[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MES exec.jpg” caption=”MES president Kristin Pouw (seated, centre) will pass the presidential sword to president-elect Steve Remilli (standing, second from left). Other council members participating in last Saturday’s ceremonies include Lindsey Kettel and Shannon Muller (seated), Albert Succi, John Vraets and Daniel Borrelli (standing). Photo courtesy of MES.”]Steve Remilli was elected the new president of the McMaster Engineering Society (MES) for the 2007/2008 term. His appointment was announced by current MES president Kristin Pouw at the annual Fireball Engineering Formal on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Remilli is a fourth-year mechanical engineering and management student. He currently serves on the MES executive council as a vice-president social and was co-chair of the orientation committee for Welcome Week 2006. He takes on his new responsibilities as President at the next semi-annual general meeting on March 14.

“One of my main objectives is to continue raising awareness of the many positive contributions engineering students make to McMaster and the community,” said Remilli.

In 2006, engineering students participated in five fundraising events, collecting more than $4,200 and many in-kind donations. Funds raised were distributed to a number of campus and community organizations. MES participation in the White Ribbon Campaign and December 6th Memorial helped to raise awareness of violence against women and promote a violence free atmosphere within the community.

MES Council Awards

The MES also announced the recipients of its annual Council Awards at the Fireball gala. Two new awards were introduced this year: the Teaching Appreciation Award and the President's Award.

David Conochie, associate director of the Engineering and Management program, is the recipient of the inaugural Teaching Appreciation Award. This award was introduced to recognize teaching staff within the Faculty of Engineering who demonstrate dedication to student academic and extracurricular development and service to the MES.

“Dr. Conochie continues to support the MES as an advisor and as a judge for engineering competitions,” said Pouw. “He has also worked tirelessly to revamp the Engineering and Management program to increase student learning.”

Daniel Borrelli and Jackson Wiegman were presented with the President's Award. Recipients of this award are selected by the MES President for outstanding work on the MES Executive Council.

“Daniel has demonstrated incredible devotion to improving the macLAB Endowment Fund, from a successful marketing campaign to overhauling by-laws,” said Pouw. “Jackson, who represents engineering students to the McMaster Student Union Student Representative Assembly, has shown true commitment to furthering the MES and the image of engineering throughout his years at McMaster.”

Deborah Lee and Lija Fogels were presented with Council Appreciation Awards to recognize their exceptional work in their council roles and positive impact on the MES as a whole.

Katelyn Smith, Jennifer Drake and Steve Quinlan received Image of an Engineer Awards, which are presented to graduating students who contribute to improving the image of an engineer through extracurricular, leadership, and/or community activities.