Purdue SWE
ABOUT PURDUE SWE
PSWE is the Purdue chapter of Society of Women Engineers (SWE). We are the oldest, continuous section in the country. Since our founding in 1954, we have gown to become one of the largest student organizations on campus. We’ve won SWE’s “Outstanding Collegiate Section” award numerous times and are recognized as having one of the strongest collegiate sections in the country. Our mission is simple–empower and support women through innovative programs that provide technical and leadership experience. Each year, PSWE hosts many events all geared towards helping our members succeed both in college and the professional industry.
MISSION STATEMENT
To empower and support women through innovative programs that provide technical and leadership experience in open and encouraging environments. Since 1954, PSWE has been dedicated to motivating young women to attain the highest levels of education and career advancement.
PSWE HISTORY
In 1954, five years after the first meeting of the National Society of Women Engineers, the Purdue student section of the Society of Women Engineers was incorporated. At that time there were approximately 20 members. In 1967 the first SWE scholarship at Purdue University was established. This scholarship and many others have since been awarded every year at the SWE Awards Program which was first held in 1973. In 1974, Purdue SWE was the first organization to enter a kart into the Purdue Grand Prix race with an all female crew and driver.
Purdue has had a significant role in the national SWE
organization. It is the oldest continuously chartered SWE
section in the country. The Purdue section has won the best
section in Region H more than 10 times. In 2007, it won 2nd
place for best student section in the nation, and in 2008, it won
a Gold Level of the Outstanding Collegiate Section Award.
Today, PSWE is composed of over 450 men and women
members, making it one of the largest student organizations
at Purdue, and one of the largest SWE collegiate sections in
the country. Purdue alumnae have served as National SWE
presidents, SWE fellows, board members, regional officers, and national officers. The success of Purdue SWE has been engraved in history and will continue to thrive in years to come.