March 18, 2024
One of the largest celebrations on campus, Engineers’ Week at Mizzou allows students to embrace the College’s history while also honing their leadership skills as they host events for campus and the community. And E-Week 2024 was no exception, as engineering students participated in centuries-old traditions and launched exciting new programming.
E-Week started at Mizzou in 1903 when engineering students first “discovered” St. Patrick was an engineer. They skipped class in celebration, marking the beginning of an engineering tradition that has since spread to colleges across the country.
E-Week 2024 took students on a proverbial yellow—or, in this case, gold—brick road as they honored “The Engineer of St. Patrick” with a “Wizard of Oz” theme. Journey along as we recap events from the celebration of all things engineering.
On Friday, March 8, students and alumni came together for an inaugural networking event in Lafferre Hall. The informal setting allowed students to talk to engineering professionals one-on-one about their ideas, career aspirations and life after graduation.
Also on March 8, the MU Engineering Alumni Organization hosted alumni for the Cheers to Engineers Happy Hour at The Heidelberg. They then joined students, faculty and friends at Francis Quadrangle to celebrate the annual Dome Lighting Ceremony.
Since it started as an E-Week stunt in 1988, the dome lighting has become one of the most visible celebrations of engineering on campus, as the dome of Jesse Hall turns green for all to see. This year, Professor Mary Myers was the guest of honor at the ceremony, which also included a special proclamation from the mayor of Columbia.
From a yellow brick road to the streets of Columbia, Mizzou Engineering joined the College of Arts & Science on March 10 for a Shamrock Race to raise money for the Rainbow House.
E-Week also pays homage to Mizzou’s first female engineering graduate, Ada Wilson. This year, Lorraine Stipek, B.S. EE ’86, was the Ada Wilson Green Tea lecturer, encouraging students to shape their futures using critical thinking skills. The event doubles as a celebration of women in engineering and a recognition of seniors.
The entire College community came together on Monday, March 11, for the annual Hot Dog Banquet, a picnic to treat students, faculty and staff to lunch.
One of the most anticipated events of the week is Lab Exhibits, held this year on Thursday, March 14. This event brings hundreds of elementary, middle and high school students to Lafferre Hall to explore the many applications of engineering. Mizzou Engineering students organize special activities to showcase research around robotics, virtual reality, manufacturing, sustainability and more.
Throughout the week, engineering students enjoyed a number of other events, including a scavenger hunt, trivia night, kickball tournament, karaoke night and skits and barbecue. E-Week King and Queen candidates participate in many of the events, recognized by their shillelaghs, or green staffs, and sashes.
Of course, no E-Week celebration would be complete without a visit from St. Patrick himself. On Friday, March 15, St. Pat joined E-Week Co-Chairs Jimmy Keating and Madi Robinson to “knight” engineering seniors in recognition of their achievements. The Knighting Ceremony and Grand Kowtow are among the oldest E-Week traditions.
The festivities concluded on Saturday, March 16, with the St. Patrick’s Ball, featuring dinner, dancing and the crowing of the E-Week Queen, Eliana Eubanks, and King, Eli Bollinger.
If there was one take-away from Engineers’ Week 2024, it’s that there’s no place like home—at Mizzou Engineering.
Be part of the traditions and fun. Visit campus to explore our programs and see all of the ways you can help shape the future of engineering at Mizzou.