Latest news with #NationalEngineersWeekBanquet
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Sweet Briar College and Regional Leaders Celebrate Innovation at Engineers Week Banquet
Sweet Briar College brought together students, industry leaders, and the community to celebrate innovation, problem-solving, and engineering excellence. 'This event brings together engineering students and faculty, practicing engineers, and the greater central Virginia community to learn about engineering challenges and solutions.' — Dr. Jon Bender, director of the Margaret Jones Wyllie '45 Engineering AMHERST, VA, UNITED STATES, February 28, 2025 / / -- In partnership with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Sweet Briar College hosted its annual National Engineers Week Banquet on Feb. 20 to celebrate regional engineering. Over 150 students, faculty, staff, and guests attended the event held in the Upchurch Field House. It included an evening of networking, discussion, and a keynote address by Jordan P. Evans, an aerospace engineer and project manager for NASA's Europa Clipper mission. Evans's presentation included anecdotes from his career with NASA, a brief history of space travel, and a description of what it takes to lead a team at NASA, including how to assemble a team, take risks, and recover from failures or setbacks. He also shared what he considers the traits of a highly successful engineering team, including intellectual curiosity, exceptional two-way communication, leadership, diverse technical skills, and more. 'Humans are the core of engineering itself,' Evans said during his remarks. 'We all stand on the shoulders of those that came before us to accomplish these things.' The Europa project, launched on Oct. 14, 2024, is the largest planetary spacecraft in NASA's history. It will explore Jupiter's ocean world, which is of the same name. Evans shared many details about this complex project, which will be active for several years. One challenge his team faced on the Europa project was a devastating hurricane around the launch date. 'It's an honor to be an explorer on behalf of the U.S. space agency. I hope my talk gives you a sense of the challenges this team had to overcome,' said Evans. 'And also provides a glimpse into how engineers make the impossible possible daily' For first-year student Ayla Finnegan '28, Evans's thorough discussion of the various projects gave her insight into his career and motivated her to major in engineering. 'I loved how much detail he provided instead of just skimming over the difficulty of pulling a project like Europa together. I also thought it was amazing to see the issues he addressed that I wouldn't have imagined worrying about. They asked the right questions and figured it out, which is what engineering is,' she said. 'His presentation shows me that I'm allowed to ask questions and that I can find the answers. It's like, what questions can I come up with in the future that I might be able to answer?' Local engineers, representatives from regional companies, students, faculty, and area residents were also in attendance. Students had the unique opportunity to connect with local employers, experts, and industry leaders. Local industry, government, and academia were invited to share engineering achievements from the past year and a half, showcasing projects such as a computer-programmed robotic arm. Support for this event also came from BWXT, Framatome, Innovate Lynchburg, and Randolph College. 'We are again pleased to host the Engineering Banquet at Sweet Briar College! This event brings together engineering students and faculty, practicing engineers, and the greater central Virginia community to learn about engineering challenges and solutions for the future that benefit everyone,' said Dr. Jon Bender, director of the Margaret Jones Wyllie '45 Engineering Program. 'Our students benefit through service by assisting in the preparation and during the event, through engagement with the broader engineering community in which they will enter, and through an inspirational talk featuring today's engineering challenges.' Sweet Briar College is one of only two women's colleges in the U.S. that offer an ABET-accredited engineering degree program Communications and Marketing Sweet Briar College 4343816142 ext. X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok
Associated Press
09-02-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
Sweet Briar College Hosts National Engineers Week Banquet Featuring NASA's Europa Clipper Project Manager
Sweet Briar College celebrates engineering excellence with NASA's Jordan P. Evans, highlighting innovation, leadership, and hands-on STEM opportunities. AMHERST, VA, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2025 / / -- In collaboration with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Sweet Briar College is proud to announce the annual National Engineers Week Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Upchurch Field House on the Sweet Briar campus. This esteemed event gathers engineers, students, educators, and community members from Lynchburg and the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate regional engineering achievements and foster professional networking. As one of just two all-women ABET-accredited engineering programs, Sweet Briar College is uniquely positioned to inspire and empower the next generation of female engineers. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world problem-solving, preparing graduates to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. Sweet Briar's commitment to innovation and excellence in STEM education is reflected in its dynamic curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive learning environment designed to foster bold, confident leaders in engineering. Keynote Speaker: Jordan P. Evans This year's banquet features Jordan P. Evans, an accomplished aerospace engineer and project manager for NASA's Europa Clipper mission —the largest planetary spacecraft in NASA's history. Launched on October 14, 2024, the Europa Clipper is designed to conduct a detailed survey of Jupiter's moon, Europa. Mr. Evans will share insights into the engineering challenges of exploring Europa and discuss efforts to answer the profound question: 'Are we alone?' Attendees will have the unique opportunity to journey beyond Earth without leaving their seats as Mr. Evans dives into the fascinating world of space exploration. From navigating the harsh conditions of deep space to designing technology capable of withstanding Europa's icy environment, his presentation will highlight the incredible feats of engineering that make interplanetary missions possible. It's not every day you get to hear firsthand how engineers are helping humanity reach for the stars—and maybe even discover life beyond our planet! Event Details Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Location: Upchurch Field House, Sweet Briar College Schedule Hors d'Oeuvres and Cash Bar: 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. Dinner and Program: 6:45 – 8:30 p.m. Ticket Information General Admission: $65 College Students with ID: $35 High School Students with ID: $25 Reserved Tables (seating for eight): $600 Reserved tables receive priority placement near the stage, custom table signage, and recognition on sponsor boards. The event is complimentary for current Sweet Briar students, faculty, and staff with valid IDs; however, advanced registration is required. Registration Advanced registration is mandatory, and early ticket purchase is recommended due to anticipated high demand. Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025. Payments must be received before the event, as tickets will not be available at the door. Exhibit Your Engineering Projects During the banquet, local industry, government, and academic institutions are invited to showcase their engineering achievements from the past 12-18 months. To participate, please submit your organization's project by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Join us for an evening celebrating engineering excellence and innovation in our region. Sweet Briar College X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
