Representatives from Georgia Tech's National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter attended 2011's NSBE Annual Convention.  The convention is the premiere event for the organization which encompasses members from around the world. The theme for the 37th Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO was “Engineering the Gateway to Success”. During the event, there were various programs and workshops in place to benefit grade school, collegiate, graduate, technical professional, and international entities of the Society. The convention showcased the NSBE culture, achievements of the membership, local and nationwide talent, and black-owned businesses in the St. Louis Area. The goal of this convention was to provide members with the pipeline to continue to strive for success in their academics, profession, and community.

This year, the Georgia Tech NSBE chapter was named National Distinguished Chapter of the Year.  This honor is the highest recognition given to the NSBE chapters.  Additionally, Jacob Tzegaegbe, a CEE student, received the NSBE Golden Torch Award as Mike Shinn Distinguished member of the year.  Currently, Tzegaegbe is a fourth-year student pursuing his degree in Civil Engineering.  His career goals are to obtain a PhD in Civil Engineering specializing in infrastructure systems and pursue a career in academia or with the UN. He would like to pursue research to create sustainable infrastructure in developing nations to stimulate economy and raise the quality of life.

"I was extremely humbled and appreciative that I was the recipient of the Mike Shinn Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award," said Tzegaegbe. "It comes as culmination of four years of hard work to better myself and my community. I never thought coming to Georgia Tech four years ago that I would see myself rise to such heights. I think this award is a testament to the types of leaders Georgia Tech creates in and outside the classroom."