About SHPE

National History

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.

The concept of Networking was the key basis for the organization. SHPE quickly established two student chapters to begin the network that would grow to encompass the nation as well as reach countries outside the United States. Today, SHPE enjoys a strong but independent network of professional and student chapters throughout the nation.

Chapter History

Our Union College Chapter was founded on February 14, 1992 by Jean-Paul Torres and has since been developing its own identity from among the hundreds of student chapters throughout the nation. Unlike SHPE chapters at other schools, SHPE @ Union is composed of many non-engineer and non-Hispanic members.This is mostly due to the low number of Hispanics enrolled in the engineering, science, and math fields at Union College. Regardless of that, we have been able to find the leaders needed to keep this chapter alive... and we continue our journey through the road of success!

Our Values:  

We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility and desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

Our Vision:  

SHPE is the leading social-technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science.

Our Mission:  

SHPE promotes the development of Hispanics in engineering, science and other technical professions to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity and social equity.

Our Focus:  

We will fulfill our mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth, carrying out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and government issues and enhancing pride within our organization and reinforcing our reputation as a vital Hispanic organization.

 

 "We are dedicated to increasing the representation of Hispanics in math, science and engineering professions, and ensuring that youth stay in school, go on to college, and graduate. Being a positive role model to today's youth is the most important role of SHPE Members."