Engineering News Spring 2023

With a total of 25 student organizations in the School of Engineering alone, it’s evident that these groups are an essential part of university life, playing a crucial role in shaping the overall college experience for students. Student organizations offer students opportunities to explore and pursue their interests beyond the classroom and connect with like-minded people. Daniel Mendoza '21, now a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering, emphasizes the importance of student organizations at SCU, particularly for students who feel marginalized by mainstream college culture. “These organizations can even be the primary reason why a student continues down their educational path. I’ve heard from many people that without the relationships they formed at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), they would not have had the motivation and support to pursue STEM.” Similarly, Mendoza's experience with the Latinx Student Union (LSU) allowed him to explore his identity and be around people he could relate to. Without these two communities, he believes he would have felt much more alone at SCU and may not have ended up where he is today. Terrin Cramer '23 (Electrical and Computer Engineering) found that joining the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) student organization during the pandemic was invaluable: "During the pandemic, socializing with my peers was a real challenge. SCU's student organizations provided the opportunity to connect with others despite the Zoom environment. I met amazing people and found my home here at SCU through IEEE. Student organizations hold a special space here on campus, allowing for personal connection where classes fall short; they are essential for the Bronco Family.”

Along with fostering a sense of community, student organizations are an essential component of university life as they enrich their learning experiences. They provide students opportunities to connect with industry, learn new skills, and grow as individuals. This year alone, student organizations have brought out speakers from Google, Microsoft, NASA, and Intuitive Surgical. They have held professional workshops on resume building and interviewing, and skill workshops such as soldering and machine learning. Shane Wibeto, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, says, “What they are doing is extremely important and serves a greater purpose. By providing workshops on topics such as resume building and emerging technologies, they enhance the learning experience for students and equip them with new skills that will serve them well in the future.” Overall, student organizations play a vital role in making SCU a unique and special place by providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others, enhancing the campus community.

You can find a list of all our student organizations here.