Dayton Engineer

By Morgan Brewster, marketing communications intern

Despite the ever-changing circumstances regarding COVID-19, Engineers Week 2021 was a tremendous success with a great deal of participation from the engineering community at the University of Dayton. Events and activities were sponsored by KEEN and hosted by the School of Engineering Office of the Dean from February 21-27. 

Engineers Week 2021 started off with the launch of the “I am a #UDaytonEngineer” photo contest on social media. Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to share photos of them showcasing their School of Engineering pride with the accompanying hashtag. Over 30 photos were shared, showcasing engineers’ pride in their academic, work, and extracurricular activities. The winner of the photo competition was Kat Pistone, a junior engineering student who works at the University of Dayton Research Institute. 

“Engineers Week is an important annual event, so we weren't going to let COVID stop us,” says Ken Bloemer, director of the Visioneering Center and Engineers Week. “It's a time to celebrate the numerous contributions engineers have made and continue to make to the world. And, it's a time to inspire younger generations to get excited about STEM.”

Other activities held throughout the week included a goosechase, bingo night, live podcast and the annual Engineers Week t-shirt giveaway. To wrap up the week, students were able to relax and enjoy a beautiful day with ice skating on the Stuart Field ice rink. 

“Fun fact: It's no coincidence that George Washington's birthday always falls within Engineers Week,” explains Bloemer. “That's because many people believe that he was the nation's first engineer based largely on his extensive surveying work."