AUSTIN, Texas — The National Society of Black Engineers has selected The University of Texas at Austin’s student chapter as the 1998 National Distinguished Chapter of the Year. Judged by faculty advisors from throughout the nation, the award is based on academic excellence, technical achievement, financial vitality, membership, professional development, cultural awareness, leadership and communication.
The UT Austin National Society of Black Engineers chapter competed against more than 250 other student chapters from across the country, advancing after winning the regional distinguished chapter award. This is the first time the UT Austin chapter has won this award. The students were presented with a computer system and a commemorative plaque. “This recognition was extremely gratifying in light of our small freshman class and other effects of the Hopwood decision,” said Michael Malone, an electrical engineering major, and the UT Austin chapterÌs vice chair who authored the winning proposal.
“As high school students are making decisions about where to attend college, this award demonstrates there are minorities here making a positive difference in the UT Austin community and the nation,” added Brandy Johnson, a junior in chemical engineering and current president who served as program chair and chapter president during the period the award was judged.
“This is a great institution to prepare you for the global workplace,” said Johnson.
The award was presented to the UT Austin chapter at the National Society of Black Engineers National Convention in Anaheim, Calif., in March. With 10,000 members, the National Society of Black Engineers is the largest national student-managed organization in the country. Their mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
Also during the convention, three UT Austin engineering students were elected for regional positions. Alshare Hughes was elected chair of Region 5, Summer McElroy was elected treasurer, and Aaron Terry was elected telecommunications chair. The UT Austin National Society of Black Engineers student chapter was founded in 1982 in the College of Engineering and works closely with the Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program.
