The following story describes an unusual local event that took place during National Engineers Week. If you, the reader, know of or participated in other local activities that you would like to share, please let us know. Send a description of your event to National Engineers Week, eweek@nspe.org; maybe someone would like to try your idea next year, so be sure to include a contact for more information.

HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT
AND HELPING THE HOMELESS
Student Engineers As Responsible Citizens

APR. 1, 1998 -- Among the more creative and truly inspiring National Engineers Week stories came out of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Western Michigan Section.

There, on Feb. 25, students in the Grass Valley State University Padnos School of Engineering designed and constructed six shelters made of post-consumer recycled materials and throwaway items such as milk bottles, newspaper, Styrofoam and shredded telephone books.

To demonstrate that the structures were habitable and can be used as actual emergency relief shelters by organizations like the American Red Cross, the students slept overnight in them and applied concepts learned in thermodynamics and heat transfer classes to maintain optimum temperature and comfort.

That’s not all. To raise money for a center for the homeless in Grand Rapids, Mich., the students approached local companies and other organizations, asking them to donate money based on the thermal efficiencies of the shelters. By this criteria, a good design would garner generous pledges; a poor design would bring less money.

When all was said and done, the students generated $2000, which the Mel Trotter Mission will put toward the center. Technical learning, environmental stewardship, civic responsibility...all rolled into one event!

The activity in Western Michigan was one of many programs organized and held by sections of ASME. Engineers Week, which was held Feb. 22-28, celebrates engineering achievement and aims to increase public understanding and appreciation of the engineer’s role in society.

The 125,000-member ASME is a worldwide engineering society focused on technical, educational and research issues. It conducts one of the world’s largest technical publishing operations, holds some 30 technical conferences and 200 professional development courses each year, and sets many industrial and manufacturing standards.

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