Chapter History

    In the fall semester of 1990, a student chapter of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers was founded at The State University of New York at Buffalo (SHPE-UB) by Mr. Juan C. Rodriguez and Mr. Drexel E. Gidney. Mr. Rodriguez, a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering, and Mr. Gidney, a Senior Academic Advisor and Director of Minority Programs in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, got the ball rolling and organized an informational meeting on September 26, 1990 with members of SHPE-ROC professional Chapter. UB engineering faculty and staff, as well as many prospective student members. Soon after The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - UB Student Chapter was established.

Since its inception. SHPE-UB has been driven to succeed with the following objectives.

-To increase the number of Hispanic students in engineering and science at SHPE-UB.

-To improve the retention of Hispanic students enrolled in engineering and sciences.

-To provide a forum for the exchange of information pertinent for Hispanic engineering and sciences enrolled at SHPE-UB.

- To provide an undergraduates with a big brother/sister for the purpose of advisement and related matters.

-To develop and participate in programs with industry and the university which will benefit the members of SHPE-UB who are seeking technical degrees.

-To promote the advancement of Hispanic engineers and scientists in employment and education.

The individual success of our members is the guideline to judge the overall success of SHPE-UB. SHPE works closely with several other academic as well as cultural student organizations on campus. These include The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), PODER - Latinos Unidos, and The Latin-American Student Association. In doing so, SHPE-UB members can gain greater Cultural understanding, while achieving academic and professional goals.

National History

    The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation.

Statement of Values

    We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Vision

    SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science. Strategic

Focus Areas

    We will fulfill our mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth, carry out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and government issues and enhancing pride within our organization and reinforcing our reputation as a vital Hispanic organization.