THE

BulletinDecember 2004

A Publicationfor the Collegiate

Chapters

T

2004 Orlando Convention 1

2004 Convention Donors 3

GIG Grants 3

Nominate Council 3

2005 District Conferences 4

Scholarships to 23 4

Cowboys Are Number 1! 5

California Sigma wins RHN 5

34 Chapter Project Winners 6

ICE in Florida 7

Nominate a Laureate 8

ISSUE AVAILABLE AT WWW.TBP.ORG

Before the Convention began,students met with representa-tives from Harris, NCEES,NASA-Kennedy Space Center,Sandia Labs, Shell Oil, US ArmyPEO STRI, and the graduateschools of engineering of CaseWestern, Clemson, Columbia,Iowa, Lehigh, Michigan, Norwich,Oklahoma, Rensselaer, and Vir-ginia. The Convention formallyopened Thursday afternoon whenPresident Matthew W. Ohlandpresented his annual report.

The three days were filledwith business, committee, Dis-trict and Engineering Futures meet-ings, Interactive Chapter Exchanges(ICE), and the model initiation.

In all, four Convention businessmeetings were held; Ronald M.Hickling, CA ’80, the ExecutiveCouncil-appointed permanent chair,presided and was assisted by JamesW. Johnson Jr., NC ’77, the Execu-tive Council-appointed parliamentar-ian. The Saturday awards banquetbrought the Convention to a festiveconclusion, and the Resolutions Com-mittee made its final report.

The Chapter Development Pro-gram of the Convention, including theDistrict and Engineering Futuresmeetings and ICE seminars, is re-ported on page 7 in this issue. Theseinformal sessions are extremely valu-able benefits of the Convention,providing delegates the opportunityto exchange good ideas with otherTau Bates from all regions of thecountry. On Saturday afternoon anexcellent model initiation was con-ducted by a team of national officersand Rituals Committee members;the ceremony brought seven stu-dents of Florida Alpha and 13

HE 99th Convention of Tau BetaPi was held October 7-9, 2004, inOrlando, FL. The Florida Alpha

and Delta Chapters were official co-hosts. The hundreds of out-of-townattenders were housed in the RadissonPlaza Hotel, where business meetingswere held and five meals were served.

A total of 475 members of Tau BetaPi participated in the business of theConvention, the fifth-highest total ever.Of these, 345 were student voting andnon-voting delegates and host-chaptermembers; 40 were chapter advisors; 66were national officials, Conventionleaders, and Engineering Futures Fa-cilitators; eight were alumnus chapterdelegates; and 16 were alumnus visitorsand petitioners. The attenders repre-

sented arecord 225collegiate andeight alumnuschapters.Most of thechapter advi-sors attendedat the specialinvitation andpartial ex-pense of thenational orga-

nization. In addition, at least 61 non-member petitioners, consultants, andguests attended some events.

Arrangements Chair ChristopherJ. Ekberg, FL ’05, guided prepara-tions for the Convention and its exten-sive logistics. Together with chapterPresidents Alison A. Trachet, FL ’05;John Atchason, FL ’04; and MatthewPollock, FL ’04, Florida AlphaChair; they managed such duties astechnology, hospitality, campustours, publicity, souvenirs, andtransportation.

of Tau Beta Pi

ExecutiveDirectorJim Froula

THIS ISSUEINSIDE

Convention!

ALISON A. TRACHETFL A PRESIDENT

Tau Beta Pi Bulletinpage 2

students and one eminent engineer ofFlorida Delta into the Association.

The initiation and awards banquetwas held in the Ivanhoe Ballroom ofthe hotel. The program included thepresentation of Tau Beta Pi’s 2004National Outstanding Advisor, 2004Distinguished Alumna, and 2004Laureate. Biographical sketches ofOutstanding Advisor Richard J. Smith,IA A ’69; Distinguished Alumna Jill S.Tietjen, P.E., VA A ’76; and LaureateMatthew C. Rodrigue, ME A ’04;appeared in the Fall 2004 BENT.

In Tau Beta Pi’s usual method, Con-vention business is handled by commit-tees, except for those few items thatemerge during the meetings as newbusiness. Seven standing committeesare called for by the Constitution, andtwo ad hoc groups were also appointed.

Every collegiate-chapter votingdelegate served on a committee, and anational officer advisor opened eachgroup’s initial meeting on Thursday af-ternoon and then stood with other na-tional officials for consultation. Eachstanding committee selected fellow stu-dents as chair, vice chair, and secretaryto present reports, recommendations,and proposals to the entire Convention.The following reports summarize for-mal business.

PetitionsEvan M. Borst,KS , Chair.After studyingthe petition,catalog, and in-spection re-ports andinterviewingthe petitioner’srepresenta-

tives, the group recommended that anew chapter be established at one insti-tution. The school and leaders are:University of California, Riverside; Chris-topher Mayhew and Dr. Dennis K.Rice, OH ’64, advisor.

The Convention granted the petitionby unanimous vote. California AlphaBeta will be officially installed on Febru-ary 12, 2005, which will raise the numberof active collegiate chapters to 229.

Constitution and BylawsUduak-Joe E. Ntuk, CA , Chair.One topic had been referred to the

committeeprior to themeeting forstudy andrecommenda-tion. TheConventionadopted, bythe requiredvote, anamendmentto Constitu-

tion Art. VIII, Sec. 2 and 3, to modifythe eligibility criteria for undergradu-ates and for graduate students, particu-larly in the area of curricula; finalapproval of this change is subject tochapter ratification.

AwardsTheresa A. LaFollette, KS , Chair.The committee spent long hours evaluat-ing the chapters and selecting the 2003-04R.C. Matthews Outstanding Chapter andR.H. Nagel Most Improved Chapter andhonorable mentions. The winners are re-ported elsewhere in this issue, and spe-cial plaques for the awardees weredelivered to them after the Convention.

Chapter/Association Financial AffairsStefanie M. Moody, OH I, Chair.The group had been given the 2003-04reports of the Association’s auditor andExecutive Director and the Society’sbudget for 2004-05. The committee re-viewed the documents and concluded thatTau Beta Pi’s financial records are satis-factory, to the best of its knowledge.

The committee recommended, andthe Convention adopted, specific allow-able Convention expenses beyond thosespecified in the Bylaws for delegates tothe 2005 meeting.

RitualsRachel A. Williams, IL , Chair.The team recommended one change in

the presenta-tion of theRitual for anew optionalmeans of im-age display.On Saturday,delegates werefavorably im-pressed by themodel initia-tion for 20

students and one eminent engineer ofFlorida Alpha and Delta, which the com-mittee helped to organize.

Convention SiteBrian M. Crawford, IA , Chair.This group reviewed invitations from

California Al-pha, Lambda,Upsilon, Phi,and Alpha Al-pha and fromMichigan Iotato host the 2007Convention. TheConvention hap-pily acceptedthe bid to holdthe national

meeting in Dearborn, MI, if the choice isdeemed acceptable by the Council.

Member Benefits (ad hoc)Mela R. Johnson, MD Chair.The committee studied ways to improvebenefits to members at negligible costand made recommendations in the areasof merchandise (more variety), dis-counts (on textbooks and test prepcourses), events (District calendars)and services, and graduate/alumnus/jobs (career fairs).

Chapter Advisors (ad hoc)Raymond K. Auerbach, AZ , Chair.

Convention speakers Solange Dao, UF Dean Jonathan F.K. Earle, FL A ’65, and PresidentMatt Ohland.

EVAN M. BORST

BRIAN M. CRAWFORD

UDUAK-JOE E. NTUK

RACHEL A. WILLIAMS

December 2004 Page 3

The team studied ways to improve thetraining and development of advisors andmade recommendations to make better useof the ΤΒΠ website to provide Advisorswith needed materials, a discussion boardthread, new Convention brainstorming in-formation, and other related information.The Advisor Task Force will continue inits efforts, following up on these websitechanges and their results, recruiting addi-tional volunteers, and increasing publicity.

ResolutionsFrank R. Opal, NE A, Chair.This group prepared the appropriateresolutions for Convention adoption,established the Secretary’s AwardCommendation Program as a five-yeartrial to provide $100, $200, and $300 cashawards for one, two, or three or moreconsecutive Secretary’s Commendations,and referred analysis of the program tothe 2009 Convention. At the final banquet,Mr. Opal presented resolutions of thanksto the host chapters, officials, sponsors,alumni, and others, whose support hadbeen gratefully received by the Associa-tion. The final resolution provided aninspirational charge to all:

We are thankful for all the collegiate andalumnus chapter leaders who directedtheir local groups effectively in 2003-04and truly maintained and improved thevisibility and public image of the Asso-ciation and its members. Let us continueto contribute, in some way, to promotingthe ideals and vision of Tau Beta Pi.

New BusinessIn this brief session, delegates made tworecommendations: 1) that the 2005 Con-vention examine whether or not Tau BetaPi, a general honor society, could allow es-tablishment of eligibility by department,rather than by college; and 2) that a Dis-trict Button Challenge be held at the2005 Convention.

Thanks,ConventionDonors!Tau Beta Pi gratefully

acknowledges the

following contributors

to the 2004 Convention:

Lead SponsorsFlorida High Tech Corridor Council •

NCEES • Sandia National Laboratories

Major SponsorsFluor • Harris Corporation • NASA-Kennedy Space Center • Rensselaer

Polytechnic Institute • Shell Oil Com-

pany • U. S. Army PEO STRI

Gold SponsorBechtel Jacobs Company LLC

Silver SponsorsCase Western Reserve University Master of Engineer-ing and Management Program • Clemson University

College of Engineering and Science • Columbia

University School of Engineering and Applied Sci-ence • The David Crawford School of Engineering at

Norwich University • Iowa State University College of

Engineering • Lehigh University P.C. Rossin Collegeof Engineering and Applied Science • Pratt &

Whitney • University of Michigan College of Engi-

neering • University of Oklahoma College of Engi-neering • University of Virginia School of

Engineering and Applied Science

Nominate 2006-10 CouncilSlates of candidates for the nextExecutive Council of Tau Beta Pishould be submitted by April 1,2005. The voting will take place atthe 2005 Convention in Salt LakeCity, UT, and the successful slatewill take office at the 2006 DenverConvention and serve through the2010 Convention.

Tau Beta Pi’s Constitution andBylaws, particularly Const. ArticleIII, Sections 3, 4, and 5, delineatethe nominating and electing proce-dures and the Executive Council’sresponsibilities.

A slate of five alumnus candi-dates for Executive Council may benominated by any chapter or groupof chapters. Among them, the nomi-nees should be from differentbranches of the profession and

should have experience in a varietyof functions—management, finance,teaching, business, research, etc.Candidates must agree to serve ifelected, but nominees are not re-quired to reside in the same geo-graphic area.

Nominations of Council slatesmust be sent to Headquarters forpublication to all the chapters. Ifonly one slate is nominated by thedeadline, additional slates may benominated at the 2005 Conventionin Utah; but if two or more slatesare nominated by April 1, nomina-tions will then be closed.

The travel reimbursement policypermits the Society to provide on-site expenses, plus prorated travelexpenses up to $3,000 total, for allslates.

Thanks,ConventionDonors!

GIG Grant Dollars

Your chapter may receive up to $750to conduct a project involving civicaffairs and public policy issues. Thecash is available and waiting underTau Beta Pi’s Greater Interest inGovernment program, to involve stu-dents in their communities and thepolitical process. Iowa Alpha wasrecognized at the 2004 Convention forits interesting robotics project.

Send your chapter’s proposal toNational Headquarters. Applicationguidelines are in Section C-IV of thePresident’s Book on the website. Thedeadline is May 15. (See ChapterProjects at www.tbp.org.)

An Easy Fundraiser!

The National Council of Examinersfor Engineering and Surveying(NCEES) has partnered with TauBeta Pi in offering sample FEexamination books to chapters forresale. A 30 percent discount will begiven for any order of 100 or more(shipped to a single address), and a10 percent discount exists for anyorder of at least 25. For moreinformation, contact Mike Shannon,P.E., at 800/250-3196, ext. 463, or atmshannon@ncees.org.

Tau Beta Pi Bulletinpage 4

45 ChaptersCommendedExecutive Director Jim Froula presentedcommendations to the following chaptersfor perfect and punctual Headquartersreports in 2003-04:

Graduate Fellowships

Tau Beta Pi’s 72nd annual programof fellowships for graduate studyin the 2005-06 academic year willclose January 15, 2005, when applica-tions must be in the hands of Direc-tor of Fellowships D. StephenPierre Jr., P.E.

Up to 18 cash awards will begiven, each worth $10,000, made onthe promise of future developmentin engineering or related fields, andfinancial need. Winners will beselected by the Fellowship Boardand notified in April.

All members of Tau Beta Pi areeligible to apply. Students andalumni should apply on-line atwww.tbp.org.

$14,500 in ScholarshipsTwenty-three chapters, each of which had won Secretary’s Commendationsand/or Chapter Project Awards for three consecutive years, won $500 scholarships.

CHAPTER INSTITUTION DELEGATE

California Alpha University of California, Berkeley Arthur J. Hebert

District of Columbia Alpha Howard University Aureus E. Griffith

Florida Alpha University of Florida Alison A. Trachet

Iowa Alpha Iowa State University Brian M. Crawford

Louisiana Gamma Louisiana Tech University Arden L. Moore

Maryland Beta ($1,000) University of Maryland Kevin M. Calabro

Michigan Gamma University of Michigan Rebecca J. Cantor

Michigan Epsilon Wayne State University Jason R. Morse

Michigan Theta Oakland University Michael L. Banachowski

Michigan Iota ($1,000) University of Michigan-Dearborn Christopher A. Burtka

Nevada Beta University of Nevada, Las Vegas Drew A. Hall

New York Iota Cooper Union School of Engineering Bijun Tan

New York Kappa University of Rochester Bridget A. Baran

Ohio Beta University of Cincinnati Marie A. Granny

Ohio Iota ($1,000) Ohio Northern University Stefanie M. Moody

Ohio Nu Cedarville University Matthew P. Sterner

Oregon Gamma University of Portland Erin M. Ferguson

Pennsylvania Epsilon Lafayette College Gregory R. Bouton

South Carolina Alpha Clemson University Michelle L. Malecha

South Dakota Alpha ($1,000) South Dakota School of Mines & Tech. James C. Sheldon

Tennessee Alpha University of Tennessee Jeremy G. Tunnell

Vermont Beta ($1,000) Norwich University Jaime M. Colby

Wyoming Alpha ($1,000) University of Wyoming Joshua R. Duncan

Alabama AlphaAlabama Beta

Alabama DeltaArizona GammaCalifornia AlphaCalifornia Sigma

Colorado AlphaColorado ZetaFlorida ThetaIdaho Alpha

Idaho BetaIowa AlphaLouisiana GammaMaryland Beta

Michigan AlphaMichigan GammaMichigan IotaMinnesota BetaMissouri Gamma

New Jersey GammaNew Mexico GammaNew York Gamma

New York Delta

New York IotaNew York NuNew York TauNorth Dakota Beta

Ohio BetaOhio DeltaOhio IotaOhio Eta

Ohio KappaOhio LambdaOhio MuOhio NuOregon Beta

Oregon GammaPennsylvania EpsilonSouth Carolina AlphaSouth Dakota Alpha

Tennessee AlphaVermont BetaWest Virginia BetaWisconsin Delta

Wyoming Alpha

All Convention photographs in this issue were taken by Raymond H. Thompson, Systems Administrator.

41 ΤΒΠ Scholarships!

The Tau Beta Pi Association Schol-arship Program for senior-yearstudy during the 2005-06 academicyear will close March 1, 2005, whenapplications must be in the hands ofDirector of Fellowships D. StephenPierre Jr., P.E.

A record total of up to 41 cashawards, each worth $2,000, could begiven in our fantastic, expandingprogram. They will be made on thebasis of high scholarship, strongrecommendations, extracurricularactivities, and financial need. Win-ners will be selected and notified inearly April. Junior members of TauBeta Pi are eligible to apply online atwww.tbp.org.

The District Program provides a vital linkbetween the national organization and indi-vidual chapters. Each year the Directorsgather students for regional conferences toprovide both retiring and new officers op-portunities to discuss chapter operationsand to socialize. All chapters are urged toelect new officers before their District con-ference. New and outgoing officers are en-couraged to attend.

DISTRICT LOCATION DATE

1 Boston, MA Feb. 19

2 Newark, NJ Feb. 26

3 Philadelphia, PA Feb. 12

4 Raleigh, NC April 2

5 Macon, GA April 2

6 Mobile, AL Jan. 29

7 Toledo, OH April 9

8 Plattville, WI April 2

9 Manhattan, KS Feb. 19

10 New Orleans, LA Feb. 19

11 Minneapolis, MN April 2

12E Estes Park, CO April 2

12W Pocatello, ID April 9

13 Lubbock, TX April 9

14 Seattle, WA April 9

15 Reno, NV April 23

16 Santa Barbara, CA April 2

2005 SpringConference Schedule

D. Stephen Pierre Jr., P.E.Alabama Power CompanyP.O. Box 2247Mobile, AL 36652-2247

Send application materialsfor both programs to theDirector of Fellowships:

Convention

December 2004 Page 5

yoming Alphareceived the2003-04 R.C.

Matthews OutstandingChapter Award. Nostranger to the pursuit ofexcellence, this chapter of101 members at the Uni-versity of Wyoming re-ceived this award justthree years ago, along witha Secretary’s Commenda-tion, Chapter ProjectAward, and $1,000 inscholarship funds. In 2002,members won an honor-able mention for the R.C.Matthews Award.

This group is bothhardworking andenergetic. Annually,members professionallyproduce the engineeringhonors banquet, involving550 people. The chapter also sponsors blood drives, pro-vides weeknight tutoring, conducts Engineering Futuresseminars, and assists with tours for elementary-school stu-dents, MATHCOUNTS, and judging science fairs.

Leading the activities last semester were President Jason C. Delaney, Vice President Erin L. Hennings, Sec-

Outstanding Chapter: Wyoming Alpha

Most Improved Chapter: California Sigma

he R.H. Nagel Most Improved ChapterAward was established in 1971 to recognizemajor improvement in chapter development,

including project work and reports to Headquar-ters. This year’s recipient was California Sigma ,at the University of California, Santa Barbara.They overhauled their operations systems andimplemented 46 projects. With an active member-ship of only 45, students nevertheless took onambitious challenges. High school field tripsfacilitated by California Sigma members allowedyoung students to see engineering for the firsttime as an exciting possibility. Liaisons such asshoreline preservation with an ecological group,“Pizzas Across America” project with Google, andhomeless-shelter service were some of theexpansive projects California Sigma executed.Chapter operations were led by President TanyaB. Schikorr and Vice President Jyotirmaya M.Akkad. Dr. Robert G. Rinker is Chief Advisor.

retaries Brian J. Harwoodand Erik S. Edgar, andTreasurer Raelynn K.Hoekema. Dr. StevenF. Barrett served asChief Advisor.

Honorable mentionswere given to CaliforniaAlpha at UC, Berkeley,Iowa Alpha at Iowa StateUniversity, and VermontBeta at Norwich Univer-sity, who were close con-tenders. Presidents BrianR. Love and Arthur J.Hebert of California Al-pha, Robert W. Floresand Ryan C. Burnley ofIowa Alpha, and ThomasA. Beyerl of VermontBeta led their chapters inthis close contest.

Presented since1957, the R.C. Matthews Award, named for Tau Beta Pi’sfirst Secretary-Treasurer, recognizes chapters in fourareas of excellence: (1) quality and variety of chapterprojects; (2) chapter organization; (3) quantity of projects;and (4) promptness and completeness of reports toHeadquarters.

President Matthew W. Ohland (left) congratulates Wyoming Alpha PresidentJoshua R. Duncan.

Tanya B. Schikorr, California Sigma President, (left) is congratulated byTheresa A. LaFollette, Awards Committee Chair.

T

W

Convention

Tau Beta Pi Bulletinpage 6

CHAPTER / INSTITUTION # PROJECTS

34 Chapter Project AwardsAt the Convention, Executive Director Jim Froula presented Chapter Project Awards

for outstanding performance during 2003-04 to the following 34 chapters:

AL ∆ University of Alabama in Huntsville 10• Held a blood drive • Helped with “Elympics”

AL Ε University of South Alabama 14 • Relocated the BENT monument • Held “Brain Bowl”

AK Α University of Alaska, Fairbanks 10 • Displayed photos of new initiates • Tutored fellow

students

CA Α University of California, Berkeley 38 • Helped clean Montara Beach • Held a blood drive

CA Γ Stanford University 28 • Held an egg-drop competition • Helped middle- school students “Explore New Worlds”

CA Σ University of California, Santa Barbara 24 • Helped preserve the shoreline • Reached out to promote engineering

CA Ψ University of California, San Diego 40 • Conducted science projects at local elementary school • Helped freshmen during orientation

CA ΑΑ California State University, Chico 10 • Helped put K-12 students “Minds in Motion” • Co-hosted District Spring Conference

DC Α Howard University 28• Provided community service in SC during springbreak • Volunteered at Washington home for elderly

FL Α University of Florida 53• Kept Alachua County beautiful • Assisted severallocal charities including Habitat for Humanity andthe Salvation Army

IL Α University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 33• Held a blood drive •Tutored their peers

IA Α Iowa State University 27• Adopted a highway • Held a catapult competition

LA Γ Louisiana Tech University 24• Built homecoming float • Publicized award winners

MD Β University of Maryland 34• Held “Snack Pack Attack” for homeless • Plantedtrees around Lake Artemesia

MI Γ University of Michigan 49• Helped the Hands-On Museum • Collected food andEaster baskets

MI ∆ University of Detroit Mercy 12• Helped with Technology Discovery Day • Tutored atlocal high school

MI Ε Wayne State University 35• Went “Into the Streets” to help with the Greening ofDetroit • Held study groups for fellow students

MI Θ Oakland University 13• Beautified the BENT monument • Assisted Detroitarea pre-college engineering program

MI Ι University of Michigan-Dearborn 32• Held Quiz Bowl tournament • Recycled computersfor donation

MO Α University of Missouri-Columbia 11• Held Halloween “Tiger Night of Fun” • Helped withSpecial Olympics bowling

NV Β University of Nevada, Las Vegas 16• Recognized outstanding members • Assisted duringorientation

NM Γ New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology 14• Helped clean up Macey Center • Assisted with ScienceOlympiad

NY ∆ Cornell University 14• Held Tau Beta Pi poster-puzzle contest • Assisted at theCayuga Nature Center

NY Κ The University of Rochester 13• Volunteered at Mary Cariola Center • Helped advisestudents deciding on their majors

ND Β University of North Dakota 11• Held a blood drive • Conducted second annual food drive

OH Β University of Cincinnati 16• Held “Repair Affair” for elderly • Helped Habitat forHumanity

OH Ι Ohio Northern University 20• Helped with the Honors Day convocation • Walked and ranfor breast cancer

OH Μ Wright State University 30• Had an end-of-the-year cookout • Made Valentines for localnursing home

OR Γ University of Portland 14• Cleaned the beach • Mentored freshmen

SD Α South Dakota School of Mines & Technology 9• Recycled aluminum cans • Kept a highway clean

TN Α University of Tennessee 13• Helped with “Boo at the Zoo” • Organized Engineers’ Day

TX Α University of Texas at Austin 29• Helped with “Expanding Your Horizons”

VT Β Norwich University 21• Assisted the annual Vermont state math and sciencefair • Kept the BENT shining

WY Α University of Wyoming 33• Conducted engineering honors banquet • Helped workseveral science fairs

CHAPTER / INSTITUTION # PROJECTS

Convention

December 2004 Page 7

ne of the best waysfor chapters toimprove performance

is to attend the annualConvention. Last October, 225of the most active collegiatechapters in any honor societywere in Orlando for ourConvention. This recordnumber of voting delegates,along with other chapterdelegates and advisors, brain-stormed solutions inInteractive ChapterExchange (ICE) sessions. Ashas been the case in recentyears, sessions filled much ofthe day on Friday. Specialpresent-ations at lunch anddinner offered a review of the12-week membershipschedule and a review of the chapter website and on-linereporting system. Resources, including information on allreports and how to complete them and on-line versions of thePresident’s and Advisor’s Books, can be found at www.tbp.org/chapters.

delegates gainedadditional experience asthey guided their teamsand presented reportsbefore the entire body.Non-voting delegatesbuilt importantinterpersonal, team-building, and meeting-management skills atEngineering Futuressessions. Districtmeetings gatheredchapters in each of the16 geographical regionsto renew old friendshipsand begin new ones. Committeesreconvened on Fridaymorning and met twicebefore the second

business meeting to improve productivity. The businessmeeting brought a real opportunity to practice Robert’sRules as delegates debated the issues involvingcurriculum eligibility.

Vice President Ellen Styles reviewed the status of theBicycle Project, the Association’s first national projectcreated to trademark the Society, improve its visibility,and appeal to corporations for funding. She urgedchapters to join others who have begun projects. AfterFriday’s dinner, Sherry Jennings-King and other officersand directors presented an entertaining skit to thedelegates about philanthropy.

Advisors are critical to the development of chapters.In addition to participating in their own ICE group,advisors gathered in a committee to decide how theymight better serve the Association and their chapters.

The annual Convention helped each Tau Bate gainsomething valuable to make the world a better placebefore braving the airways and highways for the triphome. —Roger E. Hawks

Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

Interactive Chapter Exchange Works!

O

Good ideas are always popular!

Does anybody have a napkin?

Convention

Numerous ideas and suggestions were presented. ICEgroups provided an excellent forum to detail plans andprojects for strengthening their chapters. Many improvementsare being implemented now that these leaders are home.

Convention Chair Ron Hickling and Parliamentarian JimJohnson instructed delegates in the valuable techniques ofparliamentary procedure. Properly used, these basics ofRobert’s Rules of Order provide techniques necessary forconducting business meetings in an orderly fashion. Chapterpresidents are well served applying this knowledge at homeand passing along the fun.

After the first business meeting, committees selectedstudents to serve as chairs, vice chairs, and secretaries. These

Tau Beta Pi Bulletinpage 8

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 80Knoxville, TN

The Bulletin ofTau Beta PiP.O. Box 2697Knoxville, TN 37901-2697

The Laureate Program

2004 LaureateMatt Rodrigue andVice President and1985 LaureateEllen D. Styles areall smiles duringthe awardpresentation atthe OrlandoConvention.

Exceptional Tau Bates are recognized annually at each Convention for theirtalents and contributions to society beyond the normal perimeters of engineer-ing. This year, Maine graduate Matt Rodrigue was recognized for his out-standing leadership and diverse achievements. He received a $2,500 cashprize, a plaque, and publicity in THE BENT and on the web.

The Tau Beta Pi Laureate Program has been honoring collegiate memberssince 1982 and has recognized contributions of Tau Bates in the arts, athletics,diverse activities, and service. Chapters select nominees from their members;information on how to proceed is found in the President’s Book (pp. C-29 & 30)and on the web at tbp.org/chapters.

Search among your members, and submit a nomination package in triplicateto National Headquarters by March 15—attention Secretary-TreasurerFroula. Perhaps one of your chapter members will be featured smiling nextyear too!

THE Bulletinof Tau Beta Pi

(ISSN 8755-5670)

Vol. LXXVIII December 2004 No. 2

National Headquarters508 Dougherty Engineering Building, UT

P.O. Box 2697Knoxville, TN 37901-2697Telephone: 865/ 546-4578

FAX: 865/ 546-4579Email: tbp@tbp.org

www.tbp.org

Executive Director and Editor: James D. Froula,P.E., Tennessee Alpha ’67

Asst. Secretary-Treasurer: Roger E. Hawks,New York Lambda ’75

Executive CouncilPresident: Dr. Matthew W. Ohland,

Florida Alpha ’96, Clemson, SCVice President: Ellen D. Styles,

Alabama Delta ’85, Huntsville, ALCouncillor: Alison L. Hu, California Gamma ’96,

Santa Rosa, CACouncillor: Russell W. Pierce,

Washington Alpha ’70, Puyallup, WACouncillor: Dr. Dennis J. Tyner,

Massachusetts Epsilon ’85, Northfield, VT

• January 15 Fellowship Application

• March 1 Scholarship Application

• March 15 Laureate Nomination and Distinguished Alumnus Nomination

• March 21 Outstanding Advisor Nomination

• April 1 Executive Council Nominations

• May 15 GIG Project Proposal

• June 1 Convention Bid for 2008

Important Deadlines