The tradition of learning about programs and special projects lives among our Beckley Rotary Club. Each week, Rotarians join for lunch and networking followed with a special program that highlights businesses or organizations in our community. In April of this year, WVU Tech’s SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Program. Supporting two programs—a Baja Buggy team and an Aero Design team. Aero Design President, Zac Lockhart and SAE Baja Club’s President Morgan Smith presented the program to Rotarians. Those in attendance learned how the SAE program allow students they apply what they are learning in the classroom to designing and competing across the country where they show and test their BAJA buggy.

Learning that the students need funds to cover the cost of expenses, especially for travel to competitions, the Rotary Club agreed to support their research with a generous donation of $1,000. With the funds ear marked to be shared between the two research teams.

“After the presentations, many Rotarians, including myself, were so impressed with the dedication, passion and organization of the students,” said Past President Ann Worley.

Rotarians and students join in on an official check presentation at the WVU Tech Engineering Lab foyer.