AUVSI CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD – PATHFINDER Chapter
The Pathfinder Chapter is the recipient of the first-ever Chapter of the Year Award. Criteria considered included: chapter management, membership growth and retention, educational programming, innovative programs or projects and member participation in AUVSI activities
The largest chapter serving nearly 400 members, the Pathfinder Chapter remains one of the most active and innovative chapters within AUVSI. Their March 2011 symposium “Roadmap to the Future” welcomed more than 300 attendees, saw a 33% increase in exhibitor participation as well as increased sponsorship dollars. The chapter converts the profits from the event into scholarship dollars for local students and support for STEM education and initiatives.
In May 2011, the Pathfinder Chapter supported the International Micro Air Vehicle (IMAV) competition and put up half of the total prize money that the 15 student teams from around the world were hoping to win. The competition was considered such a success; there are talks to bring it back to Alabama in future years.
The leadership and members of the Pathfinder chapter host regular monthly meetings. They are actively involved with AUVSI and its members across the country. When presented with opportunities to engage the unmanned systems and robotics community, they highlight the value and benefit of being a member of AUVSI. The Pathfinder Chapter serves as a mentor to other chapters and has often been referred to as the standard to which many chapters strive