SASE BANQUET

The Human Element

By Michael Messina

As we dive headfirst into an ever-evolving age of technology, the human element has become more important than ever. Binghamton’s Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) recognized this, hosting their second annual SASE Banquet on November 4th, 2017. Students went to mingle with peers, network with future employers, and develop abilities that will last a lifetime.

SASE itself is a national organization with chapters from California to Texas to right here in Binghamton and everywhere in between. The mission: cultivate Asian heritage students interested in STEM careers. Our University’s SASE executive board is 13 strong, boasting talent such as President Derek Ting, Vice President Irene Yip, Treasurer Jennifer Komain-Eng, and Secretary Wei Cheng Lin to name a few. SASE Banquet is a professional event in which students meet with peers, professors, and representatives from several powerhouse companies in a professional setting-- as well as enjoy food and live entertainment!

As guests funneled into Old Union Hall, conversations sparked. Many a resume and professional inquiry were shared as companies Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and IBM were met with an endless stream of endlessly ambitious students. Attendees also conversed amongst each other, mingling with SASE members from Lehigh University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University at Buffalo, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and, of course, Binghamton University.

After the initial breakout session, guests sat down to eat accompanied by an incredible Chinese Yo-Yo performance by Ted Lam, an inspiring and anecdotal Keynote speech by Professor Elmore, and a crowd-pleasing dance performance by Binghamton SASE President Derek Ting himself! Each table was also given a random object to sell to the entire room via on-stage sales pitch, producing hilarious results. (My table scrambled to find the unique benefits of a floppy Speedo swim cap).

The event concluded with another round of networking, this time with a twist: small notes with fun tasks printed on them were distributed to encourage interaction with new people. After receiving the tasks of “take a selfie with a SASE President” and “compliment a professor’s outfit,” I found myself in casual and insightful conversations with students and faculty alike. The simple, silly game did its job marvelously as the entire room seemed to move in an exhilarating whirlwind of handshakes, laughs, and first introductions. Although initially nervous about networking, the welcoming environment allowed me to leave my comfort zone with far more grace than I ever have before.

There is nothing more human than sharing a meal with a close friend or new acquaintance. Sadly, in a world where food is fast and machines are placed behind the McDonalds counter, that simple yet powerful social experience is often overlooked. SASE Banquet reinstated that timeless tradition, fusing it with the tools necessary to succeed in the modern professional world and empowering students with the ability and opportunity to make connections. Thank you SASE for arming the next generation of incredible people with the people-skills needed to be incredible!