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The Monroe Street Journal, March 23, 1998

The Solar Car Team: Not Just For Engineers

Solar Car
by Allan Chang, BBA1 and Nader Shwayhat

Since the beginning of the school year, nearly 200 students from the engineering, business, LS&A and art schools, have buried themselves in one of the University's largest student-run projects: the University of Michigan Solar Car Team. The team is currently working on the fifth generation solar vehicle, named MaizeBlaze, which is scheduled to compete in Sunrayce 1999. Sunrayce, sponsored by General Motors, Electronic Data Systems, and the Department of Energy, is a biannual solar car race, open only to North American universities and non-profit organizations.

The key to the Solar Car Team's past success (which includes two national championships and the wi nningest record among all teams) is not just the engineering talent that goes into designing each vehicle, but the hard work of B-school students as well. The Solar Car Team operates on the largest budget of any student run organization, and in order to finance its expensive operations, the team has always turned to the B-school for help.

BBA and MBA students have been involved with every previous Solar Car Team, usually through participation on the Solar Car Business Team. As a Business Team member, participants are exposed to diverse aspects of the business world and are offered real-world experience. For example, students have been involved with various exciting activities including: unveiling the vehicle at the North American Auto Show, presenting informative sessions to corporate executives at companies such as Ford, 3M, Proctor & Gamble, and Lockheed-Martin, and developing and implementing fundraising strategies in order to raise over $1.5 million in corporate sponsorships.

The benefits of participating on the Business Team are obvious. Not only do team members contribute towards finding alternative energy solutions, but also gain valuable, hands-on experience in return for their hard work and dedication. The Solar Car Team also develops business skills in a team-oriented environment. Business students are aware that recruiters look for this type of experience, and many of the team's sponsors have realized the value of being part of this project. In fact, many companies have recruited BBA and MBA students straight from the team.

Dean White understands the unique opportunities that the Solar Car Team offers UMBS students. Consequently, UMBS has been one of the team's most valued and dedicated sponsors. Just last month, the Business Team, which presently includes four BBA students, met with Dean White and presented a sponsorship proposal. The presentation went very well, and Dean White was enthusiastic about sponsoring the team once again. When asked why the B-school is a consistent sponsor, Dean White stated "the Solar Car Team is a unique, multi-disciplinary experience that is a great development opportunity."

The University of Michigan Solar Car Business Team is an excellent way to become involved with one of the University's largest and most recognized student-run organizations. If you are interested in joining the Solar Car Business Team, there are weekly meetings held on Thursdays at 6:00 in room B0205, or if you have questions, feel free to contact Nader Shwayhat or Jeremy Lappin at jlappin@umich.edu.