Engineering frosh get a taste of things to do outside class

The event -- which was organized by the Engineering Student Activities Council -- drew over 300 first-year students, most of whom remained to speak to club representatives and take advantage of the free sandwiches and soda being distributed on the building's second floor. Organizers originally intended to hold the fair on Smith Walk but moved it indoors due to rain. Nearly 20 engineering-oriented student organizations -- including the Society of Women Engineers, the Engineering Peer Advisory Council and the Solar Car Racing Team -- sent representatives to the fair, each making an effort to get publicity and recruit new students for their organization. "We're looking to expose the freshmen to the clubs and organizations that will be helpful to them as engineering students," noted Engineering Associate Director for Student Affairs Kim Allen-Stuck, who worked with ESAC members to organize the event. "It's great because a lot of the students get to join clubs now with which they'll be involved for the next four years of their lives." ESAC President Shirin Sudhakara, an Engineering senior, added that involvement in student activities is vital for a full college experience. "We're trying to encourage freshmen to get involved in the engineering activities here on campus," she said. "It's important to be well-rounded, to be involved in things both in and out of the classroom." And Engineering senior Melissa Audette, a member of the Engineering Dean's Advisory Board, added, "We really want to get our name out there to encourage freshmen to get involved right away." After several hours of meeting and greeting, upperclassmen and freshmen alike were satisfied that the event was a success. "I think this was a great opportunity for freshmen," said Engineering sophomore Steven Sbar, who was representing both the Solar Car Racing Team and the Engineering School's student magazine, The Pennsylvania Triangle. "There's a lot going on here and I think that getting involved in activities helps people meet others and feel more involved in Penn." "I thought it was really helpful," Engineering freshman Craig Trachtenberg said. "It was nice to be connected to upperclassmen and to see what's out there."