Although Kettering University is quite diverse, chemical engineering majors happen to be one of the smaller groups on campus. Chemical engineering students are among the few who do not have an honor society available for their major. I am vice president of the chemical engineering honor society club -- and yes -- I did say club. The club was created in order to eventually establish a Kettering University chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon, the national chemical engineering honor society. Our club is currently very small, but growing. In order to become a recognized honor society on campus, a couple things need to happen. We need to support the chemical engineering club as well as assist local philanthropy. It’s apparent that Flint needs all of the help it can get.

I feel as though fundraising ideas have become very typical. I recently thought of a fundraising idea that I think Kettering will enjoy: A chili cook-off! Given that we attend a very challenging engineering college, we often love a good challenge, and let's face it, a lot of us have a competitive nature. So, not only does this idea include food, it includes a competition. I would like it to become a Kettering tradition. Who knows, maybe a specific person or house can hold the win for many years in a row? I know what you’re thinking...chili... in the summer? This event can take place towards the end of the summer term or even winter term, if the student body feels that would make the most sense. Students can purchase tickets to enjoy the cook-off and cast their votes for the winner after the event has finished. The proceeds will go towards supporting the chemical engineering club as well as local philanthropies, specifically ones that are geared towards helping the Flint community.

I hope this event can bring our university together for our love of food and the opportunity to make a difference in the Flint community. I am only one person with an idea, but I know together we can be an unstoppable force.

I am writing this article to tell you, that even if something you believe in only starts with a few people who have the same idea in mind, meeting the goal is possible. If you are a chemical engineering student here on Kettering’s campus, I encourage you to join us in the pursuit of excellence. Even if you are not a chemical engineering student, feel free to spread the world or help our cause. I know as a university we are a powerful team that can accomplish anything we put our minds to.