History

The Florida Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Pi was founded at the University of Florida by Dr. E. Marion Forsman, Electrical engineering professor Emeritus, and Edgar Koop, former Dean of the College of Engineering. The Florida Alpha Chapter was officially installed as a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Association in 1961. Since that time, the Florida Alpha Chapter has been recognized as one of the outstanding chapters in the association. At the 1995 National Convention, the Florida Alpha Chapter was awarded the 1994-'95 R.C. Matthews Outstanding Chapter Award, recognizing it as the best chapter in the association. This is the ninth time Florida Alpha has either won or received honorable mention for the R.C. Matthews Award. In addition, Florida Alpha has received the Chapter Project Award seventeen times in recognition of its outstanding service in the community.

The primary goal of Tau Beta Pi is to recognize those engineering students and alumnus whose accomplishments both academically and professionally are worthy of honor. To date, the Florica Alpha Chapter has initiated over 3,100 members.

The second goal of Tau Beta Pi is to foster "a spirit of liberal culture." This is achieved through volunteer service to the University of Florida and the local community. The Florida Alpha chapter performs thousands of hours of community service each year for such organizations and the Boys Club, the YMCA, Saint Francis House Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, BEC;s (Benton Engineering Council) Holiday Cheer Program, and the March of Dimes. In addition, Florida Alpha sponsors campus programs such as the F.E. Examination Review Sessions, the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Awards, and the annual Scholarship Breakfast for the College of Engineering. By performing these activities, Florida Alpha is focusing not only on service; but on creating an environment for the growth of personal and professional relationships.

In addition to service projects, Florida Alpha sponsors numerous social activities. Picnics, happy hours, and the Initiation Banquet round out each semester's social calendar. At the picnics and happy hours, electees and members get a chance to relax, mingle, and get to know each other. The Initiation Banquet is held each semester in order for Florida Alpha to publicly recognize its new members. During the banquet, a speaker from the engineering community delivers the keynote address to the newly elected members. At the end of the banquet, awards are presented to the most outstanding electees, members, and officers.

Florida Alpha is located in District 5, which is composed of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Each year, Florida Alpha sends delegates to both the National and District Conventions. Tau Beta Pi's policies and goals for the upcoming year are voted on and established ant the National Convention. The district Convention serves as a means in which neighboring chapters can meet and exchange new ideas and information. Florida Alpha hosted the 1973 National Convention in which Sigma Tau merges with Tau Beta Pi. Florida Alpha has also sponsored seven District Conventions, including the 1997 District 5 convention at the University of Florida's newly completed Engineering Building.

The Florida Alpha Chapter is fortunate to enjoy the support of the College of Engineering, the Gainesville Tau Beta Pi Alumnus Chapter, and the district and national offices in all of its endeavors.