Recently, the first ever Students and Young Professionals reception was held during the 79th Annual North Dakota Water Pollution Control Conference (NDWPCC) in Fargo, North Dakota.  It is estimated that approximately 100 students, young professionals, and seasoned professionals attended the reception held at Buffalo Wild Wings in south Fargo. 

The event was conceptualized by an energetic group of students from the North Dakota State University (NDSU) chapter of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF), along with a few key young professionals involved in the state sections.  Planning started in early summer 2007 upon a positive response to the concept from the Joint Board of the North Dakota Sections of AWWA, WEF, and American Public Works Association.  With support of the Joint Board, a funding request and invitation letter was sent to various potential sponsors.  The fund raising resulting in 16 companies, including the state organizations, consulting firms, and manufacturer’s representatives, donated money totaling over $1,100. 

With attendance more than double the original estimated attendance of 30 to 40, the turnout and enthusiasm for the Students and Young Professionals Reception was fantastic!  The NDSU Student Chapter was instrumental in making the event a success due to their enthusiasm and growing membership.  In addition, coincidentally holding the reception on the night of the first World Series game likely didn’t hurt attendance, and certainly added to the atmosphere of the event.

Thank you to all the sponsors of the first ever Students and Young Professionals Reception!

Comments about the Reception:

“I have had the pleasure of participating in AWWA events in numerous states (ND, SD, MT, MN) for years and the October 2007 S&YP social in Fargo, ND provided the best interaction between water professionals and students that I have ever seen…This event brought together two groups (managers concerned with aging workforce and students looking for future careers) that desperately need each other and provided optimism that we can come together to prepare for the future. “
-Deon Stockert, PE
Drinking Water Manager, AE2S

“…The atmosphere was conducive to ‘shop talk’ and a great venue to meet newcomers to the profession.  I feel that the event really made attendees feel that they are important to the future of the water industry.”
-Hazel Sletten, Supt. Water Utility
Grand Forks, ND

“This event was a great opportunity for people to network in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  It was definitely well attended and unquestionably a success.”
-Brett Jochim, PE
Chief Operating Officer, AE2S

“I thought the event was a great opportunity for the industry professionals to visit with the ‘next generation’ in an informal setting.  The setting was very conducive to industry discussions without the formal atmosphere of career fairs, classroom presentations, interviews, etc.”
-Brian Eiseman, PE
Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc.

“As a student, I felt the event was an ideal setting to meet experienced professionals, as well as learn about what is happening in the water industry in our region.  Hopefully this event can be the starting point for an S&YP group in North Dakota in the future.”
-Haley Watson, senior
North Dakota State University

“The informal atmosphere provided a unique opportunity for networking and sharing of ideas. The NDSU WEF Student Chapter was able to identify professional engineers ambitious about speaking at monthly meeting, giving tours of project and providing monetary support.  The YPs provided extremely valuable insight for our graduating members in terms of career paths and development.  Events like the ND S&YP Reception are vital for recruiting and retaining student in the WEF organization and the water/wastewater industry as a whole.”
-Chris Hill, graduate student
North Dakota State University

“The Student/Young Professionals Reception was a huge success from all perspectives…It was a clear win/win…One of the major successes of the Conference.”
- Jack Long, PE
Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.