This past weekend the SMU chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers attended the Regional Leadership Conference at the University of Arkansas. The Society was started in 1974 and consists of seven regions. The SMU chapter is one of 22 student chapters in region five. After completing a successful first year on our campus, the SMU chapter received the “Chapter of the Month for December 2005” award. During December of 2005, members of the SMU chapter were involved with several different events, including two community service projects. They adopted a child from the Angel Tree and took her to Celebration of Lights and provided her with clothes and other Christmas gifts. The Society was also involved with “Navidad en el Barrio.” The whole chapter helped sort out gifts that were later delivered to underprivileged kids. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Naomi Hernandez, PR chair for SHPE, stated that, “It was quite an honor to receive this award out of so many chapters. Being our first full academic year, it has motivated us for next year.”

-Kelsey Wood