Academic & Professional Organizations

Academic and Professional student organizations help members build career-ready skills, connect with mentors, and explore their fields through workshops, competitions, and networking events. Your gift during Student Philanthropy Week fuels opportunities that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Engineering Donor Challenge:

Eligible engineering orgs will compete for a share of $1,000, based on who gets the most donors. First place will receive $400, with prizes laddering down to $50 for the org with the fewest donors. This challenge was made possible thanks to a gift from Adebayo Ogundipe, dean of the Padnos College of Engineering. Eligible student orgs for this challenge are:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Casting Club
• Engineering Ambassadors Network
• Engineers for Accessibility
• Laker Racing Formula SAE
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Solar Racing Team

Engineering Matching Gift

Thanks to a gift from Tim Born, the following organizations will have gifts matched $1 for $1, up to $250:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Casting Club
• Engineering Ambassadors Network
• Engineers for Accessibility
• Laker Racing Formula SAE
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Solar Racing Team

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Participating Student Groups:

American Marketing Association 🧑‍💻

Provides fun opportunities for students interested in marketing and business by hosting expert speakers, touring agencies, providing professional development workshops, participating in philanthropic events, and arranging club networking socials. Gifts help to make all of this programming happen.

Fund: American Marketing Association

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 🛠️

Utilizing the rules and standards of the ASME professional society, we participate in organization and school competitions which encourage innovation and intelligent design. Gifts help with competition costs.

Fund: American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student Org

Association of Latino Professionals for America 🤝

ALPFA empowers Latino students through professional growth and leadership development. They strive to foster a strong and inclusive community that supports career success while celebrating cultural identity and pride. Gifts support professional development workshops, networking events, leadership programming, and opportunities for students to engage with companies and professionals across different industries.

Fund: Association of Latino Professionals for America

Casting Club 🧑‍🏭

Provides students with hands-on casting experience in a creative and innovative manner. This club seeks to expand students' knowledge of casting as a manufacturing method and in designing to ensure effective casting.

Fund: Casting Club

Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization 💡

CEO Club provides members with support, knowledge, and networking opportunities to ensure the maximum amount of success for student business ventures. Gifts will support bringing in guest speakers, attending conferences, and other club resources.

Fund: Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization

Engineering Ambassadors Network 🗣️

A new professional development and outreach student organization expanding the Padnos College of Engineering Student Ambassador program. Members are student leaders who represent PCE at engineering outreach events, engage with K-12 students, and participate in professional development trainings. Gifts will support outreach and development efforts

Fund: Engineering Ambassadors Network

Engineers for Accessibility ⚙️

Designs and builds assistive devices for community members with disabilities, providing engineering students with real-world experience. Gifts cover materials for these devices, which are always provided free of charge.

Fund: Engineers for Accessibility

Grand Valley Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA) ✍️

Pre-professional organization helping students grow in public relations, media, and communications. Gifts support conferences, agency tours, guest speakers, and chapter development.

Fund: Public Relations Student Society of America Fund

Laker Racing Formula SAE 🏁

Designs, builds, and races a formula-style car in the international SAE competition. Gifts support materials, travel, and competition expenses.

Fund: Engineering Formula SAE Gift Fund

Master of Social Work Student Organization 📘

Connects graduate social work students through service projects, professional networking, and peer support. Gifts help cover NASW memberships, internship stipends, and dues assistance.

Fund: Master of Social Work Student Organization

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 📝

The mission of this group is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. Gifts support programming and professional development.

Fund: National Society of Black Engineers

Real Estate Club 🏡

Connects students pursuing real estate through expert speakers, analysis tools, and peer networking. Gifts help cover educational resources, member events, and access to real-world opportunities.

Fund: Real Estate Club

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) 📐

SHPE empowers Hispanic Lakers to realize their fullest potential and impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.

Fund: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Soil Judging Club 🌱

Engages students in regional and national competitions to study soils and ecosystems. Gifts support travel and lodging for competitions.

Fund: Soil Judging Club

Solar Racing Team 🏎️

Designing and racing GVSU’s first solar-powered car for the American Solar Challenge. Gifts fund materials and equipment.

Fund: Solar Racing Team

Student Nurses' Association 🧑‍⚕️

Prepares nursing students through professional development, networking, and service opportunities. Gifts support conferences, events, and community outreach.

Fund: Student Nurses' Association