Attending the national convention for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) for her final time as an undergrad, CSU student chapter President Michelle Hefner listened closely during the awards ceremony. Before announcing the name of the university, SHPE’s National Board started describing the accomplishments of the organization’s National Chapter of the Year.

“As soon as they began describing our specific accomplishments, I knew it was us and I immediately started crying,” said Hefner. “The entire past four years of commitment, challenges, good times, people I’ve met, and passion just flashed in front of me and it was beautifully overwhelming.”

From a humble start of six students studying together and dreaming of the future, to bringing 18 students from the CSU chapter to the convention in Orlando, Florida, last weekend, the newly crowned National Chapter of the Year has come a long way. SHPE students are leaders in the college, and help other students through efforts like Resume Rush prior to the college’s Engineering Career Fair each semester.

The team has worked hard to have an impact on members, the campus community, and across Colorado. Other chapters in the state have collaborated with the CSU chapter, and happily recognized their efforts at the convention.

“It’s awesome to have support from SHPE National and the recognition is absolutely something to be proud of,” said Hefner. “It sets the precedent for our future leaders and members, and leaves a legacy that is founded on hard work, fun, family, and excellence.”