NSBE - Fall 2012 - (Page 64)

I n many cultures, a name is given to a child to define who they may become. For example, “Aaron” in Hebrew means “enlighten.” In the entertainment world, just the mention of a group or a person identifies a level of stardom: The Temptations, Whitney Houston, The Winans, Denzel Washington. In the corporate arena, a company’s name can define an industry’s standard. A name identifies you and is a large part of your brand. In 1988, the National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension (NSBE–AE) was formed. The purpose of the NSBE–AE is to support the National Society of Black Engineers in a way that develops and enhances its programs, increases technical awareness, encourages scholastic achievement and stimulates enthusiasm in the black engineering community, in order to promote technical expertise, professionalism and fellowship among black and other ethnic minority engineers. But since 1988, we, the NSBE–AE, have evolved into so much more. Part of the AE vision is to make NSBE the premier career access organization for technical professionals. We are the professional arm of NSBE. Last year, Strauder C. Patton IV, P.E., who was then NSBE National AE chair, challenged the membership to “Build the NSBE Professional Brand.” This year, National AE Chair Darnell Fisher Name B y K e i t h a . H u m p h r e y, N s B e N a t i o n a l a l u m n i e x t e n s i o n C h a i r- e l e c t WHaT’s IN a ? “The name NSBE Professional not only gives a clearer definition of who we are, it also strengthens our brand.” continues to champion Patton’s challenge by empowering us to succeed in “Elevating the NSBE Professional Brand.” These two slogans are driving the current campaign to change our name to reflect our growing brand. During the 39th NSBE Annual Convention, in March 2013, Chairman Fisher, with the support of NSBE National Chair Calvin A. Young III, will bring a motion to the floor to change our name from National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension to National Society of Black Engineers Professionals. In keeping with NSBE’s student-run model, it will take the voice of collegiate chapters to take the name change from idea to reality. As we move toward the Annual Convention, leaders throughout NSBE — collegiate and Alumni — will push to change the name, and we would appreciate your support. Have you ever found yourself answering this question from coworkers, sponsors or potential members: “What is the NSBE– AE?”? The name NSBE Professional not only defines more clearly who we are, it also strengthens our brand. The change to NSBE Professional answers the challenges of our immediate past and current AE national chairs. It emphatically speaks to NSBE’s mandate to “succeed professionally.” The name National Society of Black Engineers Professionals propels us toward our goal of becoming the premier career access organization for technical professionals. ■ www.nsbe.org 64 • CAREER ENGINEER • fall 2012 • http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - Fall 2012

NSBE - Fall 2012
Contents
Lead by Example
Come Correct!
Kola Fagbayi of Shell
The Programs Zone
Veronica Davis Honored as White House ‘Champion’
A Catalyst for Change
NSBE and ExxonMobil Reward Retention ‘Impact’
Dr. Baratunde Cola Earns Presidential Research Award
Regional News
In the Lead
At the Vanguard
Staying Connected in Today’s Business World
Back to Indiana
NSBE Calendar
Seek 2012: An Experience Worth the Ride
The PDC Is Coming Soon, to Dallas!
The Professional’s Perspective
The Space SIG Lifts Off
CE Cover: Status:FALSE
Alumni Officers
Biggest and Best
What’s in a Name?
AE National and Regional Websites
Advertisers Index

NSBE - Fall 2012