For the fourth consecutive year, the mechanical engineering student organization at Mississippi State holds first-place honors in regional competition.

The university chapter is retaining the Ingersoll-Rand Award presented annually at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Region XI Conference. The honor recognizes the campus organization with the most service and leadership activities.

In addition to Mississippi, the region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Western Tennessee. The award is named for the Ingersoll-Rand Co. of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., a major supporter of ASME programs and activities.

MSU previously won the award outright in 1998 and 1999. The top honor was shared in 1997 with Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., and the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Chartered in 1926, the Mississippi State ASME chapter is one of the university's oldest continuous student organizations. Associate professor Bruce L. Cain is adviser for the 170-member group.