Last week, the University of Houston Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) hosted its 2008 Engineers Week Reception & Program to celebrate how engineers "make a world of difference". The event is held annually during National Engineers Week to provide cash awards to engineering students and student organizations, while acknowledging generous corporate supporters.
"We are so fortunate to have the support of local engineering companies and organizations," said Cynthia Oliver Coleman (1971 BSChE), chair of the EWeek event. "Their support continues to provide numerous cash awards to engineering students to help pay for the rising cost of education. Each year, more and more students benefit from their generous support."
Forty-three students and two student organizations were awarded nearly $29,000 during the event, which attracted some 220 engineering alumni, faculty, staff, students and sponsors. Among the many sponsors were the UH Petroleum Engineering Advisory Board, FMC Technologies, BP Alternative Energy, ExxonMobil Women Engineer UH Alumni, Shell Oil Company, Bechtel, Fluor Corporation, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., UH Engineering Alumni Association, Baker Hughes, Bayer Technology Services, INTEC Engineering, Kalsi Engineering, Inc., Marathon Oil Company, Reliant Energy, Society of Women Engineers-Houston, TCB, Inc., and Traffic Engineers, Inc.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the EAA hosted an engineering outreach competition for student organizations to show how engineers make a difference in the community schools and non-profit organizations. Student organization participants this year included the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, the National Society of Black Engineers and the PROMES Action Committee. The PROMES Action Committee won 1st place in the competition and claimed the $1,000 prize, while Engineers Without Borders received $500 for second place.