Help Auburn Engineers Deliver Water Resources

Water is the most abundant natural resource on the planet, covering more than 70 percent of the earth’s surface, yet only 2.5 percent of the water we have is fit to drink. That’s why Auburn's Engineers Without Borders chapter in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is taking on the challenge of bringing this vital resource to some of the most remote towns and villages around the world.

You can be part of their work to make a difference by supporting their Tiger Giving Day project to bolster the work to bring sustainable water resources to a village in Bolivia. Your gifts on Tiger Giving Day will go directly toward project material costs, which will be cut in half if the goal is met. In addition, an anonymous donor will match up to $25,000 total in gifts toward this project.

While the entire service-learning group is comprised of more than 60 students, each travel group consists of six students, two faculty members, and a professional engineer. For the students, the trips come at an enormous cost. Including flights, meals, lodging and building supplies, the price can be high and sometimes unaffordable for students who would love to help others. But the reward for those who are able to serve abroad is also high.

More than two miles up in the Andes Mountains in Quesimpuco, Bolivia, groups of Auburn Engineering students, faculty, and alumni have been working to provide the village with sustainable water resources for the most basic human needs. Building off of previous work done in the community, the current project includes the development of water storage tanks and piping infrastructure required to irrigate 21 new fields. Once irrigated, local fields offer a three-fold higher crop production, positively impacting the dietary needs, health and livelihood of community members.

These students are the embodiment of the Auburn Creed, exercising and believing in hard work, education and the human touch. Your support of our goal guarantees that these students will have every opportunity to reap the reward of professional hands-on experiences as they continue to change the world.

If you are an Auburn Engineering graduate, your gifts will count toward the SEC Engineering Challenge. From now until June 30, 2019, your gift of $100 or more will count toward Auburn’s standing in the SEC Engineering Challenge. The school with the highest percentage of alumni responding will win the SEC Engineering Challenge.