At the risk of talking down to some readers, let me point out that C/C++ and M have to do with computer languages used to handle small and large database applications. In the PC Alamode Special Interest Group listing, C/C++ SIG is shown just ahead of Computer Literacy SIG. Like many of our members, my learnedness level leans far more to the latter. Bruce's mission is to rectify that for members interested in learning these languages, making them logically understandable without the sometimes daunting jargon that frequently is a part of self-help manual on the subject.

As he reminded me, many of our SIGs have been created in response to members’ requests to learn applications: WordPerfect or Lotus 123 for example. His mission as an Alamo PC volunteer is to ensure that the Alamo PC doors will always be open for the learning and development of programming skills. He emphasizes that these SIGs work best when there is a nucleus of regular attendees…a network…a fellowship of sorts — of people who share a common interest: advancing their knowledge and skills in programming language technology. Their backgrounds diverse: full-time database programmer, college professor, microbiologist, junior high school student, to name a few.

Programming language SIGs have been around since before the formal beginning of what we now call the Alamo PC Organization. Since the 80s, Bruce was a member of such a group which, in the early 90s, merged into APCO and formed the infamous Food SIG. “Friendships in the Food SIG are really durable,” says Bruce, “Some go back 18 to 20 years.” A C group, or SIG, was already in place when Bruce became an Alamo PC member in 1991. It has simply continued its evolution since then, reinvigorated, inviting other dedicated members who would like to network with them along a journey of perhaps 18 months at a stretch, learning advanced techniques. Meanwhile, our best wishes to Bruce and his fiancee for the personal journey they are about to undertake!