M. Eng. Students Relax on Cayuga Lake Cruise

June 9, 2009

M. Eng. students Antoine Comeau, Pranav Sawjiany, Mikhail Chrestkha and Di Li, aboard the MV Columbia

There is no denying that ORIE's Master of Engineering program is intense, which means that the rare opportunities for relaxation are expecially welcome. The M.Eng. Student Leadership Committee, headed by Nisha Bangera, organized such an opportunity in the form of a boat ride on Cayuga Lake, starting in downtown Ithaca, riding along the western shore past Taughannock State Park, and returning along the eastern shore.

While the cruise route afforded an opportunity admire homes and parks along the lake, most students simply enjoyed being with each other outside of the classroom. According to Bangera, more than two dozen students and some faculty members came out for an afternoon on Cayuga Lake. "We were lucky to have sunshine and perfect spring weather that day to kick back and enjoy just before finals week," she said.

M. Eng. students Betsy Wang, Nisha Bangera, Jimmy Kwong and Jared Gearhart relax aboard the vessel.

At 40 miles in length, Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes that were carved out in what is now central New York State during the ice age. It has a maximum depth of 382 feet and lies among gentle hills that are cut by waterfalls and gorges. For most of the M.Eng. students, the professional degree program began in the fall with a picnic at the southern end of the lake, in Ithaca's Stewart Park. Other social events organized by the Student Leadership Committee included a bowling night, an expedition to the nearby Greek Peak skiing area, and a beer and cheese party.