College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has long been committed to providing networking and learning opportunities for college engineering students.  

 

The organization has professional and student chapters across the country, and that collaboration has resulted in a network of HVAC professionals dedicated to sharing their expertise with the next generation. 

 

A student chapter was founded 75 years ago at Oklahoma A&M University, Jan. 23, 1950. The anniversary of the founding was celebrated with a get together at the Zink Center, Jan. 23, 2025, bringing members of the OSU student chapter together with members of the Northeastern Oklahoma and Central Oklahoma chapters. 

The professional chapter provides mentorship and networking opportunities to the student chapter.  

 

Scott Sanders, current vice president of the Central Oklahoma chapter, first got involved with ASHRAE as an OSU engineering student in the 1990s. He was impressed with representatives from large companies who took the time to visit with OSU engineering students.   

 

This impacted him to the point where he wanted to get involved with ASHRAE from the industry perspective and provide mentorship to students while working at Alvine Engineering in Oklahoma City.   

 

“It is great to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the OSU student chapter of ASHRAE,” Sanders said. “When I was a student, I had no idea the chapter was that old.”  

 

Michael Akins, chair of student activities for the Central Oklahoma Chapter, got involved with ASHRAE after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2021. In his role coordinating student activities, Akins shares opportunities for travel, research and scholarships.   

 

He also connects them with potential employers in Oklahoma, including jobs in sales, manufacturing and consulting firms.  

 

“I don’t think people are overly aware of how healthy and strong this specific student branch is,” Akins said. “It has grown over the years, but it’s just always been strong and it’s a shining example to other chapters. That’s because the chapter at OSU is so involved and dedicated.”