History of Pi Tau Sigma

With the twentieth century came the realization that honor societies made a definite contribution to the department and that membership required active participation. Pi Tau Sigma came into being on March 16, 1915, at the University of Illinois. A similar organization embarked November 15, 1915, at Wisconsin, and other local organizations (such as the Carzeuran of Purdue) were soon to become active.

The early leaders: Professors C. R. Richards, A.C. Willard, and 0. A. Leutwiler of the University of Illinois; G. L. Larson of the University of Wisconsin; G. A. Young of Purdue University; and J. V. Martenis of the University of Minnesota, stand out for their early contributions. In ten years Pi Tau Sigma grew to six chapters in the Midwest (Illinois Alpha, Wisconsin Alpha, Purdue Beta, Minnesota Gamma, Illinois Delta, and Missouri Epsilon). In 1925 the expansion continued to the east with the Penn State Zeta Chapter being installed. Six years later the Texas Kappa Chapter, and the following year the Colorado Mu Chapter established chapters in the south and west. Also in 1932 the expansion continued southeast to Georgia Tech Nu Chapter. It was not until nine years later that the first chapter was installed on the Pacific coast (Oregon State Omega).

In twenty-six years Pi Tau Sigma be came truly a national honorary mechanical engineering honor society with a total of twenty-five chapters. During the succeeding four years nine additional chapters were installed. From 1947 to 1958 forty new chapters were installed. The Chapter-At-Large was established in 1954. The installations completed through the spring of 1993 bring the total established chapters to one hundred and fifty-three. Two chapters have become inactive, one due to the discontinuance of the mechanical engineering program. Earlier, two established chapters in New York merged into one.

At this printing, 150 chapters remain active at different universities.

History of the Texas Kappa Chapter

Under the sponsorship of Professor H. E. Degler, then chairman of the department, leading mechanical engineering students petitioned for a chapter in Pi Tau Sigma. The formal installation of Texas Kappa Chapter was held April 18, 1931 with National Secretary J. V. Martenis and Professor Degler officiating.

The Texas Kappa Chapter has cooperated with the Mechanical Engineering Department in its various functions. Each year the chapter helps the department with freshman advising, as well as aiding students in selection of an area of specialization by conduction block course discussions. The chapter promotes better communication between students and department faculty through the fireside dinners, opportunities for small groups of students to meet with professors in an informal setting.

The Texas Kappa Chapter also participates in community service functions each semester. The chapter's activities include social events for the Mechanical Engineering students. The chapter also cooperates with the students of A.S.M.E. in carrying out various projects.