The third annual BCOE Match Challenge at the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) raised $78,000 for the Dean’s Innovation Fund, which will provide direct support for 14 of the college’s professional student organizations. A total of $38,000 in matching funds, generously provided by lead sponsor Triad Magnetics and other donors, were made available from Sept. 21, 2020 through Oct. 31, 2020, allowing donors to double the impact of their gifts.

In the 2019 challenge, a total of $57,000 was raised, making for a 38 percent increase in 2020. In addition, this year the total number of donors tripled from last year to nearly 300, including ten matching supporters.  

“We extend our thanks to the community of BCOE alumni, parents, students, partners, and friends for their increasing support of Highlander engineers-to-be,” said Marko Princevac, associate dean of student academic affairs and professor of mechanical engineering. “Student organizations are a critical part of students’ educational and leadership experience at BCOE, and supporters of the Dean’s Innovation Fund help set our students up for success upon graduation.”

In weekly donor challenges, the student organization with the most donors each week secured a $500 bonus. Winners included the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) with 16 donors, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) with 18 donors and twice the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with 26 donors and 34 donors.

“Professional organizations give students the hands-on leadership experience that companies like ours look for in applicants,” said Bill Dull, president of Triad Magnetics and member of the BCOE Dean’s Council of Advisors. “We are excited to support our future engineers and the innovations they will develop for our society in the years to come.”  

Gifts and matching funds for student organizations will be available for current use towards community outreach projects, professional development initiatives and academic enrichment activities. Gifts directed to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and SAE will support new endowed funds being established this year. Matching funds for these two groups will be available for current use.

To learn more about current opportunities to give to BCOE, visit here.