L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science will celebrate National Engineers Week

L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science will celebrate National Engineers Week February 07, 2008Tricia Hopkinsthopkins@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS) will mark National Engineers Week with a series of educational and recreational events aimed at celebrating the contributions that engineers make in the daily lives of humankind by bringing LCS students together for networking and fun.

National Engineers Week is celebrated across the United States Feb. 17-23, and LCS’ activities will run from Feb. 15-23. Part of the college’s celebration will include the LCS Olympics, engineering social events, and several career and networking focused opportunities.

“E-Week sheds a light on the role engineers play in our lives everyday,” says LCS Interim Dean Shiu-Kai Chin. “From our cell phones and iPods to our cars and planes, most of these innovations have been touched by an engineer. E-Week helps raise the awareness of what we as engineers do.”

“This entire week is dedicated to educating the community about our profession and its contributions to society as a whole. We are excited about our annual celebration and proud of our LCS faculty, staff, students and alumni that play such a large role in its success,” says Chin.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, E-Week kicks off around the nation and LCS celebrates with the annual PRIDE Incentive Reception at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. The event, which celebrates the achievements of students who participate in the college’s Programs Rooted In Developing Excellence, is by invitation only.

On Monday, February 18 at 5 p.m. the Technology Alliance of Central New York will present “Engineering Careers Forum” in the Underground of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. Panelists will include representatives from Barton & Loguidice PC, Building Energy Solutions, INFICON, Lockheed Martin, Sensis, and LCS adjunct professor, Harold Burstyn. The event is sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, local seventh and eighth-graders will “shadow” LCS students during a series of events organized by the University’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP).

On Thursday, Feb. 21, LCS will bring approximately 20 female senior high school students from Nottingham and Fowler High Schools for “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.” Later that same day, the JP Morgan Chase Network Reception will take place in 369 Link Hall. In addition to the reception, JP Morgan Chase has helped support numerous activities and give-aways for the LCS E-Week 2008 activities.

On Friday, Feb 22, the Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the lobby of Link Hall. The event is hosted by the LCS Career Services Center. The career connections fair provides current students with the opportunity to network with prospective employers. Several local and national businesses showcase their internship and employment opportunities.

Also part of the weeklong celebration is the LCS Olympics, which brings together more than 170 students (both LCS and non-LCS students) to compete on teams in a week of friendly athletic, academic and design competitions. This year’s activities include volleyball, Mario Kart, card house design, penny wars to benefit the American Cancer Society, a scavenger hunt, trivia contest, human bowling and tug of war.

“Our goal of this week long celebration is to highlight the importance and tremendous impact that engineers & computer scientists have on our society,” says Kate Pynn, director of student support and PRIDE programs in LCS and organizer of E-Week. “As our LCS Olympics t-shirt motto states Engineers Keep the World Running I encourage everyone to take time to rightfully thank them and celebrate their accomplishments.”

The week will conclude on Saturday, Feb. 23 with a symposium on “Evolving Communications Law to Embrace Modern Challenges” during the day. The 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. event is co-hosted by the College of Law and is sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The week-long celebration wraps up with the LCS Disco Dance from 7-11 p.m. at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. Tickets are required and may be obtained in the LCS Student Support Office, 123 Link Hall, or by calling 443-2582.

For more information on E-Week activities, visit the LCS website at http://www.lcs.syr.edu or call 443-2582.