McMaster’s Engineers Without Borders tops in country

McMaster University's chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) was named Chapter
of the Year by the national organization at its annual conference in Toronto this past
weekend.

The McMaster chapter was selected based on its membership growth and the
introduction of several innovative projects supporting international development and
sustainability efforts.

“It's very rewarding to see the hard work and dedication of our members recognized in
this way,” said Kyla Fisher, president of the McMaster EWB chapter and a fourth-year
civil engineering student. “They make the time to volunteer for outreach activities that
will help improve the world they live in. They have put the chapter in a great position
to continue contributing well into the future.”

It is the first time McMaster has received this recognition. Last year, it was
acknowledged as Most Improved Chapter by EWB Canada.

“McMaster's EWB chapter is providing outstanding leadership in driving the connection
between engineering and the world we live in,” said David Wilkinson, dean, Faculty of
Engineering. “They are playing a critical role as the Faculty reshapes its curriculum with
a view to educating a truly global engineer. As one of many student groups which
provide the opportunity to put what is learned into practice, I hope the success of EWB
serves as an inspiration to all our students in pursuing their goals.”

EWB Canada celebrated its 10th national conference in Toronto from January 14 to 16.
More than 1,000 EWB members attended, including 19 members from McMaster. The
McMaster chapter was one of the first members of EWB Canada, which was formed in
2000 at the University of Waterloo. McMaster has approximately 65 active members in
its chapter, comparable to many of the larger Canadian universities.

“Several of our chapters made exceptional contributions this year and it was particularly
difficult to make a selection,” said Jonathan Fishbein, senior manager, Canadian
Programs, Engineers Without Borders (Canada). “But McMaster's chapter has shown
continuous progress by always questioning how they can achieve greater results to
improve the lives of our partners in developing communities. The next generation of
leaders will have a strong foundation to build on. This was the time to recognize their
efforts.”

Some of the initiatives undertaken by the McMaster EWB chapter include: