Tau Beta Pi Association, Inc.

The Tau Beta Pi Association, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization and the oldest engineering honor society in the United States. It was founded on June 15, 1885, at Lehigh University by Dr. Edward H. Williams Jr. The society's mission is "to mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges."

History

Tau Beta Pi was established in response to the liberal arts focus of Phi Beta Kappa, with the aim of recognizing students of technical subjects. The first student initiated into Tau Beta Pi was Irving Andrew Heikes, the valedictorian of his class at Lehigh University. Initially a male-only society, Tau Beta Pi began awarding "women's badges" to exceptional female engineering students in 1936. Full membership for women was granted in 1969.

In 1974, Sigma Tau, another engineering honor society founded in 1904 at the University of Nebraska, merged with Tau Beta Pi. This merger resulted in a single, stronger honor society serving the engineering profession, with Sigma Tau members becoming eligible for Tau Beta Pi membership.

Organization and Activities

Tau Beta Pi is a founding member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is affiliated with several educational organizations. As of now, it has collegiate chapters at 257 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, along with numerous alumni chapters. The association emphasizes integrity and excellence in engineering through its creed adopted in 1991.

Membership in Tau Beta Pi is highly selective, limited to students ranking in the top eighth of their junior class or the top fifth of their senior class in engineering programs. Members are recognized for their academic achievement and character.

Symbolism and Publications

The official badge of Tau Beta Pi is a watch key in the form of the bent of a trestle, symbolizing the structural integrity of bridges. The association's official colors are seal brown and white. The quarterly magazine, The Bent, serves as a communication platform for members.

Notable Members

Tau Beta Pi's membership includes numerous notable figures in engineering and technology, including Nobel laureates.

Structure

The association is governed by a Convention and an Executive Council, which manage its activities and programs.Tau Beta Pi is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning it is exempt from federal income tax and contributions are tax-deductible.