This spring, a team of five Geneva College seniors participated in Solar Splash, the World Championship of intercollegiate solar/electric boating. The competition was held May 27-31 in Fayette, Arkansas, and the Geneva College team placed ninth overall. They also earned the award for the best-looking boat.
Geneva College has competed six times before, in 2000 to 2004, and in 2006. This year′s team consisted of three mechanical engineering students, Sean Padgett of Center Township, David Gettemy from Enon Valley and Robert Gabriel of New Castle, Pennsylvania; and two computer science majors, Daniel Kennedy of Beaver Falls and Jonathan Kromer from Charles Town, West Virginia.
“This year was a first for active involvement by computer science majors, and they were a definite asset to the team,” says supervising engineering professor Dr. David Shaw. “As always, I was impressed and energized by all the students.”
Solar Splash began in 1994, and colleges from all over the country compete by designing and building boats powered by solar-charged batteries. After being judged on construction, competing teams must pass a qualifying course to determine the craft′s seaworthiness, maneuverability and control. Qualifying vessels then compete in three races: a 300-meter sprint, a two-hour endurance event and a slalom race.
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
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