SAE Milwaukee Section Members and Friends,
Well, I’ve started my first year as SAE Chairperson. As we did at our first meeting I’d like to recognize Garrett Herning for his three years as Chairperson as he passed the torch to me and he’s moved on to a new role as our treasurer and project manager. Thanks Garrett for the prior and continued service!
Our first meeting was sponsored by Modine where members were provided a great meal by Modine and given a great presentation by Scott Wollenberg and Kyle Schultz. Thanks to Mitch Crawford and Drew Boyer for putting this great event together. Finally, I’d also like to recognize the great group of tour guides in Dusty Flunker, Drew Boyer, Kyle Schultz, Josh Cassavoy, and Rob Runte.
This month I won’t be available for the October Meeting at Milwaukee Tool, but I’m sure the team there will have a fantastic tour and presentation for the membership. Milwaukee tool has an impressive facility and I’m positive the event that they are sponsoring will be a knockout.
In November we will have our annual Student Night, where for the first time we have a sponsor that will be presenting after the student presentations. I’ve had a peek at what B83 is bringing and expect it will be very interesting to students and professionals alike!
Student night will showcase the student vehicles and let them compete for the sponsorship money we have allocated for them. Last year we had 5 schools and over 70 students in attendance. They did an incredible job and we expect a repeat performance this year. If you have never been to a student night, it’s not just for students. This is a wonderful networking event as well as a way to give guidance and feedback to some up and coming engineers who will be joining us in industry in the next few years.
As a section we have several new officers in place and have several initiatives we are working on this year. Some of these are engaging middle school and high school kids to a career in engineering, engaging our members through events and tours, and supporting the six engineering colleges in our area in the SAE Colligate Design series.
Hopefully you’ve read this far as this is very important; this SAE section works because of volunteers! The board is always looking to get the word about SAE out and needs additional volunteers to help with special projects, long term SAE initiatives and shadow opportunities to help with continuity. If you have some time to give, please contact any of the board members or drop me an email below and we will help connect you with an opportunity that matches your interests.
I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.
Van Phifer
SAE Milwaukee Section – Chairman