History
In 1974, Rod Garcia and a group of Hispanic engineers founded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) with the aim of increasing diversity in the STEM field. Today, SHPE has over 13,000 members and more than 280 chapters in colleges and universities nationwide. As the Missouri University of Science and Technology chapter, we are proud to be a part of SHPE as we approach its 50th anniversary.
Our chapter was established on February 27, 1992, by twenty-eight students and our faculty advisor, Dr. Mariane Trujillo. We belong to the Student Diversity Initiatives program at Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla. Our primary goal is to assist our members in achieving their academic and professional aspirations. We align our efforts with SHPE’s mission, which focuses on empowering the Hispanic community, promoting STEM awareness, and providing support and developmental opportunities.
Our Mission
To foster a community for our members that promotes Hispanic culture on campus, prepares opportunities for professional and personal development, and provides an outlet to cultivate friendships and build a Familia.
Our Vision
SHPE-S&T’s vision is to inspire all generations of Hispanics to succeed in STEM and create a lasting sense of Familia.
Goals
Empowering Member Success
Our chapter organizes various events, workshops, and programs to facilitate the growth and success of our members on campus. These initiatives include professional development workshops, networking events, and mentorSHPE opportunities. Through collaborations with industry professionals, we provide our members with valuable resources and avenues for growth.
Fostering Success in STEM
Raising awareness about STEM is one of our chapter’s crucial endeavors. We believe in introducing young students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds to the opportunities within STEM fields. To encourage these students to pursue STEM careers, we organize events specifically designed for high school students, such as ¡Sí Se Puede! and Noche de Ciencias. Our aim is to break down barriers and promote diversity from an early age.
Promoting Diversity on Campus
Our chapter collaborates with other student organizations and actively participate in campus-wide initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion at Missouri S&T. An example of our successful collaboration is Latin Dance Night, an event where we bring the fiesta to campus. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.
As we approach SHPE’s 50th anniversary, our chapter at Missouri University of Science and Technology remains committed to our important work. We are dedicated to empowering our members, promoting diversity in STEM, and making a positive impact in our community. We firmly believe that through collaboration, we can build a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Whether you are a student interested in STEM or a professional seeking to make a difference, we invite you to join our SHPE chapter. Let us work together to create a more diverse and inclusive STEM community, where everyone can thrive and contribute to a better tomorrow.