he UL Lafayette Student Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineering (SPE) received recognition at the 2008 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) held in Denver, Colorado, when it won the 2008 Outstanding Student Chapter Award.
There are nearly 200 student chapters worldwide and the selection committee, composed of industry professionals, narrowed the field to six finalists in August. The winner was announced recently at the ATCE in Denver.
The Outstanding Student Chapter Award is presented to recognize exceptional merit in a chapter whose programs, activities, and level of participation in an academic year distinguish that chapter from other chapters. The award is only presented when a student chapter meets all criteria.
Dr. Ali Ghalambor, department head for Petroleum Engineering and faculty advisor to the SPE Student Chapter, agreed that his SPE Student Chapter is exceptional. “They are extremely active in university and industry events, they participate in community service projects, fundraising activities, and mentoring first time freshman and international students, helping them adjust to academic life,” said Ghalambor. “Our students have gained global recognition among industry professionals for their strong show of participation and their enthusiasm for working in the petroleum industry.”
Forty-five SPE student members were present in Denver at the ATCE thanks to support from the industry and private sponsors.