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. Founded on June 15, 1885, at Lehigh University by Dr. Edward Higginson Williams, Jr., its 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" [1][3].

History and Structure

Tau Beta Pi was established in response to the growing need for recognition of academic achievements in engineering, following the example of honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa. Initially, it was open only to men, but women were granted full membership starting in 1969. The society has grown significantly since its founding, with collegiate chapters now at 257 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, and a total initiated membership exceeding 644,000 [3][4].

In 1974, Tau Beta Pi merged with Sigma Tau, another engineering honor society founded in 1904 at the University of Nebraska, to form a stronger, unified organization serving the engineering profession [1][3].

Mission and Activities

Tau Beta Pi's mission is encapsulated in its creed, "Integrity and Excellence in Engineering", adopted in 1991 [1][2]. The organization aims to recognize and honor outstanding engineering students and alumni for their academic achievements and personal integrity. Members are encouraged to uphold high standards of ethics and excellence in their professional practice.

The society publishes The Bent, its official quarterly magazine, which serves as a platform for members to share ideas and insights related to engineering and ethical leadership [2].

Governance and Affiliations

Tau Beta Pi is governed by an Executive Council, which manages the association's programs through a full-time Executive Director. The organization is a founding member of the Association of College Honor Societies and maintains affiliations with key engineering education and research organizations, such as the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Association for the Advancement of Science [1][4].

Tax Status and Recognition

The Tau Beta Pi Association, Inc. is registered as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, allowing it to receive tax-deductible donations [2]. The organization is headquartered at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and serves as a leading voice in promoting excellence and integrity within the engineering community [3][5].