The University of Guam’s Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Club, also known as EMC2 has been around since the early 2000s.
Although it has been through a few name changes, according to Jaevani Isidro, the club’s secretary, it was not until 2014 when the club expanded to include engineering, did they change to the name of EMC2.
The club’s statement found on their web site is as follows:
“To promote STEM fields of Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science and their importance to society. To create awareness of our activeness within the University of Guam. To create a network of people that share a passion for engineering, mathematics, and computer science. To excite youth and show them the career possibilities and potential in the sciences with outreach events.”
“Having a network of people that share the same passion,” states Vinci Levi Ebidag, the club’s historian. “That is the most satisfying part about being in the club.”
On March 14, 2015 at 9:26 am, EMC2 held their Pi(e) day at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. The event was important for the club’s members because a day like this only comes once every century, as the exact date and time were numbers that corresponds with the numbers in Pi which is 3.1415926.
The event included a memory challenge of how well attendees knew about the decimals found in Pi, a pie eating contest, and free pie was given to attendees.
“Contestants had to eat the pie only using their mouths to finish it,” Isidro stated. “It got really messy, but it was hilarious!”
EMC2 used to host an annual event they call “game night.”
According to Isidro, the event is held to encourage and excite the youth of Guam, to pursue a field in Engineering, Mathematics, and/or Computer Science.
The event is now held every semester.
In Spring of 2015, EMC2 hosted their third game night, entitled the “Battlegrounds.” The event held gaming tournaments that included Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom, Super Smash Bros, and Pokemon: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
In the current semester, they will be hosting the “Battlegrounds.” This event was initially scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, but due to the recent storm it was cancelled and moved to Dec. 18.
“The Battlegrounds” also includes gaming tournaments for Super Smash Bros, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom. The event is free, and also includes free movie screenings of Inside Out, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Jurassic World.
EMC2 is also hosting a movie fundraiser with a special screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 at 10 p. m. at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall.
One hope for the future of EMC2 comes from, Anthony Layco, a recent member of the club.
“To progress forward and prepare for the future and our careers,” states Layco. “Offering opportunities to meet mentors and people that could help further the careers of our members and others interested.”
According to Isidro, “EMC2 aspires to be able to provide scholarships in the future, with the help of our current and future partnerships with organizations and individuals of Guam.”
For more information about EMC2 or to contact them, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/uog.emc2, or website at www.uogemc2.org.