The Envisioneer Vision...
The mission of the Envisioneers is to function as the student component of the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education–
"Acting as a catalyst for change, a launching point for creativity and enthusiasm, and a driving force for innovation in engineering and society."
What is an Envisioneer? Many people ask this question, and those many people get many different answers. You may want to describe our organization by what we do, or what we've accomplished, or even by where we're going. But the Envisioneer is defined by who they are. Now, that may seem to be a cyclical argument such as Popeye might employ (I yam what I yam), but I see it as the only way to fully differentiate one of us from the typical, hardworking, engineering student.
We've shifted from the mentality that everything must be done as defined by history. In Beijing, as tanks rolled down the main street towards Tiananmen Square, one lone man with a vision of a new future put himself in front of the rumbling keepers of the past. Not knowing if he would be crushed by the oncoming tanks, his purpose was to confront, not only to succeed. By his actions, he created a recognition of the need for change, although not the immediate change itself. After a brief scuffle, the tanks moved on... but in the minds of the drivers, and all of society, that student will forever be standing in front, demanding change.
While the scale of bravery is not the same, or the effect as dramatic, we see ourselves as that lone, defiant student, searching for progress. Our tanks are the traditional paradigms of how to assemble engineers. Alone, we may not be able to revolutionize engineering education, but whether or not the task is too large for us is immaterial. We look beyond that. We are the catalyst for revolution. The seeds are sown. But they will require your and our continued nurturing. Only with the combined efforts of faculty, administration, industry, and students, will a new approach to learning grow.
In upholding our part in this challenge, the Envisioneers are pursuing our vision at all levels. Some of the recent projects that we have worked on include a freshman orientation program. Through fun, interactive workshops and tie-dyeing, we welcomed new engineers and encouraged them to become immediately active in the college. An advising center we are coordinating in Kunkle lounge will help and encourage fellow engineers. Our second annual creativity contest will exercise the participants' minds and foster their creativity. We help Park Forest Jr. High with the Science Olympiad program, encouraging an early appreciation of science. One day, Penn State students saw a fish caught in an eight foot mousetrap in front of Sackett. Why? To shock, stupefy, and inspire people to ask why and learn to see things differently.
So, what is an Envisioneer? An Envisioneer is a dedicated student, a diligent worker, and a firm believer in change. Action is our primary tool. Coupled with the philosophies of the Leonhard Center, and experience gained in professional skills, the Envisioneer stands apart.