Waterloo Chapter 186 and Purdue University Chapter S006 Honored for Leadership and Impact

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 28, 2025 – SME, the nonprofit professional association committed to accelerating the widespread adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and building North America's talent and capabilities, recently awarded SME Waterloo Chapter C186 and SME Purdue University Chapter S006 as the 2025 Chapters of the Year at its Spring Gala in Detroit.

The Chapter of the Year Awards recognize SME chapters that demonstrate exceptional leadership, meaningful member engagement, and innovative contributions to their local manufacturing communities. One professional and one student chapter are honored annually for advancing SME’s mission and making a tangible impact on the future of manufacturing.

SME Waterloo Chapter C186 – 2025 Professional Chapter of the Year

SME Waterloo Chapter 186 was recognized for creating standout events that connect students with real-world manufacturing experiences. Most recently, the chapter brought 34 students, faculty, and volunteers to the IMTS Smartforce Student Summit in Chicago.

The event offered hands-on exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, leading industry exhibitors, and emerging career pathways—bringing to life a vision for the manufacturing classroom of the future and reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to inspiring the next generation.

SME Purdue University Chapter S006 – 2025 Student Chapter of the Year

In just one year, SME Purdue University Chapter S006 grew from zero to 60 members, building a vibrant community of future manufacturing leaders from the ground-up. The chapter stood out for its solar eclipse mask project, which manufactured over 150 masks for local elementary students, demonstrating the real-world impact of student-led initiatives.

The chapter’s commitment to education, community outreach, and experiential learning sets a standard for other SME student chapters, demonstrating how student leadership can advance manufacturing and inspire the next generation of industry talent.

“Membership at the chapter level is really about providing experiences in manufacturing that wouldn’t happen without the inspiring local efforts of chapter volunteers across the globe,” said Sheronda L. Carr, vice president of Membership at SME. “I’m proud of the stand-out leadership of the SME Waterloo and SME Purdue University chapters for the community impacts they’ve made. Way to set the bar high for future award winners!”

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.