Winners
Most Outstanding Chapter: University of Kentucky Omega Chapter
The Omega Chapter has demonstrated excellence in educational programming, service, outreach, and member engagement. This year, the chapter launched its first Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam Study Series, providing peer-led instruction, mentoring, and problem-solving sessions that prepared students for professional licensure. Members also promoted agricultural and biosystems engineering through Engineering Day and BE A STAR Night, engaging more than 100 high school students with hands-on demonstrations in drones, electronics, 3D printing, and mechanical systems. The chapter continues its long-standing international book donation project, which has collected truckloads of books for global distribution over the past decade, while also supporting community initiatives such as Circle of Love. With 12 new initiates this year and sustained growth over the past five years, the chapter has created meaningful opportunities for academic success, professional development, leadership, and service while advancing the agricultural and biosystems engineering profession.
Most Improved Chapter: Iowa State University Pi Chapter
The Pi Chapter has demonstrated significant growth in chapter activity, visibility, and member engagement over the past year. Building on the momentum of a revitalized leadership team, the chapter introduced several new initiatives, including an Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Research Panel that connected students with faculty research opportunities and increased awareness of ongoing work within the department. The chapter also established recurring fundraisers, including lunch and breakfast events that strengthened chapter finances while increasing its presence within the department. In addition, the chapter welcomed 11 new members through its annual initiation ceremony, highlighted by a keynote address from an Alpha Epsilon alumnus and agricultural engineering professional. Looking ahead, the chapter plans to expand participation through collaborative events with other student organizations, continue its successful educational and fundraising activities, and introduce new service opportunities that further engage members and strengthen the chapter’s impact within the department and profession.
New Project Seed Money: Michigan State University Sigma Chapter
The Sigma Chapter continues to strengthen member engagement through educational, professional, service, and social activities. This year, the chapter hosted study sessions to support academic success, organized initiation ceremonies for new members, and held social events that fostered connections among chapter members. The chapter also demonstrated its commitment to service by creating and distributing appreciation cards to Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering department staff in recognition of their support of students. With 21 new initiates and regular chapter and officer meetings, the chapter has built a strong foundation for future growth. Looking ahead, the chapter plans to expand its impact by organizing a chapter-wide community service project and exploring opportunities to host its own Order of the Engineer ceremony, providing additional professional development and recognition opportunities for students. These initiatives will help the chapter continue developing future leaders in agricultural and biological engineering.
Past Winners