This is the fourth of five installments of a series exploring the culture and perspectives of self and others within the margins of Ohio Northern University’s (ONU) five colleges: Claude W. Pettit College of Law, James F. Dicke College of Business Administration, Raabe College of Pharmacy, T.J. Smull College of Engineering, and Getty College of Arts and Sciences. This publication investigates the T.J. Smull College of Engineering students, their identity, and routines, alongside their insight on students belonging to other colleges.
In the heart of ONU, a remarkable transformation has been underway since the unveiling of the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building in 2019. This state-of-the-art facility has become the epicenter of a thriving academic renaissance, with engineering students at the forefront, led by the visionary President, Dr. Melissa Baumann and her predecessor, Former President Dr. Daniel DiBiasio.
Dr. Melissa Baumann, a distinguished figure in the field of engineering herself, has embarked on a mission to catapult ONU’s engineering program into uncharted territory. Her ambitious plan includes doubling the enrollment in engineering and fostering inclusivity through scholarships funded herself aimed at empowering female engineers. This endeavor not only breathes new life into the discipline but also underscores ONU’s commitment to diversity and equality.
Within the walls of ONU, engineering students are crafting a unique culture – one that mirrors their peers’ social bubbles as seen in the College of Law and the College of Pharmacy. It is filled with their humble academic dedication, isolated student organizations, and sense of community only those enrolled in their college are privy to. Engineering students are seemingly defined by their intensive studies and may appear a tad bookish or awkward. Beyond the equations and formulas, ONU’s engineering students are often introverted to outsiders and are constantly aiming to get the better of some of their graduate colleagues.
Contrary to the stereotype of being anti-social, engineering students are a testament to the power of collaboration. Often found huddled together, studying in groups, immersing themselves in group projects, and celebrating group achievements within their organizations, they thrive on learning from one another, demonstrating that their social bonds are as integral to their success as the equations and formulas they master. It is a culture deeply rooted in numbers and the recognition that it takes a village to earn an engineering degree. It’s not that they are anti-social; they are simply already bonded to their engineering peers due to their coursework.
Intriguingly, a historical rivalry simmers beneath the surface, pitting ONU’s engineering students against their counterparts in the Raabe College of Pharmacy. This rivalry, while seemingly lighthearted, holds deep-seated sentiments, traced back to the precious resources, including the infamous un-erased whiteboards and coveted study spaces within the Kennedy building. This rivalry, often culminating in the high-stakes kickball game, underscores the passion and unity that tie these students to their chosen disciplines.
Notably, what truly distinguishes ONU’s engineering students is their humility. In an academic landscape where accomplishments are often flaunted in the Law or Pharmacy disciplines, these students seemingly prefer to let their work speak for itself. Skipping class is a luxury many of them cannot afford, as their coursework revolves around vital group projects that demand participation. They acknowledge the stereotype of their unhygienic peers, but it seems but a minor inconvenience amidst their collective pursuit of academic excellence. They work diligently, collaborating and innovating in a quiet pursuit of progress, throwing aside the allure of the spotlight. This humility defines the very essence of their community. Their culture shies away from the limelight; instead, they value the substance of their work over attention. Success, for them, is defined not by praise but by unwavering perseverance – an ethos that sets them apart from their peers in other colleges.
As ONU’s J.T. Smull College of Engineering experiences an explosive surge in enrollment, the dynamics of this tight-knit community are poised to evolve. This culture is a unique blend of academic dedication, introverted camaraderie, and a hint of rivalry with the Raabe College of Pharmacy. These engineering students, often characterized by their intensive studies and humility, have quietly forged a tight-knit community that values hard work over self-promotion.
In the heart of ONU, this unique culture thrives, where numbers reign supreme, collaboration is the lifeblood of success, and perseverance is the bedrock of achievement. Engineering students, far from being anti-social, form an intricate web of support and excellence within their college. Their journey is one of unity and humility.