February 11, 2006

The Executive Council met in Charlotte, NC, on February 11, 2006 .

The Council enthusiastically voted one Tau Beta Pi Superior Service Award for a retiring advisor of the collegiate chapters and voted a Distinguished Service Award to retiring District 10 Director Nila D. Bhakuni.

Dr. Domenico Grasso, P.E., MI G ’87, was appointed to the National Outstanding Advisor Selection Committee for a term ending in 2007. Dr. Susan L.R. Holl, CA L ’76, was re-appointed to the Fellowship Board for a term ending July 31, 2009.

Dr. John R. Luchini, P.E., MI G ’71, was appointed to represent the Society at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Michigan Gamma Chapter on April 8. The Council appointed Katelyn T. Kuor, IL Z ’03, as an Engineering Futures Facilitator with a term ending in June 2008.

The Council reviewed a preliminary petition for a new collegiate chapter from the local engineering honor society at Miami University. Councillor Dennis J. Tyner was named to represent the Council on the inspection visit.

The status of a chapter that initiated a graduate-student candidate without submitting proof of worthiness was reviewed, but the chapter was not placed on probation for violating the Constitution. The probation of a chapter that failed to obtain approval for two consecutive initiations was removed.

The Council reviewed a proposal by Director of Rituals E.J. D’Avignon to modify the initiation equipment.

The schedule of Spring Conferences was reviewed, and assignments were changed for national-officers representation at all 16 events. The Council decided to reimburse the expenses of all advisors who participate in 2006 District Conferences.

The Council reviewed plans for the 2006 Convention to be held in Denver, CO, on October 5-7. A proposal to amend Bylaw V to enable the suspension of chapter officers for cause was discussed and will be referred to the Convention.

Preliminary plans were revised for the joint meeting with the Executive Council-elect on June 1 and for the June 3 meeting of national officials in San Antonio, TX.

Executive Director J.D. Froula reported on the status of the 2005 Alumni Giving Program and information-technology improvements at Headquarters; his second-quarter financial report of the fiscal year had been sent to the Council and was accepted. He reported on plans for Tau Beta Pi co-sponsorship of the Engineers Week banquet in Knoxville, TN, on February 21. The salary schedule for the Headquarters staff was modified in accordance with merit policy and the cost-of-living index.

The Council increased the number of Tau Beta Pi Scholars to be named in April from 48 to 123. Councillor R.W. Pierce reviewed the minutes of the meeting of the Financial Development Committee in Knoxville, TN, on January 14, 2006. The Council decided that Tau Beta Pi would resign its membership in the American Association of Engineering Societies because of a substantial increase in dues. The Council revised its policy on image materials.