Friday, May 9, 2025

CSE student group awards announced

Congratulations to the CSE student groups and individuals recognized for their achievements and dedication to student engagement over the past academic year. Each year, CSE Student Services recognizes the achievements of CSE student groups over the past year. See the full list of award winners.
Check out the CSE Group Awards!

Congratulations to the CSE student groups and individuals recognized for their achievements and dedication to student engagement over the past academic year. 

Each year, CSE Student Services recognizes the achievements of CSE student groups over the past year. This was a difficult selection process, as nearly 80 student organizations are doing great work across campus to engage students and build transferable skills that set them apart. We look forward to seeing what these student groups and others will accomplish in the future.

Rookie of the Year: National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)
  • Five individuals smiling in front of a building with columns.
    The National Society of Black Physicists founded its UMN chapter this academic year and already has a calendar full of events and a growing membership of students from diverse majors. Its mission is to promote diversity and inclusivity within the field of physics, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed. The group has hosted undergraduate research sessions, resume workshops, social events and more. It has also formed strong partnerships with other organizations, including the Astronomy Club and the National Society of Black Engineers.
Most Improved Student Group: Women and Gender Minorities in Mathematics (WiM)
  • A group of five people posing with gingerbread cookies in a room with wooden shelves.
    The UMN chapter of Women and Gender Minorities in Math (WiM) has had a highly productive year! The group reinvigorated events, grew its active membership, and developed strong partnerships with other women-focused organizations. Highlights this year included Gingerbread House and Cookie Decorating, a Galentine’s party, and the Actuaries and Analysts event.
Outstanding Student Group Program or Event
  • Various meetings and events - Minorities in Tech (M.I.T.)
    A group of nine young adults in front of a building with ornate doors and decorative lamps, dressed in black.
    • Minorities in Tech hosted numerous events and meetings this year, routinely engaging 25 or more guests and members. The group's goal is to create programming that fosters collaboration and provides an inclusive space for students from all backgrounds while supporting future career success. Events this year included technical workshops, de-stress activities, and professional development opportunities. Each event offered attendees hands-on experiences to build technical skills and enhance career preparation.
  • Bladesmithing project - Material Advantage
    A group of six people at a conference, posing with a certificate in front of an academic display.
    • Students from the University of Minnesota chapter of Material Advantage attended the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society’s 2025 annual meeting and presented their bladesmithing project. The group has worked on the project for multiple semesters, learning metallurgy through a partnership with a local blacksmith. Their hard work and organization paid off with a second-place finish!
    A group of people in formal attire participating in a conga line in a large, modern venue.
  • CSE Gala - Science and Engineering Student Board (SESB), Plumb Bob, and Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
    • Returning this year after a short absence was the CSE Gala! Historically a fun, formal event hosted during CSE Week, this year’s gala was a great collaboration between SESB, Plumb Bob and EWB. The event drew nearly 200 students to the McNamara Alumni Center for fun, dancing and award presentations. 
Outstanding Student Group Advisor: Roslyn Englund, Mechanical Engineering
  • Roslyn Englund, recruitment, retention and community coordinator in the Mechanical Engineering Department, is a hub of information for the department’s student groups. Each fall, Roslyn organizes a thorough training session for the seven student groups sponsored by ME. Her initiative ensures each group is well prepared for event planning, financial management, lab and workshop safety, and more. Roslyn’s work helps ME students succeed in their groups and future careers!
Outstanding Student Leader: 
  • Josiah (Jojo) Grabanski - Plumb Bob
      Josiah (Jojo) Grabanski has been an active member of Plumb Bob since his first year on campus in 2021. This year, Jojo’s leadership as president ensured that CSE Week continued the 111-year tradition with another successful celebration. As president, he worked closely with CSE staff and other student groups to plan, organize and carry out one of the most successful celebrations in recent memory. The week featured great weather, strong attendance—1,450 attendees at the cookouts—and strong engagement with industry sponsors including Milwaukee Tool, Medtronic, Land O’Lakes, Ecolab and others.
    • A speaker presents in a classroom with a slide titled "MIT: Interview Prep w/ Accenture."
      Ahmed Ahmed - Minorities in Tech (M.I.T.)
        Ahmed, president of Minorities in Tech, has been an incredible leader for this young student organization. In its first few years, he has guided the group in hosting a wide variety of events, including panels, workshops and professional development presentations. Serving as president for two years, his leadership has helped the group reach a wide audience and establish Minorities in Tech as a successful addition to CSE student organizations.
      Outstanding Student Group: Gopher Motorsports 
      • A black Formula racing car with sponsor logos parked on a racetrack beside a grandstand.
        Gopher Motorsports has a long and storied history in CSE, and 2024 was another standout year. The team saw major success with both of its project vehicles—the internal combustion engine car and the electric vehicle. The IC vehicle finished 19th out of more than 100 teams and made historic strides in the endurance portion of the competition. During their EV competition, the team persevered through challenges and secured a strong 36th-place national finish. They also proudly represented the college in the Homecoming parade. With continued momentum, the team is well-positioned for future success.
      Lind Legacy
      • Science and Engineering Student Board (SESB)
        A group of 14 individuals in formal attire standing on steps in front of a building with columns and decorative doors.
          The Science and Engineering Student Board (SESB) is a consistent force for student engagement and advocacy within CSE. SESB provides a community for CSE students to connect, network, collaborate and showcase the experiences of undergraduates in the college. Their initiatives support the diverse student body, offering opportunities for students to connect, learn and socialize, while also advocating for the needs and priorities of CSE undergraduates to the administration in Lind Hall and Walter Library. The board hosts a wide range of signature events, including Freezin’ for a Reason 5K, Skate with a Date, and newer additions like the Human Library, CSE Town Halls and more. The leadership team regularly engages with the CSE Dean’s Office, sharing opinions and priorities that help shape policy. SESB is an invaluable resource for students across the college.
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        CSE Student Services
        612-624-5091
        csess@umn.edu
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