by Bob Noseworthy

On April 21, 1995 the UNH IEEE Student Branch held its bi-annual Student Professional Awareness Conference (S-PAC) at The New England Center. Over 84 students and professors attended. They had gathered to hear three speakers and a panel of four UNH alumni discuss various aspects of interest to future professionals in any industry, especially electrical engineering.

Before we explore the events that occurred at the S-PAC, let's get a taste of what went on outside of it. On June 23, 1995 (a mere two months later!) the remaining balance of the bill was paid! With that, the wheels set in motion back in September finally ground to a halt. Nine months earlier, the IEEE Student Branch officers decided to continue the tradition of the bi-annual S-PAC. Elected to the S-PAC committee were: Derek Podgorni, Program Chair; Adam Healy, Finance Chair; Jason Gerry, Publicity Chair; Kim West, Ticket Sales; Dave Weber, Facilities Chair; and myself as Chairman. In addition to the chairs outlined by IEEE, sophomore Nicole McCormack offered her time so that there might be some student continuity between this S-PAC and the next. Dr. Allen Drake, the IEEE Student Branch councilor, assisted (and drove) us through the S-PAC preparation process. From September till the event, we met at least once a week to plan, organize, seek funding and contact potential speakers. But even with seven months of preparation, we were not fully prepared for what occurred on April 21!

On that fateful day, Orin E. Laney, who originally was to be our second speaker, arrived on schedule from Maryland and joined us for lunch. As the time to the start of the S-PAC dwindled, we finally heard from our planned first speaker, who was experiencing car trouble and would be a "little" late. With that Mr. Laney agreed to become our first speaker. Mr. Laney is a founder of several small businesses and a veteran of industry. He gave an interesting talk entitled "Tales of an Experienced Engineer" in which he conveyed some of his experience in the field to the attendees.

Our "first" speaker, Norman Balabanian, finally arrived during Mr. Laney's talk. He had overcome car trouble and the flu to speak on the ethical responsibility of engineers -- a subject we should all consider since the technology we use and create does indeed affect society. Following Mr. Balabanian's talk, we adjourned for dinner at the Wood's Restaurant, still awaiting our third speaker's arrival.

Edmund B. Woollen, our third speaker, is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing for Raytheon. As such, he keeps a very tight schedule, as he explained upon arriving 15 minutes before his talk! Mr. Woollen gave a very powerful and impressive talk on the role engineers play in industry, what his company looks for in the engineers they hire, and some suggestions on what we as students can do to prepare ourselves.

Finally, the alumni panel was held, moderated by Dr. John LaCourse and consisting of: David Clough of Synopsys Inc, Jason Jeffords of Cabletron Systems, Russ Noseworthy, and Larry Parker of DG O'Brien. The panel discussion explored the reasons why panel members had selected the career paths they had, and what the students can do to prepare themselves for paths that interest them. To conclude the S-PAC, the Vice-Chair of the NH IEEE Section, Jim Frey explained the importance of retaining your IEEE membership upon completion of your degree.

Thus concluded the very successful 1995 S-PAC. In all, this year's S-PAC cost over $2,500 dollars and received funding from the following sources: The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers New Hampshire Section, the Region 1 Regional Activities Board and the UNH Student Branch; The Industrial Associates Program of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; and the Programming Fund Office through the Student Activity Fee.

Thanks to all parties involved, and please join us again at the 1997 S-PAC!!!