Contact: Bob Ratliff
For the fifth consecutive year, Mississippi State mechanical engineering students hold the top spot among regional chapters.
The 130-member university chapter recently captured the Ingersoll-Rand Award at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Region XI Student Conference in West Palm Beach, Fla. The annual recognition goes to the campus organization with the most service and leadership activities during the past year.
The region includes 14 universities and colleges in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Western Tennessee.
The Ingersoll-Rand Co. of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., a major supporter of ASME programs and activities, sponsors the award. A $300 check accompanies the honor.
MSU students previously won the award outright in 1998, 1999 and last year. They shared in 1997 with Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., and the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Prior to accepting the 2000-01 Ingersoll-Rand honor, MSU chapter representatives saw vice chair Paula Jean Runge of Perkinston win election as Region XI student representative to this year's national ASME meetings. Runge, a junior, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Runge and a 1998 Stone County High School graduate.
Chartered in 1926, the MSU chapter is among the university's oldest continuous student organizations. Associate professor Bruce L. Cain is the faculty adviser.
In addition to Runge, other MSU ASME student chapter officers for the 2000-01 school year include (by hometown):
BRANDON-Secretary Sean R. Taylor, a sophomore and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Taylor. He is a 1999 Brandon High School graduate.
DeKALB-Treasurer Justin L. Goldman, a senior and the son of Brenda P. Goldman. He is a 1997 graduate of Kemper Academy and a 1999 graduate of East Mississippi Community College.
MERIDIAN-Chair James R. Rawson, a senior and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Rawson. He is a 1997 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School and a 1999 honors graduate of Meridian Community College.
STRINGER-Ingersoll-Rand programs coordinator Kellum "Duane" Jennings, a senior and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Jennings. He is a 1996 Stringer Attendance Center graduate.