Celebrating 50 years at the UW, the National Society of Black Engineers student organization continues to provide resources to support Black engineers in their academic and professional pursuits.

Members of NSBE's UW chapter at the 50th annual national conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2024.

The UW chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) recently celebrated its 50th year at the College of Engineering. In the past five decades, the student-run organization has worked to further its mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The group hosts events year-round, including a diversity career fair, grad night and mentorship program.

“I joined NSBE because it is one of the most well-established student organizations,” says undergraduate student Lalia Baldeh, media coordinator at NSBE. “Being a part of NSBE feels like being in one big family filled with success-oriented individuals, where we lift one another as we climb. I am deeply grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization.”

The early days

Three engineering students, Bill Butler, Jeff Williams and Raymond Lawrence, founded the Association of Minority Engineering Students in March 1974. What started as a result of underrepresentation of Black students in the university’s engineering and sciences soon integrated with NSBE to join the larger effort to support Black students in STEM.

“I used to be a member as an undergrad,” shares Sheldon Levias, NSBE's UW chapter adviser and associate director of the Engineering Academic Center. “I looked forward to the weekly meetings, where I knew people wouldn’t stare at me because I looked different.”

As a first-year student, Levias participated in a bridge program, today known as the Minority Scholars Engineering Program, which introduced him to the different organizations on campus, one of which was NSBE. “I was a shy freshman, but felt confident once I became part of an encouraging circle,” shares Levias, who still keeps in touch with people he met through the student organization.

The growth and evolution

Over the years, NSBE's UW chapter has evolved into an organization with more than 90 members who are not only from the College of Engineering, but other disciplines across campus. Different committees within the organization collaborate to plan and organize several annual events, including the diversity career fair. Held in the winter, the diversity career fair is one of the largest events, with representatives from more than 95 companies on campus to meet students from across disciplines. Funds from the career fair are used to send interested students to the national NSBE conference at the end of winter quarter. Last year, 44 students traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for the national conference.

NSBE's 2024 Diversity Career Fair at UW.

“The national NSBE conferences are inspiring for our students as they build connections with Black industry professionals,” Levias explains. “Many universities and employers attend, so it’s an amazing networking opportunity.”

To recognize the success of the student organization, a 50th anniversary gala with the theme “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Igniting our Future” was held in April 2024 at the Husky Union Building. Founding members, former advisers, alumni, students and college leadership came together to celebrate the organization's achievements.

Current and former members of the UW chapter at NSBE's 50th anniversary gala celebration in April 2024.