Emily Haggarty, Sci'12, stands amid the construction chaos at Grant Hall last week. Queen's engineering students opened the doors to the public before the Science Formal and raised $1,450 for the United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

Emily Haggarty, Sci’12, has volunteered for many activities as a Queen’s engineering student, but Science Formal convener is by far and away the highlight.

“Convener is a much desired position,” says Ms Haggarty. “I gained a lot of project management experience and I learned a lot. Overall, the experience was a lot of fun because all of the students are so passionate.”

The students devoted an incredible amount of time and effort to recreating the great cities of the world inside Grant and Kingston Halls last weekend. Over 600 volunteers contributed 35,000 hours of their time to the 109th edition of Science Formal.

During the year-long preparation, engineering students apply many of the skills they learn in the classroom and get hands-on experience in areas such as construction, fire safety and security.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is extremely supportive of the student-run project. The 37-member organizing committee works closely with the Dean’s Office, Environmental Health and Safety and Campus Security to ensure the event runs smoothly. Jason Young, general manager of the Engineering Society, helps with the transition every year.

The students opened up their creation to the public Saturday afternoon in support of the United Way serving Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLA). Admission was free but donations to the local United Way were generously accepted.

“The Queen’s Science Formal open house is a much-anticipated event every year. Queen’s engineering students do such a great job putting this event together and sharing their marvelous creations. We appreciate their support of the local community,” says Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of the United Way serving KFLA.

The Queen’s United Way campaign has reached $277,000 of its $320,000 fundraising objective. Campaign information and pledge cards have been sent to campus mailboxes. Completed forms can be internally mailed or dropped off to the HR department in Fleming Hall, Stewart-Pollack Wing.

The United Way serving KFLA posted pictures online that show how Grant and Kingston Halls looked after the transformation.