NSBE - January/February 2008 - (Page 27)

international news A Walk for Education, Nigeria B y To l u l o p e M o r a y o O l u g b oj i I still remember the last words of my personal mission statement, culled from a quotation by Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund: “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” It is this inspiring philosophy that pushes me ahead in making active contributions to community and social service whenever the time affords. Last week, Oct. 12, 2007, was one such time that really warmed my heart, giving me the opportunity to service this passion of mine. The event was A Walk for NSBE–Nigeria (above) overcame numerous challenges to hold its successful A Walk for Education in October, at the Nigerian Military Sports Camp, Yaba, Lagos. NSBE–Ghana also made waves across the NSBE Education (AWFE), organized World, as its members marked NSBE Day and took A Walk for Education on April 21, 2007. by the National Society of Black Engineers. AWFE, an annual benefits of taking up careers in engitheir curiosity, their readiness to learn event, is organized internationally to neering. They asked very interesting and their raw, unbridled enthusiasm give college students the opportunity questions. was very renewing. To understand to interact with pre-college students in The event was a new lesson in social what I mean by renewing, you would secondary schools and encourage them service for me, and I know the kids have to imagine the look of satisfacto take up careers in science, technolwon’t forget their elder colleagues who tion on the face of an excited kid as I ogy, engineering and mathematics. took out time to help them make better explained “impossible” concepts to him For me, the Nigerian edition of the decisions on their educational careers. or her. Some of them got really excited Walk was a really interesting experiLesson learned: Inspire the change you as I talked about telecommunication ence. I got to interact with young want to see in the world, one kid at a engineering, nanotechnology, polymer students aged 12 to 16, from secondary time. ■ engineering, aeronautics and all of the schools in and around Lagos. Watching T Growing International Leaders through membership sessions and workshops. Topics will range from building chapter relationships to conference planning, among many others This event is free and will provide participants with the tools to take NSBE Nigeria to the next level. We encourage you to come out to this event when it reaches your area. Your NSBE leadership will be in attendance, and you should, too. The dates are as follows: Lagos – Feb. 14, 2008, 1–6:30 p.m. Ilorin – Feb. 5, 2008, 2:00–7:30 p.m. Enugu/Nsukka – Feb. 7, 2008, 1:00–6:30 p.m. Register now for the ILS! ■ • january/february he 2008 International Leadership Summit (ILS) will take place Feb. 3–7, making stops in three Nigerian cities: Lagos, Ilorin and Enugu/Nsukka. The Leadership Summit is designed to develop high-quality leaders and chapter operations and to establish the framework for the future success of NSBE Nigeria. The Summit has two main objectives: • To establish and maintain relationships with corporate, academic and government officials, through event collaboration, funding and in-kind sponsorships and/or meetings with their representatives at the event • To develop leadership, recruitment/retention and programs enhancement of members and chapters, www.nsbe.org 2008 • 27 http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - January/February 2008

NSBE - January/February 2008
Contents
The Pursuit of Excellence
Using Our Power
The Power of Belief
Saying It Well
Premier Profile: Owen Weston of U.S. Steel
NSBE Protégés Receive White House Honor
Regional News
International News
Fostering Competitiveness Through Innovation and Diversity
'Netting a Job
Why Graduate School?
NSBE Love
NSBE Calendar
"Igniting the Torch: Engineering in Action"
NSBE Golden Torch Awards
The AE Niche
Thinking Green
AE Members On the Move
CE Cover: Rough Road, Fun Ride
Join NSBE's Journey to Mars!
Advertisers Index

NSBE - January/February 2008