Inspire, Fall/Winter 2010

2000 Students take first place in the Supermileage competition at the Eaton Proving Grounds in Marshall, Michigan. Their one-man vehicle, powered by a highly modified Briggs & Stratton 3.5 horsepower engine, achieves a remarkable 632 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency. Improving on the early accomplishments, Cedarville’s 2010 team attains 1,433 miles per gallon in a tough competition. 2001 Tau Beta Pi charters its 228th chapter at Cedarville. Founded at Lehigh University in 1885, the national honor society recognizes exemplary engineering students. In the years to follow, six Cedarville chapter members claim competitive scholarships provided by Tau Beta Pi. 2002 Cedarville launches a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree. The major combines aspects of computer science and electrical engineering, including a selection of courses in programming languages, microprocessors, computer architecture, mathematics, and engineering. 2004 Cedarville’s Solar Splash team wins its first of five world championships. Cedarville teams successfully defend the title in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Solar Splash is an international, intercollegiate competition in which students design, build, and sail solar-powered boats. The Cedarville chapter of Society of Women Engineers is established. (Read more about it on page 42.) 2005 The computer science program moves from the department of science and mathematics into the department of engineering, paving the way for its accreditation. The 8,800 square-foot Engineering Projects Laboratory opens. It provides space and equipment for student engineering projects like solar-electric boats, Formula and Supermileage cars, Aero Design planes, and competition robots. The facility features a student machine shop, ventilated paint booth, wood shop, tool crib, stock storage, conference room, and six faculty offices. Cedarville hosts its first summer engineering camp for high school students, now an annual event. 12 fall/winter 2010