October 26 – 27, 2007 students from across the western region gathered at the Univesity of California, Berkeley for a student leadership conference hosted by Mu chapter entitled "Making a Difference: Leadership through Innovation." Representatives from Arizona State University, California State University, Los Angeles, New Mexico State University, the University of Texas, Arlington, and the University of Washington, joined Mu chapter for a day of fascinating speakers and group activities.

Two chapters, New Mexico State University and the University of California, Berkeley, are 2005-06 Outstanding Chapter Award winners and offered great insights to other participants as well as picked up new ideas for recruiting, activities, and fundraising to bring home.

The morning began with a presentation by Jorn Lygseggen, founder and chief executive officer of Meltwater Group, a sponsor of the event. Mr. Lygeseggen shared his insights into growing global companies and how his business has grown tremendously through trusting his staff, encouraging ambition and exceeding goals, and taking responsibility for one's actions. Meltwater Group has a unique global corporate culture of young professionals that peaked the interest of many attendees. An opportunity for a teaching fellowship in Ghana was presented to all attendees to share with their home chapters.

Following Mr. Lyseggen's presentation, Dr. Steve Goodnick, associate vice president for research at Arizona State University and HKN board member, shared insights into the ever-changing high technology field. He expounded on the fascinating integration of bio, nano, and informatic technology and how cross-subject education is imperative to the future of EE and CE. New developments are discovered daily and globalization will affect each of the attendees in their upcoming job searches. Cultural awareness and leadership skills will be just as necessary as learning the foundations of ECE curriculum. View Dr. Goodnick's presentation.

To work up an appetite for lunch, Mu chapter shared one of their most popular pledge activities - a photo scavenger hunt. Five teams competed to photograph their team members in front of a variety of Berkeley landmarks, following clues leading to their destinations.

Following lunch, Mu chapter secured a special tour of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Attendees enjoyed the intimate tour where fascinating research happens every day. They were impressed at the magnitude of the laboratory and the findings that have come from there by some of the nation's top researchers.

Then Chris Verplaetse, vice president, Moto, Michael Arens, embedded systems engineer, Moto, and Kimling Lam, director of university relations, Meltwater, were joined by two Mu chapter Industrial Relations committee members for a discussion about how chapters can reach out to local industries and make connections that benefit not only the HKN chapter, but also the industry. The best advice the professionals offered was to make a clear, organized presentation outlining specifically what any donations would be used for, what the chapter expects from the company, and to do some background-research on each company.

Mu chapter and Gamma Chi, New Mexico State University, led a discussion of chapter management skills and development ideas for the entire group. Everyone agreed that continuity can be a problem as officers and members are often transient. Establishing listserves and generic e-mail addresses that present and past officers have access to allows outsiders (such as Headquarters and industry) to have a constant way to contact the chapter, even if the people change. All attendees have new ideas to share with their chapters to organize and grow their membership and continue to make Eta Kappa Nu the premier honor society.

The evening keynote address by Dr. Chenming Hu, University of California, Berkeley professor, presented another opportunity for attendees to learn about technical advances in transistors and to share in Dr. Hu's expertise as an academic and an industry professional. Mu chapter secured a fantastic room overlooking campus and the bay for the evening.

HKN congratulates Mu chapter on a successful conference. Student leaders organized the entire event, securing speakers, sponsorships, meals, and facilities. Thank you also to the generous speakers who shared significant insights into the leadership and innovation skills needed in the ever-developing fields of ECE.

Thanks also to generous HKN members who made tax-deductible donations so that all attendees participated at no cost as well as supportive sponsors.

Platinum Sponsor
Meltwater Group

Gold Sponsor
Moto Development Group, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor
Informatica Corporation