NOVEMber 2008 issue
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Student Column
U of A Faculty of Engineering Joins in Centennial Celebrations
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BY JOCELYN WESTWOOD |
September marked the centennial of the University of Alberta and also its Faculty of Engineering, which began in 1908 with only five students. Now, 100 years later, there are five buildings for engineering at the U of A and hundreds of students who study a wide variety of disciplines.
The faculty has come a long way since its inception, and several events helped acknowledge and celebrate this important occasion.
Alumni Weekend on Sept. 23 was the main centennial celebration organized by the faculty, attracting former students from across the country, some from as far away as Nova Scotia. Alumni participated in a number of events, including the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Dean’s Century of Engineering Excellence Reception, the Dean’s Brunch, and a cocktail reception and gala dinner.
Just less than 400 alumni and guests were present throughout the weekend. Especially impressive is that some from the very early years of U of A Engineering were able to attend. For example William Kent is a 1931 civil engineering grad.
The Faculty of Engineering considered the weekend to be a great success. Said Peggy Hansen, events and external relations coordinator: “The response from our alumni was outstanding and they enjoyed the different events that were put on for them. We are very proud to have participated in the University of Alberta’s 100th anniversary with our own celebrations of 100 years as a faculty.”
The Year Right Now
Another event occurring on the same days as Alumni Weekend was directed to new students as opposed to students of years gone by — the Engineering Open House. This annual event is hosted by the Faculty of Engineering in conjunction with the U of A Open House.
“The Engineering Open House is an opportunity for prospective students, parents, alumni and faculty to learn more about what is currently being offered by the Faculty of Engineering,” said Connor Harper, recruitment and student liaison specialist for the faculty.
Each department had a booth displaying information about its programs. Current students from each discipline volunteered at the booths to share information and experiences with prospective students.
A number of student groups were also present to show the prospects some of the extracurricular activities available on campus. These include the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan, the Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project, the University of Alberta Aerial Robotics Group, and Engineers Without Borders.
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WELCOME HOME |
Students Prepare
For Head Shave
One of the biggest events the Engineering Students’ Society organizes
annually is the Engineering Head Shave. The head shave encourages students, faculty and alumni alike to shave their heads in the fight against cancer.
All those naked heads serve a dual purpose. They create awareness of the disease, and they raise funds for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Last year, the Engineering Students’ Society saw an impressive total of 85 participants shave their heads. Even more astounding is that over the past four years, ESS has managed to raise over $115,000 for cancer research.
This year, the fifth annual Engineering Head Shave takes place Nov. 28 in the Engineering Teaching and Learning Centre on campus at the U of A. The goal is to increase the cumulative total raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation to over $150,000.
Since the head shave is continually growing, ESS expects even more participants this year than in years past. A team of dedicated coordinators has been working hard since September to make these goals a reality.
More Info
Do you or your corporation wanting to help out or participate in the U of A Engineering Head Shave?
Contact Stephanie Daoust at headshave@ess.ualberta.ca
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