The University of Delaware, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
National engineering honor society president visits UD
Larry A. Simonson, national president of Tau Beta Pi (TBP), learned about the University of Delaware's ongoing efforts to advance engineering excellence during a campus visit Oct. 11.
TBP is the only honor society representing the engineering profession.
Open discussions with UD President Patrick Harker and College of Engineering Dean Michael J. Chajes, both Tau Beta Pi (TBP) members, centered on UD's targeted efforts to engage students and stimulate excitement about science and engineering, including projects such as the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory scheduled for completion in 2013 and the science and technology campus planned for the former Newark Chrysler assembly plant.
In a rare private audience with their national president, members of the University's student chapter discussed mutually beneficial outreach programs to inspire K-8 students toward careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“Tau Beta Pi promotes engineering excellence nationwide. This site visit exemplifies their recognition of the greater role the University of Delaware is playing as a talent magnet and educational training ground for future engineers,” said Michael Vaughan, senior assistant dean for academic affairs in engineering.
Only students in the top fifth of their senior class or the top eighth of the junior class are invited as members to TBP, said Vaughan, also a TBP member. The University's Alpha Chapter has inducted over 2,100 engineers since its inception in 1933.
About Tau Beta Pi
TBP is the nation's second-oldest honor society. Founded at Lehigh University in 1885, the society promotes members distinguished by “scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering.” TBP operates chapters at 236 U.S. colleges and universities, with active alumnus chapters in 16 districts across the country. The society has a total initiated membership of 517,724.
Article by Karen B. Roberts
