Tau Beta Pi Announces Dr. Louis F. Geschwindner, Jr., as 2001 National Outstanding Advisor

Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, has named its eighth National Outstanding Advisor in its program to recognize engineering faculty who make important contributions to students and collegiate chapters.  While the primary concern of Tau Beta Pi is to recognize students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to honor eminent practicing engineers, the Association also lauds excellence in engineering education and in the ethical practice of engineering.

            Dr. Louis F. Geschwindner, Jr., New York Gamma ’67, P.E, longtime chief advisor to the Pennsylvania Beta Chapter and professor of architectural engineering at the Pennsylvania State University, is the 2001 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor and will be honored on October 20, 2001, at the 96^th annual national Convention to be held in Columbus, Ohio.  Tau Beta Pi President Douglas M. Green, P.E., will present $1,000 and a commemorative plaque to Dr. Geschwindner.  Another $1,000 grant will be presented to the engineering college’s discretionary fund.

Dr. Geschwindner is the embodiment of the ideal member, and he is a role model for Tau Bates at Penn State.  Students at the Pennsylvania Beta chapter nominated him for the Outstanding Advisor Award and proudly acknowledge his 20 years of enthusiasm and dedication to the engineering students on campus.

            Dr. Geschwindner was inducted into Tau Beta Pi in 1967 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in building science.  He went on to earn both a master’s degree in architectural engineering and a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Penn State University, where he has taught since 1969.

            A distinguished scholar, Dr. Geschwindner has the respect of his peers and associates.  Because of his research relating to steel frame analysis and design, he became the recipient of the 2000 T.R. Higgins Lectureship Award of the American Institute of Steel Construction.  A registered professional engineer and leading consultant in the field of architectural engineering, particularly on load and resistance factors in the design of structural systems, he travels extensively, teaching and lecturing.  He has authored a textbook, design manuals, and numerous published papers and is considered an authority in his field.  He is an active member of several committees of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Despite his hectic schedule, he finds the time to offer his services to students whenever and wherever needed. As the interim assistant dean for student services, he is in the dean’s office in the mornings, and he teaches two classes each afternoon.  In addition to serving as the chief advisor to Pennsylvania Beta, he is an advisor to students in the architectural engineering honor society.  All know him for his open-door office policy— he enjoys helping others solve problems to reach their goals. His talents as an educator have landed him six outstanding teaching, advising, and service awards, both on the national and local levels.

            Pennsylvania Beta officers appreciate his active participation in the ongoing needs of their chapter. He greets prospective new candidates at the beginning of each semester, speaking with sincerity about what Tau Beta Pi means to him, and inspires the chapter leaders to define and reach new goals. As a liaison between the students and the administrators, he was instrumental in getting a chapter email address, procuring a computer and ultimately an office in the suite for engineering organizations. Through his concern and dedication, he has helped the students to complete a study on declining honor society membership.

For his leadership role and vision for the Pennsylvania Beta chapter of Tau Beta Pi, his inspiration to the many engineering students who have been privileged to have him as their teacher, advisor, and mentor, and for the many significant contributions made to his field of study, Tau Beta Pi is proud to present this prestigious national honor to Dr. Louis F. Geschwindner, Jr.