September 26, 2001

Contact: Jill Hummels, School of Engineering, (785) 864-2934.

Women engineers establish semi-formal ball to raise funds for scholarships

LAWRENCE -- The student chapter Society of Women Engineers at the University of Kansas is reviving a long-forgotten tradition -- a dance.

In the 1940s, engineering students would flock to the Hob Nail Hop. But this time, not only will participants have a good time, they'll help support other students. Proceeds from the Engineering Masquerade Ball on Oct. 26 will be used to provide scholarships for female engineering students, said Martha Schad, vice president of SWE.

The semi-formal dance is open to all KU students and the faculty and staff of the School of Engineering, said Schad, senior in architectural engineering from Holts Summit, Mo.

"We wanted to do a social event with other engineers. I know lots of civils and architects, but not many aeros or chemicals," said Schad. What started as an idea to bring engineering students together has since expanded to include all KU students.

The goal is to raise enough money through the ball to support several female engineering students with scholarships, she said. Women account for about 20 percent of KU's undergraduate engineering students. The intensity of the course work keeps many students -- male or female -- from working part-time. The scholarships are "going to go to students already in the program to encourage them to continue their studies," Schad said.

SWE officers hope the ball will become an annual event. This year, the dance will take place on the Friday before Halloween. To put attendees in the mood for the upcoming holiday and add an air of mystery to the dance, SWE will give out masks at the door.

Tickets for the event are $15 per person or $25 for a pair and are available from now until Oct. 17 in the Diversity Programs Office of the School of Engineering, 4010 Learned Hall. SWE officers also will sell tickets at the entrance to Spahr Engineering Library (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and in Snow Hall. Attendance is limited to 250.

What: Engineering Masquerade Ball
When: 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Oct. 26
Where: Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St.
Why: Raise money for scholarships
Who: Society of Women Engineers. Contact Martha Schad and Florence Boldridge, director of diversity programs, School of Engineering, 864-3620.