MSU College of Engineering, students and faculty alike will spend their week competing in contests, helping with community service projects and listening to keynote speakers.
The theme “New Name, New Century, New Outlook,” describes National Engineers Week 2003.
“The purpose of E-Week is to make people aware of the importance engineering plays in society,” College of Engineering Dean Wayne Bennett said.
Bennett said that 70 to 80 percent of the 2,100 College of Engineering students will participate in this week’s activities. “Almost all of the 106 faculty members in the College of Engineering will be involved with the week’s activities by preparing students for competition and taking part in the competitons themselves,” Bennett said.
“The level of support the faculty take in student competition is amazing to me,” Bennett said.
During the week, engineering students will compete for the Best Major Award by engaging in several team-building activities that challenge them physically and intellectually. A point system will allow students to be rewarded for participation and skill.
Conrad Johnson, senior in mechanical engineering and co-chair of E-Week, said in a press release that E-Week is a time for everyone to relax, have fun and get to know everyone else in engineering.
The first event of the week involves students and faculty participating in a community project with Habitat for Humanity.
Every day students will compete on The Drill Field in compettitions such as the Knot Competition today at noon, the Triathlon at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and the Duct Tape Competitions and E-Olympics on Thursday at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. respectively.
Engineering students, as well as students from other colleges of MSU, will participate in research projects included in the week of competition.
“I think one of the neatest things is how all of the students get together–it is a challenging curriculum, and it is great to see them having fun,” Bennett said.
Students will also benefit from keynote speaker Dr. Barrie Richardson, author of “Theater of the Mind.” MSU alumnus Carmelo Bianca, who worked with NASA and participated in the Challenger accident investigation and redesign, will conclude the week’s events Feb. 21.
In addition, MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering will recognize 10 alumni with the Distinguished Fellow Award.
“I hope the week is an opportuntiy for students to improve themselves and their outlook on engineering careers and become even more aware of roles they will play in our society,” Bennett said.