91探花 Engineering Club launches to empower future innovators

Four students have stepped up to lead a newly reimagined student organization that aims to be a vital peer resource. Their story demonstrates how student leaders support and benefit from more than 100 student clubs and organizations on the 91探花 campus. 

The 91探花 Engineering Club is getting a reboot.  

After two years of inactivity, four 91探花 engineering majors have launched a revamped organization focused on professional development, hands-on projects and real-world applications.

Inspiration Behind the Engineering Club

"As we sought to revamp the 91探花 Engineering Club, we focused on prioritizing the needs and wants of the student body," states Andrew Palos '26, the club's new vice president and a Choose Ohio First STEM Scholar from Elyria, Ohio. "We aim to create an organization that sets our students apart in their field while maintaining a healthy, fun and productive environment." 

A key priority as the students revive the organization is to connect classroom learning to the engineering profession.

"Our goal is to establish a student-centered organization that provides opportunities," says Jaeden Roman '26, president of the new Engineering Club and an aspiring civil engineer from North Olmsted, Ohio. He adds that resume-enhancing activities may include "professional development and leadership experience, workshops featuring industry professionals and professors, and engaging in hands-on projects that translate classroom learning into real-world experience."

Studying engineering at 91探花 

Club secretary Michael Rodak '26 from Medina, Ohio, believes the student organization will add to his 91探花 experience.

"I have had an amazing experience at 91探花 with engineering faculty as well as faculty for non-major classes," Rodak says. "Each professor has taught me valuable lessons in my core classes as well as life lessons and other lessons I did not think I would have had the opportunity to get."

T.J. Gibbons '27 of Willoughby, Ohio, who serves as club treasurer and is also a Choose Ohio First STEM Scholar, appreciates the breadth of what he's studying.

"The general engineering program at 91探花 has given me the time and tools to explore the different engineering disciplines and find the best fit for me," Gibbons explains. "I may have never figured out I wanted to become an energy or environmental engineer if I had been bound to a specific major as a freshman."

Research opportunities within the program are also key. Palos, Rodak and Roman were invited to present one of their projects at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in April. 

Getting Connected at 91探花

Gibbons, Palos, Rodak and Roman exemplify how student leaders power more than 100 student clubs and organizations on the 91探花 campus. 

The University's student life office strives to offer meaningful belonging and leadership development outside the classroom through the diverse catalog of clubs led by students.

Find out more at bw.edu/student-life/organizations.