SHPE - Spring08 - (Page 62)

REGIONAL ROUNDUP That was only the beginning. This semester’s activities promise to keep that momentum going for UCF members. We began by cheering for our incredible intramural fútbol team and forming a flag football team. We also made arrangements with two local high schools to tutor our favorite subjects: Spanish and math. Members will also be speaking to elementary school children about the STEM fields and organizations such as SHPE. In addition to hosting the closing event for E-Week and a barbecue, SHPE-UCF also participated in a coed paintball battle and enjoyed reuniting with SHPE gente at ETCC. Submitted by Diana Ovadia Student Chapter Collegiate Liaison games, the members were glad to play and to have recreation while going through all the stressful activities of school. Submitted by Jose Carballo Student Chapter Social Relations Chairman University of Miami After a challenging fall semester, UM-SHPE President Annette Abadin sought help to make the next semester go above and beyond the chapter’s expectations. She looked to the past presidents of UM-SHPE , Cynthia Donna and Freddy Nava, to provide advice on strengthening the executive board. Freddy and Cynthia introduced an evaluation system in which each member of the board ranked one another on characteristics of value, performance, team contribution, morale and relationships. These evaluations showed the strengths and weaknesses of our chapter and helped identify areas in which to make improvements. Each board member also completed an evaluation of the president, Annette, in categories of preparedness, accessibility, communication, vision and influence. These ratings were definitely influential in motivating board members to make a difference this spring. While we will be working on our weaknesses, we will be taking full advantage of our strengths. Submitted by Fallon Sheppard Student Chapter Co-Publications Chair University of South Florida SHPE-USF is prepared for a very active year. Besides organizing Region VII’s RLDC, all the chapter officers are busy promoting SHPE to other Hispanic engineering students at USF. In addition to workshops and general meetings with interesting speakers, SHPE-USF also offers participation in recreational sports. Most members are active in some kind of sport. Two officers are in charge of getting the club involved with USF intramurals, including a favorite among Hispanics – soccer. In January, 40 members attended a tryout. They represented all class levels and engineering disciplines, and most of them were very active with the chapter. Everybody was enthusiastic about playing, and there are a lot of quality players among our members. Two nights a week during the next month were dedicated to fútbol. Similar to last year, many friends and schoolmates watched the games. Even if we lost some key to our abiding growth and development. This year, we are determined to collaborate with local high school students to inaugurate a new SHPE Jr. chapter. By establishing a network with the Hispanic engineers of tomorrow, we support and encourage their young minds toward a successful future. Through this venture, SHPE-SPSU hopes to create a means for Latinos to increase their opportunities for higher education while preserving our unique heritage. Along with the new challenges ahead, this semester’s social events will offer numerous possibilities for new members. Our calendar consists of many engaging activities such as movie nights, a soccer tournament and dances. Working together toward a common goal is critical for our organization. By relying on our unwavering bond, our main purpose can be achieved. This year’s new resolutions will unleash great opportunities for the semester ahead! Submitted by Accioly Peterlini Student Chapter Treasurer Georgia Institute of Technology As a student professional organization, it is extremely important to establish and nourish relationships with companies in our region. These companies can offer employment opportunities to our graduating students and other valuable resources to our chapter. Most of our chapter’s funds come from corporate sponsors, many of whom participate in our activities. Employees of these sponsors come to campus to talk about their jobs and their experiences in order to help members develop as professionals. This year, SHPE-GT received a large amount of sponsorship and support from Delta Air Lines. Delta has hired a handful of members in the past and has participated in many activities ranging from general meetings to our annual career forum. In addition to monetary contributions, Delta has provided our members with airline tickets to attend conferences in Philadelphia and San Diego. Delta employees also have directed workshops on diverse topics such as teamwork and leadership development. Hopefully in the future we can develop relationships with other Atlanta-based companies that will help us to further improve our chapter. In return, we will provide a source for the best and brightest engineering employees. Submitted by Ana Maria Ortiz Student Chapter Director of Internal Programs SHPE R Spring 2008 Southern Polytechnic State University SHPE-SPSU launched the new year with the primary goals of increasing active membership and concentrating on community outreach. The continuing effort to strengthen our alliance is the Florida International University SHPE-FIU plans to host some interesting events this spring. Among them is the Science Bowl, a special event that involves the engineering community. Held at FIU’s engineering campus, it will provide fun activities related to engineering and science for local high school students. SHPE-FIU also hosted a barbecue during the university’s Engineers Week in February. In the professional ambit, a group of FIU students attended ETCC as well as RLDC, two of the most important conferences this semester. In support of SHPE’s mission to promote the professional SHPE-FIU’s spring calendar includes everydevelopment of its members, SHPE-FIU sponsored thing from professional development to the attendance of students at those conferences. community outreach. SHPE-FIU also sponsored students to attend the renowned “Bodies” exhibition which came to Miami in February. Finally, to foster social integration among chapter members, SHPE-FIU will be hosting a trip to the charming city of Key West, Florida. Submitted by Juan C. Guevara, Student Chapter Historian 62

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Spring08

SHPE - Spring08 Contents President’s Letter Browser Letters to the Editor Calendar of Events The Magic of Thinking BIG Five Steps to Easier Fundraising Designing Women ¡Viva Verde! The Education and Training of Ramon Flores Breakthroughs in Mobile Military Communications The Retention Doctor Success at School Begins at Home STAR Nominations Do Good Things Come to Those Who Wait? Programs & Services Regional Roundup Advertisers Index

SHPE - Spring08

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