College of Engineering hosts bootcamp to prepare incoming students

Lamar University College of Engineering hosted their annual First Year Engineering Math Bootcamp from Aug. 11 - 16.

This camp allows students to refresh their math courses before the fall semester begins. Incoming students are also able to socialize amongst themselves, meet student organizations, and introduce themselves to faculty, staff, and industry partners.

“It was great to meet the new people coming to Lamar. It’s a social environment where people meet each other, like not many people sat alone at lunch because they were all talking to each other,” sophomore mechanical engineering major Carlos Viloria said.

First Year Engineering Math Bootcamp is sponsored by Motiva Enterprises, Dow Chemical, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and ExxonMobil. Each of these sponsors made this camp possible through their generous donations, and their activities within the camp.

Incoming students were able to participate in activities where they could learn about student life, hear from alumni, receive professional development, and show off their skills at Freshman Design.

"Our students were able to compete with different protype slingshot launchers on who could build the most efficient one and launch a tinfoil projectile the furthest,” sophomore mechanical engineering major Trey Ames said. “As a volunteer, I was able to guide students, help them brainstorm ideas, and test prototypes.”

Bootcamp students were also able to enjoy social activities, including popsicle afternoon, game night, and bootcamp barbeque.

“Game night was a good way to get to know the freshmen in a less formal setting,” Laila Royster, junior mechanical engineering student said. “We played a very tense Uno game, and there was also a Nintendo Switch, Monopoly, and other games.”

At the end of the event, the College of Engineering gives three scholarships away based on a raffle. The top prize is $1,000, the second prize receives $750, and the third prize receives $500 to go toward their school tuition. Students are able to gain tickets for each  bootcamp event they participate in.

“[Bootcamp] was really insightful, and I enjoyed getting to know people,” top prize scholarship winner Natalia Hochstrasser said. “I am ecstatic about receiving this award, and it will really help with my studies.”

The College of Engineering is looking forward to this new year with their incoming students, and welcoming their current students back to campus.

"I am glad to [feel] so welcome and see how active I can be on campus aside from my degree,” freshman mechanical engineer major Dylan Lynch said.

Want to learn more about the College of Engineering at LU? See for yourself at http://www.lamar.edu/engineering.