Engineering clubs on campus will compete in design challenges, trivia competitions and community events for Engineers Week 2011.
The week is facilitated by the Engineering Student Council, while different clubs host various activities. The 15 participating groups will receive points throughout the week, culminating in recognition and prizes at a ceremony on Saturday.
The activities on campus showcase the work of engineers, according to Alex Yang, publicity director for the Engineering Student Council and aerospace engineering junior. He said the week is nationally recognized but a minute presence at the UA until last year.
The Engineering Student Council worked to revitalize the week.
“”Basically, we’re promoting engineers and recognizing (that) they make a contribution to society,”” Yang said.
Events include several trivia competitions as well as design competitions. The Engineering Student Council also organized for local Girl Scouts to come to campus on Wednesday.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is a national initiative that takes place during Engineers Week. The Girl Scouts will participate in design challenges with club members as well as take tours of some of the labs on campus.
“”There’s going to be a little competition between Girl Scouts in their groups, and the clubs will be facilitating the activities,”” said Kiona Meade, vice president of the Engineering Student Council and industrial engineering junior.
Most of the events only allow participation from club members but are open for the public to watch. The design challenge on the UA Mall on Friday may attract other students, Meade said.
“”It’s kind of secretive until Friday at noon, but it will be interesting to watch,”” Meade said.
Yang said many people do not recognize the role of engineers in society.
“”I don’t think people know all the work that goes on in the background,”” Yang said.
Yang said Engineers Week unites those students who will be going into the field after graduation.
“”They’re going to be making things to help society and help people live,”” Yang said. “”It’s nice to have a week dedicated to that.””
