Inspire, Fall/Winter 2010

Watching the Legacy Unfold When Dr. Dan Wetzel arrived on campus in September 1963 to teach physics and mathematics, he could never have guessed what the next 45 years of his career would hold. During his time at Cedarville, he observed firsthand the changes, struggles, and triumphs that would eventually result in one of the school’s most successful professional programs, the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Wetzel served as chair of the department of science and mathematics from 1989 to 1998 and as dean of the school of engineering, nursing, and science from 1998 to 2003. His career highlights include the development of a math major in 1964, the announcement of full accreditation in 1975, the introduction of the engineering program in 1989, the move into the Engineering, Nursing, and Science Center in 1992, and receiving the Faculty Member of the Year award in 1997. Dr. Wetzel’s efforts were influential in getting the engineering program off the ground. In 1986, he served as an overseer to the pre-engineering program and later chaired the engineering feasibility committee. Looking back, Dr. Wetzel is proud of what has been accomplished. “The program has exceeded our fondest expectations of quality and size,” he said. “I am impressed with the quality of the faculty we have been able to recruit and with the extremely talented students who have been attracted to the program.” In August 2008, Dr. Wetzel formally retired to provide full-time care for Phyllis, his beloved wife of 57 years. He currently serves as professor emeritus of physics and mathematics. You may contact Dr. Wetzel at dpwetzel13@msn.com. Where Are They Now? facul ty voi ce Building Community We begin each semester with an orientation for new female engineering students and introduce the organization as a safe, encouraging, and fun home base. These new students form support teams with other new students to facilitate peer assistance and teamwork. Upperclassman female students form mentoring teams with the newest students in order to offer practical and academic guidance. One of our members, Alissa Johnson ’11, is a computer science major from Lapeer, Michigan. She understands what it’s like to be the only woman in her major classes. She said, “I appreciated the support from junior and senior SWE members who came alongside me and encouraged me when I started out in the major. And I’m glad to have the chance to do that myself now that I’m an upperclassman.” While we do not require SWE participation, we consider all female engineering students to be members. We have organized activities like movie nights, dessert outings, and birthday celebrations to facilitate connections and friendships among the women. We also sponsor an annual presentation by a female engineer working in the industry. We want SWE to be an inclusive community of learning and support where each woman in the department can seek out academic assistance and find sincere companionship. Each semester, we select a service project to complete as an organization. This fall, we presented fun demonstrations at local elementary schools to teach children about opportunities in engineering. Not only do these activities build friendships and teamwork, but they are also a way to share God’s love with the local community by exercising our talents and gifts. Making Our Mark I have seen the profound effects that SWE has had on recruiting women to Cedarville’s engineering program. In 2004, there were fewer than 10 female students in the department. In 2010, six women completed the program including our first computer science graduate. This fall, we have 37 women with a declared engineering or computer science major. I have also seen the impact that SWE has had on my life. Working with the SWE women has been a blessing. Each one is a gift that God has sent into my life. I am so proud of all of them; their success brings me so much joy. The cards, cookies, prayers, and hugs from my students have made my investment very rewarding. I can clearly see that God brought me here to mentor and develop this special group of young women as we make our mark on the engineering profession. Dr. Vicky Fang serves as associate professor of computer engineering. She earned her B.S.E.E. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, her M.S.E.T. from Pittsburgh State University, and her Ph.D. from The University of Akron. You may contact her at vfang@cedarville.edu.