelchair, alerting her to nearby hazards through vibration feedback.
• TEAM SEAN developed software for phone use via Sean's communications device and crafted a more secure phone mount.
• TEAM BREANNA created a custom tray for Breanna's wheelchair, providing a workspace and storage area to address her mobility challenges.
• TEAM TIM S. designed a cup holder, phone holder, and a storage solution for Tim’s wheelchair armrests.
• TEAM SARA innovated a stable mount for Sara's catheter pump on her wheelchair, ensuring stability across all motion ranges.

A special acknowledgment goes to Computer Science Teacher Anthony Mortimer for coordinating this impressive event, showcasing the transformative power of teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved for their efforts in redefining possibilities and improving lives.

Faculty & Staff: Colin Bocan ’20, Lisa Depasquale-Mortimer, Dan Humphrey, Richard Rupanovic ’89, Erin Schilf, Phil Singh ’85

Partners: Youth Challenge, Balance Innovation, Cleveland State University, and Leimkuehler Prosthetics; with additional support from Choollah

Alumni: Paul Leimkuehler ’06, Dmitry Lipert ’23, Tommy Lombardo ’18, and Tim Sikora ’07

Students: Peter Barendt ’26, Tommy Bell ’24, Luke Beals ’25, MT Polca ’25, James Cristino ’24, Alex Duenas ’25, Gavin Dubinsky ’27, Andrew Elturk ’24, William Day ’25, Vinh Lai ’25, Reniel Gall ’24, Joell Garcia ’24, Ryan Hammond ’25, Owen Hoelker ’25, Spencer Johnson ’24, Ryan Kulka ’24, Ethan Whitesell ’24, Sam Uva ’25, Roger McGowan ’25, Colton Mazey ’25, Hans Morscher ’25, Elijah Molseed ’26, Gavin McLaughlin ’24, George Nader ’24, Emmett O'Donnell ’27, Luke Arra ’25, Heri Ramadhani ’25, Dante Scott ’25, James Sellers ’26, Gabe Valore ‘24, and Nick Zarlinga ’24