FoxNews just had an interview with Syed Karim, a Lake Forest College student who produced the University of Illinois “Girls of Engineering” calendar for the 2007 year. According to the Daily Illini, students at the University spent nine months putting together a swimsuit calendar that showcases the theme of Smart is Sexy The Girls of Engineering 2007 calendar has one stipulation: All the models are students in Engineering at the University. In addition to the pictures, each month has a sidebar containing information about the model’s major, interests, favorite things and other facts.
The calendar was shot in a variety of settings, some suggestive of engineering and some not. Karim said (Jen Wood, a University alumna who came up with the concept) found the models by putting up flyers and by searching for engineers on Facebook.
Yasha Huang, a sophomore in Engineering and one of the models, said the calendar is breaking the stereotype that engineers only know how to study. Huang said that she had modeled before, so she was not hesitant about posing for the calendar. She added that people have recognized her on campus based on the calendar. “It’s targeted at U of I, which in some ways makes me feel less comfortable,” Huang said.
The calendar was released for sale on Oct. 12, 2006. It is on sale online for $6 at girlsofengineering.com and locally at Hometown Pantry for $12.95.
According to the Sun Times:
The student models, who were not paid, said they agreed to pose to counter perceptions that women in engineering were “nerdy,” said 23 year old Ashlen, who graduated with a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering and appears as Miss October. “Girls can be hot and be in engineering.”
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October 6th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Pose in underclothes to prove women in engineering aren’t necessarily nerdy? Sounds to me like what these women are proving instead, is that women in engineering aren’t necessarily smart.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
You must not have gone to high school, Anne. I think it’s wonderfully empowering. They used to call us names, but now we’re the ones calling the shots! Eat your hearts out, you barefoot, pregnant, dumb blonde homecoming queens of the world!
October 11th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I can understand that they wanted to express their individuality. But I think it could have been expressed in a better way.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
If there are enough people wanting to buy it, enough people wanting to do it, and some sort of good cause that it’s supporting–then it is a good idea.
Although i personally am not interested.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
beats the hell out of gray suits now doesn’t it!
October 30th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
the chics are not sexy
March 9th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Lighten up. People that still get excited about pictures like this are far too up tight. Its the 21st century and with a few mouse clicks you can find every kind of picture. We are in the age of an open society with few secrets and less privacy.
These girls have courage and are doing something that few would have the nerve to do. If you have a body that others would consider attractive why wouldn’t you pose for photos?
April 1st, 2008 at 2:50 am
I’ll take them all!!
You complainers get a life!
I’m married but I would love to have the opportunity to provide them all with the “best” release of their feminine attributes. I’ll leave the rest to your pathetic “restrained” imaginations!
April 8th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Yeah i agree, these girls are awesome!