Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering receives prestigious award
The College of Engineering at Valparaiso University has been recognized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying for the efforts of Valpo’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
John Sauer and Harold Snead, members of the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, presented the 2012 NCEES Engineering Award to Eric Johnson, interim Dean of the College of Engineering, and Michael Hagenberger, Associate Professor and Chair of Civil Engineering, who also oversees Engineers Without Borders at Valpo.
“This award recognizes programs that foster partnerships between students and professional engineers,” said Sauer.
Sauer explained that a jury of state licensing board members, engineering deans, and representatives of professional engineering organizations judged entries based on the level of collaboration between faculty, students, and licensed professional engineers; the benefit to public health, safety, and welfare; and multi-disciplined or allied participation.
The College of Engineering was recognized for its submission titled “Maji for Masaera: Rehabilitation of a Man-Made Irrigation Canal.” This project brought engineering students and faculty together with students and faculty from other fields to work toward the common goal of reducing erosion and securing a clean and reliable water supply for nearly 2500 villagers in northern Tanzania.
“The jury praised Valpo’s submission for showing the global reach of engineering and how engineering can leave its mark on a community,” said Sauer.
Hagenberger thanked Sauer and Snead for the recognition and for coming to Valpo to present the award. He recognized the contributions of Elizabeth Gingerich, Associate Professor of Business Law, and Carmine Polito, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, who were instrumental in establishing the Valpo chapter of EWB. Hagenberger also thanked current advisors who participated in the Tanzania trip, Amy Cory, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Colleen Wilder, assistant Professor of Management, and Scott Ochander, Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Communications.
Sauer and Sneed applauded the efforts of Valpo’s College of Engineering for its efforts to bring education and professional practice together. This recognition includes a $7500 monetary award, which will go toward fundraising for future EWB projects.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.
