How a subchapter of I-Triple E is making a comeback on campus

Scholarship. Character. Attitude.

These are the three ideals that drive a newly reactivated student organization to engage innovators: students that are truly ready to take on the world.

In association with the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE), a small group of students, advised by Assistant Prof. Kristen Booth, has reactivated a national honor society for computer engineering and electrical engineering students – the Delta Phi chapter of Eta Kappa Nu. The chapter recently inducted 11 students and Dr. Booth with the help of Electrical Engineering Department Chair Roger Dougal. Now the group is actively recruiting more members in the CEC.

Jack Hannum, a senior that was involved in the chapter his sophomore year before it was reactivated this year, worked with Booth to reactivate the organization. He says it’s important for students to be a part of something with like-minded individuals that have the same goals, and is excited to see the chapter flourish with new members and leadership.

Eta Kappa Nu is a well-respected organization with notable alumni such as the founder of Google, but its impact reaches past a line in a resume. Students are encouraged to use it as a “conduit for mentorship from upperclassmen and faculty,” says Hannum. Not only is this a big honor society, but it’s a community of people to reach out to for advice on classes or tutoring, and simply hanging out with friends.

“This really is a group committed to improving their craft,” says Hannum. He explains that Eta Kappa Nu is the best place to facilitate conversations between peers about the “informal knowledge,” like classroom struggles, that students can really only talk to each other about.

Chapter president Nathan Stofik says the group is determined to create opportunities for the “brightest and most innovative engineers” to thrive together. “We’re really working to be the leaders within electrical engineering and computer engineering here on campus,” he says.

While expansion is the top priority right now, Stofik says they are looking to the future of the chapter as well, planning for the community they create together to not only incorporate social events, but also to take part in competitions with other local Eta Kappa Nu chapters and SouthEast Con with the entire region.

“There’s potential for big collaborations here,” says Booth of their plans to compete with other universities, sponsor guest speakers from industry and research, and continue to build a strong sense of community. “They’re definitely reaching for the stars,” she says.

The chapter members are excited to bond with other driven engineers and to learn more about research and industry for future careers. But, beyond that, they’re looking forward to creating a community of motivated individuals working together to set the stage for future chapter and student success.