Engineers Without Borders - UIC

Hi EWB-UIC

I hope everyone's semester is off to a great start! A lot has been happening at EWB:

Click Read More for the update
EWB-USA International Conference
The International Conference is in Milwaukee this year and we hope to send several students down. The conference is a great opportunity to meet many interesting people and hear about projects happening all over the world. UIC's own Dr. Paul Brandt-Rauf, Dean of the School of Public Health, will even be speaking. Major costs will be covered by EWB-UIC, including the conference fee. Let me know if want to attend by Friday, January 23. You can find more information and the agenda here: http://www.ewb-usa.org/ConferenceInfo09.php

New Project Manager
We recently found a new Project Manager. Jennifer Welch, our current secretary, will be stepping up to the role. The project manager is responsible for all things project related, including overseeing the design, planning trips, and organizing help. She has taken the initiative on all aspects of the project and is more than capable of filling the position. We are confident she will do a great job in the new role. If you want to get involved with the project email Jennifer at jwelch2@uic.edu.

EWB needs a new Secretary!
Since Jennifer has left the post for Project Manager we need a new Secretary. This is the perfect position for new members or for those looking to be more involved. The secretary is responsible for taking notes at each meeting, reminding members of tasks, and posting the minutes on the website. Even if you aren't familiar with the project this is a great way to become up to speed. Let me know if you're interested. If numerous people express interest we will hold an election at the first general meeting.

January 2009 Trip Update
The January 2009 trip went well. We met with numerous stakeholders in the community and region, completed an extensive round of water tests, and gathered more data for future projects. We also discussed coming back in May and although the start of the rainy season may "hinder" travel to put it nicely :) it gives us adequate time to prepare a sustainable solution for the community. They already look forward to our visit.

Fund Raising Gala
This is our main fund raising event. It requires extensive planning and preparations, if you are interested in helping out email Brian Katamay at bkatam2@uic.edu. And don't forget about the invitations: Think about those wonderful people whom you want to invite. If they need to receive a formal, snail mail invitation, please send their names and addresses (bosses, grandparents and parents, family friends, etc.) to Nancy Cohen (njcohen@uic.edu) or Brian Katamay. We will also create an invitation that can be sent by email and posted.

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Spring Semester Events:

* UPPSA Advisory Committee Meeting, January 23, Chicago Loop
* International Conference, March 26-29, Milwaukee, WI
* EWB-UIC Fund Raising Gala, April, Chicago
* Water Treatment Project Implementation Trip, May 15 - 26, Cerro Alto, Guatemala

We will be having our first Spring semester meeting shortly, stay tuned: http://www.ewb-uic.org/calendar

-Frank