University of Minnesota student chapter of Engineers Without Borders receives national award

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (03/23/2015) — The University of Minnesota student chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has been awarded the 2015 EWB-USA National Premier Chapter Award.

The prestigious award is presented annually by the parent organization Engineers Without Borders USA to one outstanding student chapter that demonstrates excellence in student involvement and leadership, mentor collaboration, fundraising, and project completion.

“In addition to their work abroad, the EWB-USA University of Minnesota chapter's leadership and fundraising efforts set a high standard of excellence,” Engineers Without Borders USA wrote on its website. “Through dedication, consistency, and creativity, the chapter has worked diligently to fund and progress their projects around the world.”

The University of Minnesota EWB-USA student chapter was named the Regional Premier Chapter of the EWB Midwest Region in fall 2014. From the pool of all regional winners, the University of Minnesota chapter was chosen for the national award.

The University of Minnesota chapter is comprised of 150 members and led by 11 student officers. The group is currently working on projects in Uganda, Guatemala, and Bolivia to establish cost-effective and sustainable methods of providing clean water to local communities. By working closely with their local professional chapter, the EWB-USA University of Minnesota chapter has been able to tackle more technically challenging projects such as building rainwater harvesting systems and dry composting eco-sanitation system.

Outreach is also an important part of the chapter’s work. Students share information about their projects at engineering conferences, local engineering firms, Rotary clubs, Minnesota State Fair, and campus events.

To learn more about EWB-UMN or support the chapter’s projects, visit ewb-umn.org.