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WVU engineering student organizations participate in flood relief efforts

Picture of WVU's ASCE and EWB chapters

Members from West Virginia University's chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Engineers Without Borders pose with students from Marshall University and West Virginia University of Technology in Bomont.

Two student organizations at West Virginia University teamed up to participate in flood relief efforts put together by the West Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—

WVU’s chapters of ASCE and Engineers Without Borders traveled to Bomont on Saturday, August 27, to join students from Marshall University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology in repairing homes damaged in the June floods.

“Many West Virginians are unable, physically or financially, to rebuild their lives and homes without help,” said Robby Tennant, a senior civil engineering major and president of WVU’s ASCE chapter. “As students, we may not be able to contribute financially, but we can be the man power that is so desperately needed.”

Seventeen WVU students participated, representing civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, mining engineering, computer science and electrical engineering and business administration.

“Opportunities like this not only help us fulfill our organization’s mission to improve quality of life for communities in need, but are an excellent way for our multidisciplinary members to apply what they’re learning in the classroom in a community setting,” said Colin Frosch, president of EWB and a civil engineering and business administration graduate student from Fairmont.

The group was divided into three teams to participate in projects ranging from installing electrical wires, framing, insulation and drywall and preparing an electrical system to be hooked up to the electricity service provider, to removing and replacing subflooring.

“The trip was a great experience because I was able to utilize my recently gained knowledge of residential wiring to truly help a family in need,” said Adam Roh, a dual civil and electrical engineering major from Morgantown. “Volunteer opportunities like this give students a chance to really think about their lives and be appreciative of it while making a difference.”

Students brought their personal tools and safety equipment to use on the trip and ASCE and EWB donated cleaning products, clothes and water. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering sponsored the group’s travel expenses.

“In total, we put in more than 150 hours of volunteer work on Saturday and we’re proud of that,” said Tennant, a Blacksville native. “We’re happy that our organizations are a way for WVU students to show their true blue and gold colors by giving back to those in need.”


-WVU-

bmd/9/2/16

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