L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science kicks off National Engineers Week 2009

Tricia Hopkins
(315) 443-2546

Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS) will celebrate National Engineers Week (E-Week) Feb. 15-28. The two-week schedule of events is meant to recognize, celebrate and educate the public about the contribution that engineers make to society. LCS’ E-Week celebration also includes the LCS Olympics, events which bring students in the college together for camaraderie and fun.

Nationally, E-Week will be celebrated Feb. 17-23.

“Each year, we celebrate National Engineers Week to raise awareness of the important role engineers play in our lives every day,” says LCS Dean Laura Steinberg.

“Engineers discover innovative ways to improve everything from our iPhones and computers, to the cars we drive and the buildings we live in,” Steinberg says. “E- week is an opportunity for LCS to educate the community on what we as engineers do. This year, we are looking forward to a two-week celebration that shines a light on the engineering profession and its commitment to improving society. “

Among this year’s E-Week schedule of events:

Sunday, Feb. 15
The invitation-only PRIDE Incentive reception will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

Monday, Feb. 16
LCS alumnus Joseph Kummer ’00, G’02, Ph.D.’06, founder and president of Propulsive Wing, LLC, a Syracuse-area engineering company, will speak on “Engineering, Inventing and Struggling-The Way of the Entrepreneur” at 7 p.m. in Room 105 of Link Hall.

Tuesday, Feb. 17
Throughout the day, ninth- through 12th-grade students in the Syracuse Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) will be shadowing LCS students and participate in a series of organized activities.

University Professor of Practice Jeff Saltz of JPMorgan Chase & Co. will give a Tech Talk from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Link+ Foyer. A reception will follow.

Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY) will hold its annual Engineering Career Forum, hosted by Alpha Omega Epsilon and Engineers Without Borders, at 6 p.m. in the Schine Underground. TACNY members will field questions from students and offer networking opportunities.

Wednesday, Feb. 18
The LCS Career Fair, with 30 local and national companies represented, will be held all day in the lobby of Link Hall.

Next Jump Inc. will hold an information session from 6-7:30 p.m. in Room 369 of Link Hall.

Thursday, Feb. 19
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, will be held from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Schine Student Center’s Jabberwocky Café. Students from the STEP program, Hillside, Syracuse city high schools and other community- based programs will be engaged in a series of activities, including a design project and presentation, with JPMorgan Chase staff members and LCS student volunteers from Alpha Omega Epsilon and the Society of Women Engineers.

Friday, Feb. 20
LCS alumnus Jim Ambras ’78, founder and CEO of NotchUp Inc., will speak on “The Fast and the Furious: Life on the Inside of Silicon Valley Tech Startups” at 1 p.m. in Room 369 of Link Hall.

Tuesday, Feb. 24
This day is Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day in the college.

A TRANE Inc. presentation on “Business Ethics/Leadership; Building and Sustainability” will be held from 2-3 p.m. in Room 369 of Link Hall. A reception will follow.

Thursday, Feb. 26
An etiquette dinner, an opportunity for students to sharpen their etiquette skills for business by participating in a cocktail hour and four-course meal, will be held at 6 p.m. in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. Etiquette expert Robert A. Shutt will provide instruction.

Saturday, Feb. 28
The “E-Week Grand Finale, All-Night Bowling,” will be held from 2-7 a.m. at Flamingo Bowl in Liverpool.

The following LCS Olympics events are scheduled during E-Week: a trivia contest, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 369 of Link Hall; a scavenger hunt, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. across campus; a tug of war, Feb. 21 at noon on the Quad; broom ball, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion on South Campus; a design competition, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. in Rooms 304 A, B and C of the Schine Student Center; Mario Kart, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in Room 369 of Link Hall; charity penny wars, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the lobby of Link Hall; and volleyball, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. in Flanagan Gymnasium.

For more information on E-Week activities, visit http://lcs.syr.edu.