Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

When Michael Nguyen, a senior studying computer science, went to the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers conference during the fall semester, he was hopeful he would walk away with job leads. He got one better — a job offer after graduation.

“I’m grateful,” Nguyen said. “If I wasn’t able to go to this conference, I wouldn’t have a job lined up at this point in the year.”

As president of UD’s chapter of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Nguyen and 12 members flew to the national conference in Boston. That was a special feat, as the registration cost was $120 and the flight cost was $400, with food and other expenses not included.

In addition to SASE, other UD chapters of national professional groups, including the National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, also faced high costs to attend their national conferences. In recent years, some members have had to forgo the opportunities because they simply couldn’t afford the expenses.

Thanks to donors on One Day, One Dayton who gave to the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, critical funding was provided through the MEC to help all three of the organizations’ students attend their national conferences in 2024. SASE, for example, was able to save each student $325 on their travel costs.

“When our treasurer told us we got the money, I could have fallen to my knees — I was so thankful,” said Mykah Jones, a senior studying mechanical engineering and vice president of UD’s NSBE chapter. “We were trying to decide whether to cancel a hotel room and take eight instead of 10 students, but we were able to take everyone because of the funding we received.”

Jones didn’t go to the recent conference, but said her peers had a successful experience when they came back with interviews and job offers, including one with Tesla. And, whether or not jobs were secured immediately, all of the students found that attending the conferences opened the door for them in some way.

“At these conferences, you get what you put in,” said David Garza, a senior studying civil engineering and president of UD’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter. He explained that the networking opportunities allow students to make multiple connections, garnering insights into company cultures and increasing their odds of finding a great situation. 

They also attended workshops and panel discussions, and saw the experience afforded by One Day, One Dayton donors as a real investment in themselves — in Flyers helping each other soar.