BOL Round Table

Professor Al,

Is there not some way that Bama's Public Relations can get this message out via USA Today, etc.? I think it's time for Bama to be thought of as an EXCELLENT school of engineering. How do you propose that the "word gets out?"

BTW, congrats on #1...

Ball Doctor

UA media people are working on it. I am not sure of their plans at this point though. NBC13 in B'ham interviewed my students before the competition and carried their story on air. Hopefully, we can get a followup since we did so well.

I agree with you that UA must continue to market the College of Engineering to overcome years of perception that auburn is the top engineering school in the state.

It is difficult to get coverage for this type of event. Last year our 4th place finish generated zero media interest. Hopefully, we can take advantage of 1st place and get the word out.

On a related note, it is just as difficult raising money for these types of events. Sponsors are hard to find. Again, hopefully winning the event will change that.

Roll Tide!!!

Great post and congrats to all of those involved.

Out of curiosity, what goes into financing one of these events? Obviously, you have travel expenses. Do you have registration fees? Do materials come into play? In general, what would you say the competition costs and is that just once a year or are there several events that need sponsorship? Last question is how big is the gap between normal, expected contributions and what you have to spend? In other words, what percentage of that cost is covered by going out and rustling up some funds?

I know that seems like a lot of questions, but my brain is ticking away on some ideas and I'm just wondering what we're looking at. Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not discuss this openly.

YGM, professor.