Pitt's School of Engineering Holds 50th Annual E-Week March 18-26

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering's 50th annual E-Week, which will include such activities as Pittopoly, a Duct Tape Challenge, Pie-a Professor, and a Soap Box Derby, will take place March 18 to 26 on the University of Pittsburgh campus. A team from each of Pitt's engineering departments will compete against each other for the coveted Shamrock Cup.

Pitt has one of the oldest E-Week celebrations in the country and was recognized in 2001 with the Nation's Best E-Week award at the National Association of Engineering Student Councils' National Convention. Pitt's inaugural E-Week in 1954 was celebrated in honor of St. Patrick, who many considered a patron saint of engineering and deserving of engineering festivities in his honor.

Pitt's tradition of E-Week evolved from National Engineering Week, held nationwide in February to promote understanding and awareness of the profession, celebrate important contributions made by engineers, and encourage young Americans to pursue careers in science, math, and engineering.

Some highlights of E-Week include:

Saturday, March 20

9 a.m., Soap Box Derby, University Drive, on the hill behind the Chevron Science Center, 219 Parkman Ave., Oakland

Monday, March 22

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pittopoly, Benedum Hall Lobby, 3700 O'Hara St., Oakland. Pittopoly is played on a board that is more than 6 feet by 6 feet with squares representing different Oakland locations. Underhanded business dealings are a trademark of the game.

Tuesday, March 23

10 a.m., Duct Tape Challenge, Benedum Hall Auditorium. Students teams from each department will duct tape a team member to the wall. The team whose "tape victim" stays stuck the longest wins the event.

3 p.m., Mystery Eats, Benedum Hall. Similar to the television show "Fear Factor," Mystery Eats challenges engineering students to compete against each other by consuming barely edible food.

Wednesday, March 24

Noon, Pie-a-Professor, Benedum Hall.

Friday, March 26

9 a.m., Parade through Oakland streets ending at Benedum Hall. Each department constructs a float and prepares a skit/dance to be performed on the float in front of Benedum Hall. This year's theme is classic video games.

The week will end with the Shamrock Ball, a formal banquet and awards ceremony at the Sheraton at Station Square. The winning department will be given the Shamrock Cup to hold until next year's E-Week.

For a complete events listing, see www.pitt.edu/~engsc/eweek.html.

###

3/19/04/mgc