Successful Back-to-School Networking Bowling Night Fosters Collaboration and Student Enthusiasm

Published
Student Chapters of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers at Auburn University and Tuskegee University, in collaboration with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, kicked off the semester with a remarkable Back to School Networking Social. This event brought together both returning and new undergraduate and graduate students from Auburn University and Tuskegee University who share a keen interest in the field of manufacturing. Held at GoodTimes Bowling, the event not only provided engineering students with an excellent networking opportunity but also showcased the strong collaboration between student clubs and generous sponsors, including Neptune Technology Group, International Paper, Constellium, Hartzell Engine Tech, and Commercial Metals Company. These sponsors played a pivotal role in ensuring that the event was accessible to all students, as admission was entirely free.

The Back-to-School Networking Bowling Night witnessed an outstanding turnout, attracting over 70 students and a total of 81 attendees. The evening was filled with spirited bowling from 6 pm to 8 pm, accompanied by delicious pizza and refreshing beverages. One of the unique aspects of the event was the presence of sponsor booths strategically placed alongside the bowling lanes, allowing students to engage with representatives from these esteemed companies throughout the evening. To further foster interaction, some sponsors even joined in the bowling games, creating an environment that encouraged meaningful connections.

This event provided students with invaluable face time with company recruiters, fostering the exchange of ideas and insights. It also facilitated the opportunity for students to expand their networks by meeting peers from different disciplines within the field of engineering. Mandy Ledkins, HR Manager at International Paper, shared her enthusiasm about the event, stating, "It was such a great turnout, and you all did an exceptional job in hosting the companies and making us feel a part of this event. I enjoyed it and look forward to participating in it for several years. The students were very engaging and interactive."
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support which made this event possible. The collaboration between the student chapters and our sponsors resulted in a successful evening that benefited the students and strengthened the bonds within the engineering community. This event has set a positive precedent, and we look forward to future opportunities to host similar events, further enriching the membership and involvement of all the clubs involved. Together, we are forging a stronger, more connected engineering community that will undoubtedly shape the future of our field.
 
Blog SME Connect Blog 09/28/2023 2:30pm EDT