SHPE - Winter 2008 - (Page 62) ADVISOR CORNER T By Leilani Rangel mental workshops in freshman/sophomorelevel math, physics and engineering courses. During his time at UIC, he introduced two summer outreach programs; the number of students pursuing advanced degrees in engineering increased; student visits to MERRP’s services quadrupled; and graduation rates doubled. Eventually he was appointed director of the Cooperative Engineering Education Program where he led efforts to improve the student/corporate relationship and the overall effectiveness of the program. Favila’s advising strategy is simply to harness SHPE’s strengths to help students complete their education and pursue leadership development opportunities. At Notre Dame, the key is rallying all members, regardless of their shade of Hispanicity, around their common interests: a passion for social responsibility, a commitment to academic excellence, a need for camaraderie and a desire to network. All these elements came into play in May 2006 when eight senior members graduated and left the chapter small and devoid of experienced leaders. Hanging in the balance was the success of the chapter’s most celebrated community service event, Science Extravaganza, which invites local elementary students to participate in hands-on activities on campus. The challenge was just the type of leadership development opportunity Favila relishes. “He helped me become a better student Diversity at the Fighting Irish SHPE’s ‘Shades of Hispanicity’ Dispel Misconceptions W ell-known as a private, Catholic university with a die-hard football tradition and the varsity moniker, “Fighting Irish,” the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, is counted among the most elite, all-American institutions of higher education. With such a reputation, it’s no wonder that its name isn’t synonymous with diversity. Nevertheless, it’s also home to a unique blend of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers members united in their determination to dispel such misconceptions. Established in the mid 1990’s, the combined SHPE/Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) chapter at Notre Dame currently consists of 30 students who represent about 40 percent of the overall Hispanic engineering population on campus. “Many of our students are first generation,” said chapter advisor Ivan Favila, director of the Minority Engineering Program and assistant director of Academic Programs with the College of Engineering, “but due to the nature of the university, we also have many students that have a certain legacy and attachment with Notre Dame.” As a result, SHPE-ND members comprise Hispanics of all shades, from first generation students who have strong Spanish accents to those whose parents and grandparents were born in the United States and whose Spanish is a little rusty. While such differences can be polarizing issues among Hispanics, and even some SHPE members, it’s not the case at Notre Dame. “There are certain things that you can’t take away from a student, and being Hispanic is certainly one of them,” Favila continued. “You also can’t take away from the fact that we need more representation in engineering and here at this campus.” As a former student leader and one who has spent his career increasing minority representation in the technical sciences, Favila speaks from experience. His SHPE involvement began in 1990 while studying for his B.S. in general engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his tenure as 62 student chapter president, he tripled membership, designed successful programs that are still in place today and helped found two other Hispanic organizations on campus. After graduation, Favila volunteered with the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education (CAHSEE), serving as an instructor, trainer, site director and associate director. Prior to joining Notre Dame three years ago, Favila worked with the Minority Engineering Recruitment and Retention Program (MERRP) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering. He advised students on academic, technical, interpersonal and professional issues, taught engineering orientation courses and facilitated supple- Advisor Favila engages NSBE and SHPE leaders in building diversity at Notre Dame. SHPE R Winter 2008 Matt Cashore
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