Dr. Lorenzo Smith, Dean of Sacramento State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, talked about challenges and opportunities facing students and faculty.  While it is typically taking students five to five and one-half years to graduate with an engineering degree, this is largely due to students working part-time.  Most students have internships.  Between the internships and the current job market almost all of the students are finding employment in their field of study.  The professors have their hands full with large classes and tight budgets.  Management requirements facing new professors challenge them beyond what they were exposed to while obtaining their doctorate degrees.  Even with their other responsibilities, faculty is eager to assist the industry and has some availability to work on projects.  Companies are welcome to contact professors directly and to work with them to develop proposals.  Companies can also contact Dean Smith and he will facilitate getting the right faculty for a particular need.

The meeting included hearing nine past presidents (pictured in the President’s Message) talk about comradery and the organization’s accomplishments.    Special thanks to them for coming out for the Past Presidents event!

Lastly, special guest, Susan Fleming, and our own Marco Palilla presented the Tim Fleming Memorial Scholarship Award to Spencer Ord, a Sacramento State student.  Spence is pursuing a degree in civil engineering.