Brick by brick, members of the Lego Society at Florida Polytechnic University build a world where students can have fun, challenge themselves and create something new.
“It’s something that is easy for people to work together on and practice some low-stakes teamwork,” said Colby Mullin, the club’s president. “You start to get certain skills while you’re bringing something amazing into fruition.”
Mullin, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, said he saw a large Lego board in the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons just before the start of the current academic year and decided to welcome his peers back to campus with a one-of-a-kind mural constructed entirely of Lego bricks. As it came to life, the Lego Society was born.
The club regularly hosts events such as building competitions, movie nights, and recreational activities like Lego Pictionary. In celebration of International Lego Day on Jan. 28, the club will welcome builders of all skill levels to join in and connect.
Club member Hunter Neeley, a junior majoring in computer engineering, said he appreciates how the Lego Society provides a creative outlet, especially through the large Lego board in the commons.
“I have always loved Lego. I think I got my first set when I was 4,” he said. “I love the freedom of being able to build whatever you want. There’s so many different types of pieces and the possibilities are endless.”
The club boasts a core group of over 20 active members, with many more occasionally stopping by to join in the fun.
“We’re at an engineering school, and for a lot of kids, the first thing that gets them into STEM concepts is building with Legos,” said Tancred Mancini, a mechanical engineering junior and the club’s treasurer. “It has a long history of being intertwined with engineering and gives you a good opportunity to step back and remember why you got into engineering in the first place.”
The students have aspirations to build larger-than-life models inspired by the impressive displays at Legoland Florida.
The Lego Society meets at 6 p.m. on Thursdays in IST 1014.
Students are encouraged to drop by a club meeting or jump in when they see a monthly mural taking shape on the Lego board.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
