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TAU BETA PI LEADERS ATTEND 96TH
CONVENTION
President
Green announced that the Executive Council had appointed Ronald M. Hickling as
Permanent Chair of the Convention, in accord with the Bylaws.
He yielded the gavel to Mr. Hickling who announced that Trust Advisor
Committee member James W. Johnson Jr. would serve as Convention Parliamentarian,
Robert's Rules of Order would be followed at the business meetings, and closure
would be reached on all business issues. With
the aid of transparencies and physical demonstrations, Mr. Johnson presented the
fundamental principles of parliamentary procedure.
Chairman
Hickling declared the First Business Meeting of the Convention closed at 3:54
p.m.
The
Headquarters display was presented during the Convention in the atrium of the
hotel. Recruiting displays were
staffed by Teradyne, Fluor, Duke Energy, Lucent, and the Ohio State University
graduate school of engineering.
Meetings
of all Convention Committees were held in rooms and various areas of the hotel
starting at 4:10 p.m. Engineering
Futures Facilitators presented Engineering Futures orientation meetings for all
non-voting delegates. District Meetings and an orientation meeting for committee
chairs were held in rooms and various areas of the hotel starting at 5:20 p.m.
The
Welcoming Dinner of the Convention was held at 6:30 p.m. in the Deshler/Wallick
Ballroom of the hotel; seating was by District. Arrangements Chair Adina D. Rollins was master of ceremonies.
Donald J. Gutt, MI D '70, representative of Lucent Technologies, and
sponsor of the delegates' meals spoke of the engineering accomplishments of his
firm and of the important traditions of Tau Beta Pi.
Dr. William "Brit" Kirwan, president of the Ohio State
University, welcomed the delegates, described engineering research on his campus
that houses the world's largest magnet, and encouraged them to begin graduate
studies on his campus. Dr. Robert
Gustafson, associate dean of the college of engineering, welcomed the delegates
on behalf of the 6,000 engineering students in his school and noted that 90% of
the undergraduate students at OSU are from Ohio.
President Green welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Association,
thanked the hosts, spoke of engineer's ability to solve problems and to work in
diverse fields and reminded the delegates that this Convention belongs to them.
Director of Engineering Futures Russell W. Pierce encouraged the
delegates to take advantage of the Engineering
Futures Program and the skills taught and to schedule seminars on their
campuses; last year's 181 sessions reached 3,600 students; the program helps to
make Tau Beta Pi the premier honor society in the world.
He presented certificates of appreciation to Arkansas Alpha (6/marathon),
California Alpha (4), California Chi (5), California Upsilon (8), District of
Columbia Alpha (4), Florida Gamma (5), Florida Zeta (6), Illinois Zeta (5),
Ohio Gamma (5/marathon), Utah Beta (4), Wisconsin Beta
(5/marathon), Wisconsin Delta (4) and presented certificates to Facilitators M.W.
Ohland (28), A.L. Hu (23), R.A.
Andre (17), S.C. Dao (17), S.V. Eckersall (15), L.A. Rine (15), D.J. Tyner (15),
J.R. Luchini (11), A.M. Brenner (10), and M.L. Peterson (10) for presenting 10
or more sessions. A total of 398
people enjoyed the steak dinner.
Meetings of all Convention Committees and Engineering Futures
groups reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
A
meeting of Advisors and Alumnus Delegates was conducted at 9:30 p.m. by Dr. D.M.
Green.
SECOND
BUSINESS MEETING
Friday,
October 19, Ballroom, Radisson Airport Hotel
Chairman
Hickling called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. Secretary Froula reported that 214 voting delegates and
national officers were registered, thus fixing the number of votes required to
pass various items of business. The
Tellers Committee, comprised of alternate delegates, had been appointed by
Chairman Hickling as follows: T.K.M.
Stone (CO B Alt.), S.M. Kohen (IL A Alt.), G.E. Sorenson, IL A Alt.), A. Shertok
(MI G Alt.), A.K. Chakrabarti (MI G Alt.), G.M. Davidson (MI G Alt.), J.D.
Backus (MI G Alt.), A. Vachhani (MI G Alt.), M.S. Wu (MI G Alt.), Y.W.D. Ying
(NY T Alt.), R.V. Pieri (ND A Adv.), F.M. Khan (PA A Alt.), B.P. Timko (PA A
Alt.), and J.M. Boss (PA G Alt.).
The
report of the Committee on Petitions was called. G. D. Recktenwald (OH N), Chair, reported that his committee
had reviewed the final petition from the petitioning group at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City, had reviewed the final petition and the report of the
inspection committee for the Dartmouth Engineering Honor Society, and had met
with the petitioners and heard their presentations. The group was still reviewing final petitions and reports of
inspection committees for the University of Portland and the University of Texas
at San Antonio. He said that UMKC's
petitioning group has operated as a unit of the Missouri Alpha Chapter for 16
years, had held 31 consecutive Tau Beta Pi initiations, and administrative
changes on campus had resulted in the establishment of a new college of
engineering. He introduced J.B.
Hass (MO A) who said his campus of 12,000 students in the urban environment of
Kansas City included a school of interdisciplinary computing and engineering;
his society receives excellent community support and strong support from two
firms, has nine Tau Beta Pi faculty members and two advisors from industry, and
spoke of its community and campus project activity.
Mr. Recktenwald said that his committee recommends that a chapter be
granted.
Mr.
Recktenwald said that the Dartmouth Engineering Honor Society has adopted all
Tau Beta Pi inspection committee recommendations, has a strong initiation
performance, and has performed well. He
introduced Dominic Germana, society president, who said that Dartmouth College
was founded in 1769 and includes 4,500 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate
students. The Thayer Engineering
School was founded in 1867 and maintains a strong emphasis on liberal arts and
world culture; the DEHS was founded in 1994 solely to petition for a Tau Beta Pi
chapter, his group and members are involved in individual and society
community-service projects, exist in a supportive environment, and receive
strong support from Dean Lewis M. Duncan and the faculty, 25% of whom are
members are Tau Beta Pi.
Mr.
Recktenwald moved, seconded by A.J. Flowerday (MI I), to grant a Tau Beta Pi
charter to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. There was no further discussion.
The Tellers Committee distributed ballots. He moved, seconded by D.B. Lewanda (PA A), to grant a Tau
Beta Pi charter to Dartmouth College. He
spoke of the outstanding quality of the members of the existing society, and
there was no further discussion.When the voting was completed, Mr. Hickling
later announced the results: (UMKC)
171 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstention; (Dartmouth College) 168 in favor and
7 opposed. The chapters were
therefore granted, to be known as Missouri Delta and New Hampshire Beta.
Representatives were brought to the front of the room and given an
enthusiastic standing ovation. Mr. Recktenwald said that his committee would present
recommendations on the remaining two petitions in the Third Business Meeting.
The report of the Committee on
Chapter and International Financial Affairs was called.
D.B. Lewanda (PA A), Chair, said that his group had reviewed the chapter
accounts-receivable and had met with chapters that had a debt to the Association
in excess of $300. He noted that of nine chapters in this category, seven had
active plan for recovery, one is working with Treasurer J.D. Froula to work on a
plan, and one is absent from the Convention.
The committee recommends that the Treasurer contact the university of the
absent chapter to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
The committee recommends that chapters work toward smooth officer
transitions to avoid being summoned before this committee at future Conventions.
The committee had also reviewed the auditor's and Treasurer's reports for
2000-01, decided that Tau Beta Pi is in strong financial standing, and commends
the efforts of the Trust Advisory Committee in its current success in ensuring
that standing. He moved, seconded
by S.M. Collins (TN G), that the expense reimbursement allowances for the 2002
Convention be the same as those for the 2001 Convention.
This policy provides driving reimbursement of $.25 per mile plus $.05 per
mile for additional non-voting delegates (three maximum) and $42 lodging enroute
for delegates only; flying reimbursement for a 21-day advance-purchase ticket
for a delegate and 20 percent of a 21-day advance-purchase airline ticket
purchased by the travel-plan deadline, for one non-voting delegate per
collegiate chapter, with a maximum reimbursement of $200; meal reimbursement for
delegates only of $5, $6, and $8 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner enroute
(limited to 3 meals each way), terminal expenses, and $5 for on-site breakfasts
at the Convention.
He said that based on the experiences of the diverse residences of his
committee members, his group expects that the expenses in Detroit, MI should be
comparable to those in Columbus, OH. Without
further discussion, the motion passed on a voice vote.
The
report of the Committee on Rituals was called.
J.R. Kraus (MI Th), Chair, said that his group would report during the
Third Business Meeting.
The
report of the Committee on Convention Site was called.
B.L. Small (CO Z), Chair, said that his group was considering invitations
from Utah Alpha/Beta/Gamma and from Florida Alpha/Delta to host the 2004
Convention and will conclude its report in the Third Business Meeting.
The
report of the Committee on Computer-Science Eligibility (ad hoc) was called.
R.S. Renfro (OH H), Chair, reported that his group had resolved not to
recommend a ban on computer-science programs from eligibility in Tau Beta Pi
based on name alone. Programs other
than those that include the word "engineering" in their titles may
still be eligible for membership. The
group recommends an amendment to Constitution Art. VIII, Sec. 2(b), such that
students of any curriculum except engineering technology, administered by the
college, dean, school, or unit of engineering may be considered eligible subject
to existing procedures. Implicitly
and with direct intent, this change would allow chapters the option to consider
without hesitation, question, or contradiction those C.S. programs administered
by the dean, school, college, or unit of engineering as eligible for membership.
His group is continuing work on the issue of C.S. programs administered
outside the engineering unit. He
noted that the proposed change may make only certain programs eligible for
consideration by chapters that retain all existing rights and privileges.
Mr. Renfro, moved, seconded by D.B. Lewanda (PA A) to amend Const. Art.
VIII, Sec. 2(b), to omit the word "engineering" such that the first
sentence would read:
Article
VIII
Membership
SECTION
2. Eligibility of Undergraduates.
(b) Students of other engineering curricula may be eligible for election as
undergraduate members if and when their curricula are administered by the dean,
or equivalent, and faculty of the college or school or unit of engineering of
the institution. . . .
(Struck
word deleted.)
Mr.
Renfro said that his group did not wish to ban C.S. in entirety and felt that
C.S. is similar to software engineering. A
delegate noted that Sec. III also restricts membership only to candidates for
engineering graduate degrees. J.P.
Blackford (DC G) said that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee had not
considered the details of this change. Dir.
of Fell. D.S. Pierre Jr. spoke against the amendment because of potential
unintended consequences. I.L.
Kasprzak (WI D) spoke against the change because nursing and business
departments exist in his school and the amendment would open the floodgates.
D.B. Lewanda (PA A) noted that Lehigh University's engineering school
includes C.S., physics, and chemistry. M.J.
Evenson (MN B) noted that his college of science and engineering includes
mathematics, biology, statistics, and geology.
D.A. Britz (VA A) noted that the purpose of the proposal is to allow
chapters to use their discretion to allow other curricula.
G.D. Recktenwald (OH N) noted that his school of nursing, science, and
engineering, includes ineligible curricula.
C.I. Daniels (TX L) inquired about ABET accreditation, and Secretary
Froula responded that ABET accredits only individual programs.
Z.-J. Keith Luo (CA L) spoke against the proposal.
H.M. Kim (PA D) was in favor because each chapter could decide
eligibility for itself. E.R.
Ryszkiewicz (MA E) spoke against the change because he believes that chapters
may already choose to allow C.S. as an eligible curricula.
A.L. Beaudoin (MA A Alt.) said that her chapter allows C.S. as an
eligible curricula, and chapters should have discretion.
J.-G. L. Beliveau (VT A Adv.) noted that his college of engineering and
mathematics includes statistics as a department under the dean. Mr. Renfro said that most disciplines are eligible for
departmental honor societies. His
institution (AFIT) includes engineering and management, but his chapter can
distinguish eligible students from ineligible, and the amendment would allow
chapters to include C.S. curricula. R.W.
Valentine (OH A) noted that Phi Beta Kappa exists now as a general honor society
that already recognizes C.S. students. I.L. Kasprzak (WI D) moved, seconded by R.S. Renfro (OH H),
to close debate. Mr. Hickling
stated that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee must still review the
proposal, and the motion to close debate failed on a show of hands. Chairman Hickling ruled to table the amendment without
objection.
The report of the Committee on
Constitution and Bylaws was called. J.C.
Blackford (DC G), Chair, said that his group had reviewed three proposals to
make English the official business language, to allow the Association to award
partial Fellowship stipends, and to place a chapter on probation if the chapter
fails to hold an initiation during a fiscal year.
He said that the proposal to make English the official business language
was a good idea, and he moved, seconded by D.B. Lewanda (PA A),
to amend Const. I, Sec. 10, to read:
Article
I
Name,
Motto, Insignia, Ritual, Creed, Language, and Currency
SECTION
10, Language. All correspondence
with and business of the Association shall be in English. See Article VI, Sec.
V.
D.S.
Cull (OH M) spoke against the change because internal business of a chapter
might be required to be in the local language, but Mr. Blackford explained that
Const. Art. VI, Sec. 5, provides for the internal business of a chapter to be
conducted in its local language. The
amendment passed on a standing vote by the required 3/4 majority with 171 in
favor and 5 opposed, but final approval is subject to chapter ratification.
Mr.
Blackford reviewed the proposed change to place a chapter
that fails to hold at least one approved initiation during a fiscal year
on probation automatically and moved, seconded by D.B. Lewanda (PA A), to amend
Const. Art. IX, Sec. 2, to read:
Article
IX
Discipline
SECTION
2. Procedures for Chapters.
a)
Any Chapter that:
1.
a) is reported in writing to the Executive Council or to the Convention by
twenty-five alumnus members of the Association or by three other Chapters as
having acted in a manner contrary to the Constitution or prejudicial to the
interest of the Association, or
2.
b) conducts more than one unapproved initiation (see Bylaws VI, Sec. 6.04 and
VIII, Sec. 8.02) in a period of two consecutive fiscal years, or applying to
initiations occurring after August 1, 1989, shall be required by the Executive
council to show cause to the Council why it should not be deprived of the
enjoyment of its rights and privileges, and why it should not be placed on
probation until the next Convention. The
Executive Council may in its judgment put such a Chapter on probation and shall
present at the next regular Convention the complaint against the Chapter and the
Chapter's reply. The Chapter shall
have the right to be heard by the Convention and have its official delegate
member and other members plead its cause.
3.
fails to hold at least one approved initiation during a fiscal year shall
be automatically placed on probation, subject to appeal to the Executive
Council.
b)
The Chapter's probation may be continued or its charter may be annulled
or restored to the Chapter by action of the Convention by a three-fourths vote,
taken by roll-call, of those present and entitled to vote.
In the event of continued probation, the Chapter shall be called at the
next Convention to show reason why its charter should not be annulled, and the
Convention shall either annul the charter of the Chapter or restore the charter
to the Chapter with full rights and privileges.
c)
Probation of a Chapter shall entail:
(1.)
Such penalties as are deemed appropriate by the Executive Council or the
Convention, and
(2.)
Continuation of Chapter activities in support of the objectives of the
Association.
(Underscored
words added; struck words deleted.)
R.S.
Renfro (OH H) said that a chapter could have a problem if no candidates were
available. J.M. Zide (CA G) noted
that an appeal process would allow for special cases. D.J. Quinn (PA Th) asked for the definition of probation; Mr.
Blackford noted that Sec. 2(c) defines probation. The amendment passed on a standing vote by the required 3/4
majority with 165 in favor and 2 opposed, but final approval is subject to
chapter ratification. Mr. Blackford
said that the intent of the change is that it would become effective on August
1, 2002.
Mr.
Blackford moved, seconded by D.B. Lewanda (PA A), to amend Bylaw X to allow
Fellowships to be awarded at two levels depending upon whether or not Fellows
accept other substantial financial aid as determined by the Director of
Fellowships. Director of
Fellowships Pierre said that more applications would be received if partial
stipends were permitted. G.Y.
Youssef (NJ G) said that the Association would be giving more aid to people who
already have substantial aid rather than giving it to those Fellows who really
need it. Director Pierre said that
Fellows without full stipends deserve some reward for their performance and the
Fellowship Board would not allow money to be given in partial stipends if other
Fellows need the funds. This matter
was laid on the table on a motion by Mr. Blackford, seconded by E.R. Ryszkiewicz
(MA E), on a voice vote.
The
report of the Committee on Awards was called.
K.A. Walowicz (MA E), Chair, said that her group had split in two
subcommittees to select the winners of the R. C. Matthews and R. H. Nagel
awards, had set procedures, and had begun the selection process. The
report of the Committee on Image Review (ad hoc) was called.
D.M. Brumit (NM A), Chair, said that his group had begun work and would
report during the Third Business Meeting.
The
report of the Committee on International Chapters (ad hoc) was called.
N.P. Teske (NM B), Chair, said that his group had divided into two
subcommittees to study international culture and international solicitation
issues. He said that the
solicitation subcommittee recommends that the international task group
re-establish contact with individuals of international universities that have
previously contacted the Society to inform them of the changes in our policy on
international chapters, that the ad hoc Committee on Image Review study the
international image of both engineering and Tau Beta Pi, and that an ad hoc
Committee on International Chapters continue its work at the 2002
Convention. F.S. Azrai (AR A) said that the international culture
subcommittee considered several issues and would report at the Third Business
Meeting.
Chairman
Hickling asked for further nominations for Executive Council slates.
Hearing none, he invited Parliamentarian Johnson to review procedures:
10-minute presentations by each slate in the format of each slate's choosing.
The Four Corners Slate was invited to the front of the room.
Dr. Matthew W. Ohland spoke on behalf of his slate, introduced its
members, stated that interpretative dance was the format chosen, said that its
members have worked together in Tau Beta Pi as a team for four years, and
reviewed the skills, credentials, and qualifications of each candidate.
He reviewed its vision and its five initiatives:
supporting chapter advisors, initiating more members as juniors,
carefully considering international expansion, reviewing the boundaries of the
Districts, and expanding the charter of the Interactive Chapter Exchange
Committee. His slate looks forward
to serving the Society. There were
no questions. After a 10-minute
recess, Mr. Johnson reviewed the business to be conducted at the Third Business
Meeting.
The
Second Business Meeting was adjourned at 10:36 a.m.
Interactive
Chapter Exchanges (ICE) were held starting at 10:50 a.m. in rooms of the hotel.
Sixteen small-group exchange seminars were conducted, each with a
District Director and a trained Engineering Futures Facilitator serving as
moderators. Booklets containing
background notes on the subjects of eligibility, election, and initiation of new
members, of chapter management and projects, of the ‘Chapter Growth Cycle,’
and of group analytical problem solving were provided.
Lunch
was served in the ballroom of the hotel at 12:00 noon.
Mark Altow, human resources associate of Teradyne, spoke on the technical
achievements of his firm, which sponsored the delegates' meals.
A total of 393 people enjoyed the vegetable lasagna entree. After the
meal, Mr. Froula presented a summary of the Executive Director's Report for
2000-01, that had been given to each Convention registrant (and appeared in the
Fall 2001 BENT).
Secretary
Froula and Assistant Secretary Hawks presented 55 Secretary’s Commendations
for perfection of Headquarters reports and timely payment of fees in 2000-01 to:
Arizona Alpha, California
Psi, Colorado Alpha, Colorado Zeta, Florida Gamma, Indiana
Delta, Maryland Alpha, Michigan Alpha, Michigan Gamma, Minnesota Alpha,
Missouri Beta, Montana Alpha, New Mexico Beta, New York Gamma, New York Nu, New
York Pi, North Carolina Gamma, North Dakota Alpha, North Dakota Beta, Ohio Beta,
Ohio Zeta, Ohio Theta, Pennsylvania
Eta, Pennsylvania Iota, South Dakota Beta, Texas Alpha, Texas Delta, West
Virginia Alpha, Wisconsin Gamma, and the 26 chapters listed below.
Secretary Froula and Vice President D’Avignon presented
Chapter Performance Scholarships of $500 to the engineering schools of the
following chapters which had won three consecutive Secretary’s Commendations:
California Alpha, California Zeta, California
Mu, District of Columbia Alpha, Georgia Alpha, Illinois Epsilon, Iowa Alpha,
Kansas Gamma, Maryland Beta, Michigan Beta, Michigan Epsilon, Michigan Theta,
New Mexico Alpha, New Mexico Gamma, New York Theta, New York Kappa, New York
Tau, Ohio Iota, Oregon Beta, Pennsylvania Theta, South Carolina Beta, South
Dakota Alpha, Tennessee Alpha, Wisconsin Alpha, Wisconsin Epsilon, and Wyoming
Alpha.
As
part of the Chapter Development Program, Director of Communications and
Development Pat McDaniel presented a slide show designed to instruct chapter
officers of the membership materials of the Association.
Interactive
Chapter Exchanges (ICE) reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
A
refreshment beverage break was provided at 3:10 p.m.
District
Meetings were held at 3:20 p.m.
Committee
and Engineering Futures Meetings reconvened at 4:30 p.m.
Dinner
was held at 6:45 p.m. in the ballroom; seating was by committee grouping.
John S. Fisher, Ohio Gamma Advisor, was master of ceremonies.
A total of 378 people enjoyed the chicken dinner.
The chapter advisors at the Convention were specially recognized by
Secretary Froula and the delegates. Ian
L. Kasprzak, WI D President, spoke of the technical products of his firm NVIDIA,
which sponsored the delegates dinners and is located in Santa Clara, CA.
President Green requested a moment of silence in honor of Harry L. Staubs,
WV A '52, and recognized members of the 1994-98 Executive Council - J.R.
Luchini, E.D. Basta, and E.W. Beans, and stated that the Executive Council has
named a one-time 2002 Tau Beta Pi-E.W. Bean's Scholarship in recognition of Dr.
Beans's leadership in establishing the Tau Beta Pi Association Scholarship
Program. Dr. Beans sincerely
thanked the Association for marking him in a fitting manner.
The
report of the Director of Fellowships was given by Mr. Pierre.
He said that approximately 35 awards, 20 with stipend,
will be given in the 2001-02 Fellowship Program and that more than 200
applications are expected. He
explained his reasons for suggesting changes to the Fellowship Program in Bylaw
X.
Secretary
Froula and Vice President D'Avignon presented 39 Chapter Project Awards for
excellence in project work during 2000-01 to:
California Alpha, California Zeta, Florida Zeta, Indiana Delta, Louisiana
Gamma, Maryland Alpha, Maryland Delta, Massachusetts Zeta, Missouri Beta,
Missouri Gamma, Nevada Beta, New Mexico Gamma, North Carolina Delta, Ohio Beta,
Ohio Eta, Pennsylvania Alpha, Pennsylvania Beta, Pennsylvania Lambda, Puerto
Rico Alpha, Texas Alpha, Texas Delta, and West Virginia Alpha,
and to the 17 chapters listed below.
Secretary
Froula and Vice President D’Avignon presented letters of recognition and
Chapter Performance Scholarships of $500 each to the engineering schools of the
following 17 chapters which had won three consecutive chapter project awards:
Alaska Alpha, District of Columbia Alpha, Florida Alpha, Florida Beta,
Florida Theta, Iowa Alpha, Maryland Beta, Michigan Gamma, Michigan Epsilon,
Michigan Theta, New York Kappa, New York Tau, Ohio Iota, South Dakota Alpha,
Vermont Beta, Washington Delta, and Wyoming Alpha.
Completing the Chapter Development Program, Assistant Secretary Hawks
reviewed a portion of the
‘Chapter Growth Cycle’ and informed delegates about the Tau Beta Pi
Headquarters staff and operations. Committee,
Engineering Futures, and the Advisor/Alumnus delegate meetings reconvened at
8:15 p.m., along with Special Projects Meetings.
Refreshments were served at 9:45 p.m.
A
continental breakfast was held at 7:15 a.m. in the ballroom.
Vice President D’Avignon hosted a breakfast meeting in the hotel at
7:15 a.m. on October 20 with delegates from chapters which plan to host the
District Conferences in the spring of 2002.
THIRD
BUSINESS MEETING
Saturday,
October 20, Ballroom, Radisson Airport Hotel
Chairman
Hickling called the meeting to
order at 8:15 a.m. Secretary Froula reported that 215 voting delegates and
national officers were registered, thus fixing the number of votes required to
pass various items of business. Mr.
Hickling ruled that the report of the Petitions Committee had been moved to
follow the report of the Rituals Committee and explained the procedure to the
delegates, without objection.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Chapter and International Financial Affairs, D.B.
Lewanda (PA A), Chair, said that his group's assignment had been concluded at
the Second Business Meeting.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Rituals, J.R. Kraus (MI Th), Chair, reported that
his group studied whether to maintain the secrecy of the motto and the privacy
of the initiation ceremony; after a long discussion about the value of the
secret motto to various chapters, the group decided to keep the ritual and motto
secret. A committee recommends that
the Association create a guest program containing the following topics:
an introduction to Tau Beta Pi; history of the organization; scholarship
and character, eligibility requirements, objectives of Tau Beta Pi, public creed
and the Bent, local chapter information, benefits of membership; and documents
for parents. Chapters would be able
to use this program at their discretion.
Continuing
the Report of the Petitions Committee, G.D. Recktenwald (OH N), Chair, said that
his group had reviewed the final petitions and inspection reports for the
remaining two petitioning groups and found each one qualified.
He said that the University of Portland includes the goal of service and
that the local society has strong project activity and expectations of Tau Beta
Pi membership. He introduced Craig Smith, president of Tau Beta Gamma, who
said his university of 2,850 undergraduates in five colleges was founded in
1901. The school of engineering,
with 390 undergraduates, was founded in 1948; six faculty members are Tau Beta
Pi; the ABET-accredited programs are civil, electrical, and mechanical
engineering, and programs exist in engineering management and computer science.
There are 350 undergraduates in the three accredited programs.
Tau Beta Gamma was founded in 1997; 52 alumni and 27 undergraduates are
members. He reviewed tutoring,
mentoring, social, and other community service programs, spoke of the
outstanding support from Dean
Zia
A. Yamayee, (WA D '72), and stated that his group can offer much to Tau Beta Pi.
Mr.
Recktenwald said that his group had reviewed the impressive final petition from
the University of Texas at San Antonio and the local society's numerous
projects; the institution strongly supports the local society and has many
non-traditional students. He
introduced Lori Nerio, EHS president, who said her college of three engineering
departments with 1,000 engineering students was founded in 2000; three doctoral
programs would begin in 2002; a new $81 million building is under construction.
The UTSA EHS began in 1998 when an advisory board was formed, and project
activity includes an honors convocation, tutoring, mentoring to freshmen, and an
ethics challenge in the community. Mr.
Recktenwald moved, seconded by J.P. Mages (CO B), to grant a Tau Beta Pi charter
to the University of Portland. M.A.
Adamski (WI G) inquired how the university's mission to teach and promote a
particular faith would impact a chapter. Mr.
Smith replied that the religious affiliation of students is 50% Catholic and 50%
other, that the society does not stress any particular faith, and that no member
would ever be pressured to belong to any particular faith.
Director of Rituals A.R. Hirsch inquired about the numbers of Tau Beta
Gamma alumni and B.S. engineering graduates per year; Mr. Smith said there are
52 alumni and 27 active undergraduates and that there are 75 B.S. engineering
graduates annually. Mr. Recktenwald acknowledged all of the hard work by all four
petitioners; he moved, seconded by P.W. Betts (OR A), to grant a Tau Beta Pi
charter to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Mr. Hirsch posed his same question, and Ms. Nerio stated that
her society has 58 total members and 120 B.S. engineering graduates per year.
D.B. Lewanda (PA A) inquired when the school of science and engineering
was established, and she replied that it was founded in 1969.
Mr. Recktenwald said that his Committee would like to see the following
items in future petitions; a section in the report should contain a listing of
the inspection committee's suggestions and the actions of the petitioning
society taken in response to those suggestions.
Necessary information from catalogs should be photocopied and included in
the appendix of the final petition. A
catalog should not be mailed to the petition committee, but several copies
should be available at the Convention. The
petitioning school should index the copies so that the engineering and related
sections are easily found. The
Tellers Committee distributed ballots. When
the voting was completed, Mr. Hickling later announced the results:
(UP) 172 in favor and 8 opposed; (UTSA) 181 in favor and 1 opposed.
The chapters were therefore granted, to be known as Oregon Gamma and
Texas Mu. Representatives were
brought to the front of the room and given an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Convention Site, B.L. Small (CO Z), Chair,
reviewed the primary selection criteria of cost per delegate, airport
facilities, housing, meeting rooms, and hosting ability and said that his group
had carefully reviewed both bids. On
behalf of his committee, he moved, seconded by A.J. Flowerday (MI I), to accept
the Convention bid of the Florida Alpha and Florida Delta chapters to host the
2004 national Convention in Orlando, FL. Mr.
Small said that Florida is more economical in cost per delegate, Orlando is a
major hub with 1,000 flights per day, Florida meets all housing and meeting-room
criteria, and Florida excels in hosting ability because of strong member
participation, historical strength of chapters, strong advisors and District
Directors, and Florida Alpha has received 17 Chapter Project Awards.
He thanked both the Florida and Utah chapters for presenting excellent,
well prepared bids and said that the Society looks forward to reviewing Utah's
bid in 2002. K.L. Martin (Al. Vis.)
inquired of the distance from Gainesville, home of Florida Alpha, to Orlando;
M.A. Bidzos (FL A) said that an automobile trip normally required 1.5 hours.
G.Y. Youssef (NJ G) inquired about the number of double/double rooms.
Mr. Bidzos said that the hotel had 180 double/doubles and 46 rooms with
king-size rooms reserved. Without
further discussion, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Computer-Science Eligibility (ad hoc), R.S.
Renfro (OH H), Chair, thanked his members for their hard, thoughtful, and
professional efforts, other delegates, advisors, and national officers who
reported to his group. The
conclusions of his group were developed after thorough research, including a
conference call to the ABET executive director.
His group of 18 voting members included two C.S. majors and two C.S.
double majors or minors. His group
proposes no recommendation that would force a chapter to include or exclude
computer science at its institution. C.S.
eligibility should be determined on a chapter-by-chapter basis as specified in
Const. Art. VIII, and he read Sec. 2(a), (b), and (c).
He said that chapters clearly retain the discretion to determine
eligibility. Engineering technology
remains ineligible. The language above clearly states that programs "may
be" eligible and does not force a chapter to take action.
His group's proposed changes will not make programs eligible that were
not eligible, nor will the proposal make programs ineligible which already are
considered ineligible by a chapter. His
group finds that the Constitution already allows an interpretation by chapters
that computer science is eligible; however, it also recognizes that this
interpretation is not clear to all chapters.
Therefore, an amendment will be proposed to make this point clear; in
essence when a chapter votes to include a program, the chapter is indicating
that the program is "engineering" in terms of the Constitution. His group will present a separate resolution for the
Executive Council to gather more information for a general discussion of
eligibility because it believes that the data to establish general eligibility
guidelines beyond what is currently in the Constitution is not available.
His group finds that all issues dealing with membership in other honor
societies is addressed by Const. Art. VIII, Sec. 8, which states
"membership in any other society, fraternity, or association shall not of
itself bar a candidate from election to Tau Beta Pi."
He moved, seconded by J.A. Lovseth (ND B), to remove from the table and
substitute language for the amendment to Const. Art. VIII, Sec. 2(b), which
would read:
Article
VIII
Membership
SECTION
2. Eligibility of Undergraduates.
(b) Students of other engineering curricula may be eligible and
considered as students of engineering programs for the purpose of this
Constitution for election as undergraduate members if and when their curricula
are administered by the dean, or equivalent, and faculty of the college or
school or unit of engineering of the institution. In the event that these curricula are administered by some
other unit of the institution, or jointly by the engineering unit and some other
unit, but the basic engineering training is given by the faculty of engineering,
such students may be considered eligible for election, and may be considered by
departments, after such procedure has received the three-fourths favorable vote
of the active Chapter membership eligible to vote thereon (see Const. Art. VI,
Sec. 1), the five-sevenths favorable vote of the Advisory Board, and the written
approval of the Executive Council. Engineering
technology is not to be considered as an eligible curriculum for
membership."
(Underscored
words added; struck word deleted.)
The
substitute amendment was removed from the table on a voice vote.
Mr. Renfro said that this amendment clarifies the discretionary power of
a chapter and describes what a chapter may do, not what it must do.
R.M. Putnam (NY Th) inquired if the proposal would open the floodgates
for other majors such as engineering management.
I.L. Kasprzak (WI D) said that it would not at his school. A.E. Toy (MI I Adv.) said the proposal does not change
anything and that chapters still have the option to determine. E.D. Deckter (NY G) said this was a clarification because
each chapter is the best judge of whether a program is an engineering program.
R.W. Valentine (OH A) inquired if a change was considered for Section 2
(c), and Mr. Renfro said that none was considered.
J.M. Zide (CA G) inquired if the committee considered amending Art. VIII,
Sec. 3, and Mr. Renfro replied in the affirmative.
J.P. Blackford (DC G) said that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee was
satisfied with the language of the proposal.
The question was called, and debate ended, but a division of the house
was called. With 139 in favor and
38 opposed on a standing vote, debate was ended.
A motion was made and seconded for a written ballot on the amendment by a
standing vote with 148 in favor and 16 opposed. The Tellers Committee distributed ballots; Mr. Hickling later
announced the results of the ballot on the proposed amendment to Art. VIII, Sec.
2 (b); the amendment failed on a written ballot with 112 in favor, 77 opposed,
and 1 abstention.
The
Third Business Meeting was recessed at 9:47 a.m. and recovened at 10:00 a.m.
Mr.
Renfro moved, seconded by G.D. Recktenwald (OH N), to resolve that the
Convention direct the Executive Council to appoint a focus group to conduct a
survey of chapters to obtain more information on determining the criteria (and
the process) for classifying a program as an engineering curriculum.
The results of this survey are to be presented to an ad hoc committee for
considering the question of criteria for program eligibility at the next
national Convention. Mr. Renfro felt that more information would assist the
Association to propose appropriate, if any, changes to the Constitution.
The committee believes that the Constitution should be interpreted so
that computer science may be included as an eligible curriculum.
E.R. Ryszkiewicz (MA E) spoke against the resolution and said that
chapters can specifically exclude computer science in chapter bylaws.
R.M. Putnam (NY Th) moved, seconded by R.H. Anderson (TX B), to amend the
resolution to include the words "and the process" as shown above.
Debate was ended on a show of hands, and the amendment to the resolution
passed on a voice vote. J.A. Lovseth (ND B) implored the Convention to support the
resolution. Vice President
D'Avignon said that the Executive Council would do whatever the Convention
decided. The resolution passed on a
voice vote. A motion for the
Convention to resolve the interpretation of the Constitution was made that the
Chair ruled was allowable. A call for the orders of the day was moved and
seconded, but a voice vote was inconclusive; the Chair was overruled on a
standing vote with 120 in favor and 50 opposed. The Chair stated that the motion
would be allowable under New Business.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Constitution and Bylaws, J.P. Blackford (DC G),
moved, seconded by A.J. Flowerday (MI I) to take from the table the motion
originally presented to modify Bylaw X on Fellowships, and the motion was
removed from the table by a voice vote. It
appears below.
Bylaw
X
Fellowships
SECTION
10.01. Establishment.
The Association shall maintain a program of fellowships insofar as the
financial condition of the Association permits in the opinion of the Executive
Council. The Executive Council
shall determine the amount of the full stipend and partial stipend for each
fellowship awarded in each year with the advice of the Director of Fellowships
and shall determine the number of fellowships with stipend to be awarded each
year, based on the total moneys available from income on the Fellowship Fund and
the general financial condition of the Association.
The Executive Council may use other funds of the Association if such use
of funds appear to be warranted in view of other financial commitments of the
Association. The Executive Council
shall advise the Director of Fellowships not later than the first of November of
each year the number and stipend of fellowships that will be available for the
following year. A recipient of a
fellowship must start full time academic work within twelve months after the
fellowship has been awarded. See C.
IV, Sec. 2 (f) (2).
SECTION
10.02. Objective.
The object of the Fellowship Program shall be to advance the interest of
the engineering profession, to stimulate graduate study and research, and to
recognize deserving members of the Association for demonstrating outstanding
scholarship and exemplary character.
SECTION
10.03. Eligibility Conditions.
(a) Fellowships shall be
granted to members of the Association strictly for graduate work towards an
advanced degree. The graduate study
shall be in a field that enables the recipient to contribute to the engineering
profession as determined by the Fellowship Board.
The fellow shall pursue full time study for the full college year of the
institution at which the fellowship year will be spent.
(b)
A fellowship shall not be awarded to a member who has previously had a
Tau Beta Pi fellowship.
(c)
Stipends shall not be awarded to those fellows who accept other
substantial financial aid as determined by the Director of Fellowships.(c)
Stipends shall be awarded to fellow at two levels:
1. A full stipend to those
fellows who do not receive other substantial financial aid.
2. A partial stipend to
those fellows who do accept other substantial financial aid.
(d)
Substantial financial aid resulting in a partial stipend shall be
determined by the Director of Fellowships.
SECTION
10.04. Selection Criteria.
Fellowships shall be awarded on the basis of the applicant's scholastic
attainment, proposed plan for graduate study toward a career objective,
unselfish activity of a nature described in the Tau Beta Pi Eligibility Code,
and references.
SECTION
10.05. Certificate.
Each recipient of a Tau Beta Pi fellowship, with or without stipend,
shall receive a certificate at the beginning of the fellowship year, or shortly
thereafter, which shall set forth the full names of the recipient, Chapter, alma
mater, and the institution at which advanced work will be done, and the year for
which the fellowship is awarded. The
certificate shall be signed by the Director of Fellowships, the President, and
the Secretary-Treasurer of the Association.
SECTION
10.06. Resignation.
If a fellow does not continue a degree program for any reason, the fellow
shall promptly resign the fellowship and shall relinquish the financial claim on
the Association one month after submitting the resignation.
If a fellow encounters unusual circumstances that would force
resignation, the fellow may appeal to the Fellowship Board for reconsideration
of the fellowship plan.
SECTION
10.07. Payment.
The stipend shall be the same for all fellowships with stipend awarded in
any one year, but may be changed from year to year.
The stipend shall be the same for all fellows awarded a full stipend in
any given academic year. The
stipend shall be the same for all fellows awarded a partial stipend in any given
academic year. The
Secretary-Treasurer of the Association shall pay to each of the fellows the
amount of the stipend in ten monthly installments on the fifteenth of each
month, or in another manner approved by the Executive Council.
See Bylaw III, Sec. 3.01 (g) (8).
SECTION
10.08. Report of Fellows.
Each fellow shall make a suitable report to the Director of Fellowships
near the end of the year for which the fellowship was granted.
The report shall set forth briefly academic activities during the year,
accomplishments, and suggestions for the betterment of the Fellowship Program.
SECTION
10.09. Rules for Application.
The Director of Fellowships may make such rules and regulations relative
to the application for fellowships, the consideration of candidates, the
operation of the fellowship plan, and the reports of the fellows as may be
deemed wise and desirable, subject to the Constitution and Bylaws and to the
approval of the Executive Council.
(Underscored
words added; struck words deleted.)
Mr.
Blackford said the changes would allow partial stipends, which could be set at
zero, that would be the same for all Fellows.
A motion to end debate failed with 104 in favor and 63 opposed.
G.Y. Youssef (NJ G) spoke in favor of giving stipends to Fellows who need
financial aid but not in favor of providing partial stipends with substantial
aid; there are other ways to "add prestige" to the Association besides
paying Fellows who have substantial aid; it is fair to keep things as they are;
and he prefers giving money to and naming more Fellows.
I.L. Kasprzak (WI D) said that the Director of Fellowships is a smart
man, his recommendation is a good one, and a Director
of Fellowships would not name more Fellows if the amendment fails.
B.J. McMorrow (OH Th) said that major Fellowships such as the NSF awards
do not allow additional stipends; we should keep our awards as is based on hard
work. Director Pierre said that
proposed partial stipends would be on the order of $2,500.
R.P. Douglas (DC A) inquired as to what is substantial aid; Director
Pierre said that amount ranged from $8,000 to $12,000 in recent years and was
set based on anticipated reactions by universities.
J.D. Clements (RI B) was against the
proposal because it would be better to help more Fellows with full
stipends. J.R. Luchini (EF Fac.)
spoke in favor because when marking in a fitting manner it is important to honor
as many as possible; partial stipends would allow more Fellows to be honored.
A.J. Pinkus (D2 Dir.) said that Section 10.03 requires that Fellowships
be granted strictly for graduate work towards an advanced degree and that
partial stipends would violate this requirement.
J.P. Mages (CO B) spoke against the change.
K.T. Luchini (EF Fac.) said that aid to an NSF fellow like herself would
be helpful and not excessive. Debate
was ended on a show of hands, and the amendment to Bylaw X failed on a standing
vote with 140 in favor and 39 against.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Awards, K.A. Walowicz (MI A), Chair, said that
her group's work is finished and that all of the projects studied are
commendable. She stated that the
Index of Chapter Projects exists on the Tau Beta Pi website, which is a valuable
resource that should be used by all members.
Her group recommends that links to project description be established on
the website, rather than requiring chapters to request paper copies from
Headquarters; this would follow the trend for Tau Beta Pi operations to become
more electronic, would save postage, paper, and time after the initial setup
process, and would provide an additional project for which chapters could
volunteer their time and efforts (Tennessee Alpha has volunteered).
Her group recommends that the winning chapter of the R.C. Matthews Most
Outstanding Chapter Award has its survey scanned in its entirety and placed
permanently on the website for future reference by all chapters, which would
provide added distinction for winning chapters and would assist other chapters
in improving chapter membership and project quality.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Image Review (ad hoc), D.M. Brumit (NM A), Chair,
said that in order to help promote and increase knowledge of Tau Beta Pi by more
students, his group recommends that image materials produced by Headquarters to
chapters be provided at no cost to the chapter, provided that the materials
requested are not excessive and that 7-10 business days be allowed for shipment
with charges applied for shorter delivery times.
The committee recommends that the Society convene an ad hoc Convention
Committee on Image every four years to review market research of the
effectiveness of these materials on campus and to approve new materials.
Market research, materials development, and market testing of materials
will be done prior to the committee being established and will include some form
of input from students at the previous Convention.
His committee recommends that Headquarters communicate with new members
directly via email within two weeks of receiving a chapter's Report of Final
Action. This email should welcome
the individuals to membership, describe the benefits they can now receive,
encourage them to visit national and chapter websites, and include links to
MonsterTrak and major Tau Beta Pi sites. His
group recommends that based on the results from the image questions in the 2001
chapter survey: (1) chapters be
encouraged to recognize initiates publicly through means such as newspapers,
announcements, and inclusion in the initiation timeline; (2) recommendations for
effective use of image materials be included in the first packet of material
from Headquarters; (3) develop an attention-grabbing look for posters and
Powerpoint presentations; (4) create guidelines for more inviting and personable
presentation; and (5) update the information brochure with names of more
up-to-date people and companies, with emphasis on companies and accomplishments
(founders of Yahoo!). His group
recommends that the questions on image responses should be included annually and
that questions 23, 25, and 26 on the Chapter Survey be modified.
Further recommendations for the Executive Council are:
(1) Executive Council should
look into the possibility of making large quality banners, plaques with brief
history and description to be displayed with large bents, and possibly some
holiday cards available for purchase through Headquarters; (2) Change the invitations sent to chapters so that there are no
lines inside which would make it easier for printing on them (i.e. trying to
line them up on a printer); (3) Draft
letter to be submitted to deans/university presidents to support recognition of
TBP graduates in graduation programs; (4) Look
for ways to increase industrial involvement; (5)
Look into increased benefits for alumnus members; (6)
Set up a chapter grant for image building activities to increase
membership; and (7) Suggest that international image materials be presented to
future sessions to be reviewed.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on International Chapters, (ad hoc), N.P. Teske (NM
B), Chair, said that the solicitation subcommittee had nothing further to
report. F.S. Azrai (AR A), said
that the international culture subcommittee recommends that the Executive
Council explore the possibility of developing an International Liaison Committee
within national Headquarters in order to account for and deal with cultural
aspects of introducing international chapters.
Tasks of that group would be to: (1)
maintain a database of Tau Bates who can write and speak different languages
fluently; (2) maintain, develop, and understand international relations,
specifically immigration and custom issues; (3) facilitate correspondence among
chapters and the national offices; (4) standardize the translation of the
Ritual, Constitution, etc., and control the process on a case-by-case basis; and
(5) note that members of the committee in charge of translations should be Tau
Bates; if a non-member must be hired for translation purposes, the petitioning
chapter would be responsible for any costs that may be incurred.
Chairman
Hickling recommended that the election of the Executive Council be moved on the
agenda ahead of the Report of the Resolutions Committee, and there was no
objection. He inquired if there
were any further nominations. Hearing
none, he ruled that the nominations were closed.
The Four Corners Executive Council Slate volunteered to yield its time to
the Chair, and there was no discussion. Ballots
were distributed, and when the voting was completed later, Mr. Hickling
announced the Tellers' count of the ballots as follows:
143 for the Four Corners Slate, 7 opposed and 7 abstentions.
The Executive Council-elect stood in place and received enthusiastic
applause. The Four Corner Executive
Council Slate was therefore elected and will serve the 2002-06 term.
Mr.
Hickling directed that the rules would be suspended to allow the meeting to be
extended until 11:20 a.m., without objection.
The Report of the
Resolutions Committee was called. K.E.
Hammack (WV B), Chair, said that his group was charged with the responsibility
of reviewing the duties of electees, specifically Bylaw VII, Section 7.02.
The first task was to determine whether these duties were clear, and the
group determined that the guidelines for electee duties were clear.
Another responsibility was to consider adding clarification of what
recourse a candidate may have if he or she has an objection of the duties
required by a chapter before initiation. This
topic is extremely complicated because of sensitivity to moral or religious
conflicts that individuals may have with chapter activities, and much more
thought should be given to the issue. The
Resolutions Committee recommends that an ad hoc
Committee on Membership-Eligible Candidates and/or Electee Duties be
established at the 2002 Convention to discuss recourse if there is an objection
to the duties required. Committee
members then presented four hilarious skits based on potential television shows
such as "Judge Hickling," "Engineer
Court," "Engineer Hunter," and "Rent-A-Cop."
Mr. Hickling ordered that rules that interfere with the Convention being
extended another eight minutes be suspended, without objection.
Chairman
Hickling asked for any items of New Business.
E.D. Deckter (NY G) recommended that any curricula may be considered an
engineering curricula for purposes of eligibility as determined by the chapter
and documented in its bylaws. Mr.
Hickling ruled that resolution out of order because Const. Art. III, Sec. 2 (k),
states that "The Convention shall be the final Court of Appeal and all
questions of interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws and in all manners of
discipline." He explained that
there is no case before the Convention. J.M.
Zide (CA G) appealed, seconded by T.P. Convery (TN B), and the Chair was
overruled by a standing vote with 88 in favor and 77 opposed.
E.D. Deckter (NY G) moved, seconded by W.P. Pernsteiner (MI B), that it
be resolved that any curriculum may be considered an eligible engineering
curricula as determined by the chapter and its bylaws.
She said that this would unify the interpretation of the Constitution.
An attempt to end debate failed on a show of hands.
President Green proposed a friendly amendment in order to avoid upsetting
deans, to allow everything to remain for one year as it was
before the September 7 letter was sent to certain chapters by Secretary
Froula, but it was not accepted. President
Green moved, seconded by I.L. Kasprzak (WI D), to allow everything to remain for
one year as it was before the September 7 letter was sent.
Vice President D'Avignon explained that the Council had directed the
Secretary to send letters specifically to those chapters which initiated C.S.
majors but which did not list C.S. as an eligible curriculum in the chapter
bylaws. The motion was tabled on a
voice vote. Director Hirsch moved,
seconded by S.H. Patel (CA A), to recess New Business until the Fourth Business
Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Third
Business Meeting was recessed at 12:00 noon.
A
grilled barbeque lunch was held in the Dreese Hall Lobby on the OSU Campus at
12:20 p.m.
The
model initiation was conducted at 2:00 p.m. in Independence Hall on the campus.
The Committee on Rituals and members of the host chapter had organized
this ceremony. Director of Rituals
Hirsch explained to the delegates the importance of proper preparation for and
conduction of the initiation ceremony, the purpose of the model ceremony, proper
dress, and prompt reporting to Headquarters.
The initiation team consisted of Executive Director Froula, Councillor
Rice, Associate Dean Robert Gustafson, Brian T. Wenning (OH G), District 7
Director Heather E. Havens-Beardsley, Director Hirsch, and Rituals Committee
members W.-T. Lin (CA N), M.J. Rogers (OH G), W.P. Pernsteiner (MI B), N.J.
Krebs (NY K), R.H. Anderson (TX B), and D.D. Grooms (TX Z). The model initiation brought into membership in the
Association 15 student and two alumnus members of Ohio Gamma.
The
Convention group photograph was taken at 2:50 p.m. in partly cloudy skies in the
Garden of Constants outside Dreese Hall.
Secretary
Froula met with successful petitioners at at 3:40 p.m. in the hotel.
The
Initiation and Awards Banquet was held in the ballroom of the hotel at 6:00 p.m.
Brian T. Wenning, Ohio Gamma President, was master of ceremonies; he
welcomed all delegates and initiates, and his chapter presented various awards
to the initiates to acknowledge their project activity.
Rick Deese, NC D '75 charter
member, spoke of the technical operations of Duke Energy and congratulated the
initiates. Councillor Atkins
welcomed the new members of Ohio Gamma, encouraged the delegates to make a
difference in society, and introduced the Tau Beta Pi Historical Video.
The Final Business Meeting was held as recorded below, after which the
Convention received heartfelt farewell messages. A total of 382 people enjoyed
the prime rib dinner entree.
Dr.
Oliver McGee, OSU administrator, said that his institution shares the values of
truth, duty, and goodness with Tau Beta Pi and encouraged all to think in a
systems manner, be collaborative, flexible, and informed, and foster a climate
of continuous learning and innovation. Dr.
Robert Gustafson, associate dean for academic affairs and student services,
asked the delegates to thank each other for their commitment to Tau Beta Pi and
to transfer their energy in service to the Association to others.
Arrangements
Chair Adina D. Rollins acknowledged the 104 chapter volunteers for the
Convention, presented placques to L.N. Ringler, F.M. Zalar, J.P. Webb, M.S.
Gates, M.M. Poch, L.A. Breitzmann, A.W. Browne, J.W. Linczak, M.J. Rogers, L.A.
Fairly, D.A. Wilkin II, and R.T. Sartawi. She
thanked Advisor John S. Fisher with a special plaque and acknowledged the
efforts of Brian T. Wenning.
President
D.M. Green responded for the Association, thanked the delegates for making their
chapters better than ever before, commended the hard work of his Mid-Atlantic
Council, and stated his goal for next year to be the best ever for Tau Beta Pi.
FINAL
BUSINESS MEETING
Saturday,
October 20, Initiation and Awards Banquet
Ballroom,
Radisson Airport Hotel
Continuing
New Business, President Green said that the Council had authorized Secretary
Froula to send letters to selected chapters regarding the eligibility of C.S.
majors, that the letter failed to capture fully the intent of the Council, and
that letters were sent to some
chapters
by mistake. If given the
opportunity, the Council would vote: (1)
to make the letters of September 7 null and void; (2) to send a follow-up letter
from the Council clarifying its position; (3) to return to the customary
practices in use prior to the issuance of the letters; (4) to study the problem
of C.S. eligibility exhaustively during the next year; (5) and to do everything
possible to bring the issue to final closure at the 2002 Convention.
He apologized for any miscommunication and confusion on behalf of the
Secretary and the Council, suggested that this year would be an excellent one
for each chapter to review and update its bylaws, and requested that the Council
be given another chance to address the complex C.S. eligibility issue with
proper deliberation and fairness.
Chairman
Hickling took charge of the Final Business Meeting on the banquet program at
6:30 p.m. for a 20-minute session.
Director Pierre objected because the business could include items other
than the computer science issue. Director
Hirsch said that New Business was in order at the previous recess.
C.D.
Hicks (OH Z) recommended that the Executive Council establish a second category
of Fellowship stipends that could allow honoring the outstanding Fellowship
applicants while at the same time awarding stipends to other applicants.
G.Y.
Youssef (NJ G) recommended that information sheets provided to the 2002
Convention include all information about this year's debate and arguments for and against, so that delegates will
have a head start.
A.J.
Flowerday (MI I) recommended that Executive Council business not be brought up
during meals.
Director
of Rituals A.R. Hirsch recommended that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee at
the 2002 Convention review and amend Const.
Art. VIII, Sec. 2-7, Bylaw VI, Sec. 6.03, and other related sections to clarify
and state in a positive manner which curricula are included as eligible
curricula. A.E. Toy (MI I Adv.)
said that the ad hoc Computer Science Eligibility Committee and focus group
would study this issue. The
recommendation was accepted on a voice vote.
Dr.
E.W. Beans (OH Z Adv.) recommended that whereas Chapter Advisors are concerned
for the continued development of Tau Beta Pi
student members, and whereas the Convention attracts the brightest, most
energetic and strongest student leaders within the Society, and whereas the
events of September 11, 2001, have impacted the future application of technology
in our country, that an ad hoc committee be established to consider
restructuring of up to one-third of the annual Convention to include student
interactive activities to increase the awareness of issues facing the future of
the engineering profession, including panel discussions, open forums,
presentations, and perhaps a diverse job fair.
Dr.
Beans, recommended, that a standing committee of chapter advisors be established
to consider issues benefiting from that committee's review; membership would be
open to all advisors attending the Convention with the Vice President being an
ex-officio member. The
recommendation was made because chapter advisors believe that there are issues
critical to aspects of student officer and member transition and that they
possess a unique perspective on issues and factors affecting the Society.
J.P.
Mages (CO B) recommended that an ad hoc Committee on Electronic Communications
be established at the 2002 Convention to consider current Society use of
electronic communication and to identify any areas of concern or deficiency; it
should especially examine website image, content, functionality, and ease of
use; and inter-chapter on-line exchange, e.g., a venue for suggestions of
Convention Committee discussions to allow input from concerned members who may
not attend a Convention. He
recommended that the Executive Council encourage and support the Headquarters
staff to post the following on the website:
any documents created at the national level that have significant impact
on multiple chapters and that are acceptable for public viewing; this includes,
but is not limited to, items such as minutes from national officer, Trust
Advisory Committee, and Executive Council meetings and Convention minutes since
1995. He recommended that because
of the implication, significance, and complexity of the international chapter
issue, the Council continue the process of evaluating all related international
issues, advantages, and disadvantages. In
order to promote the education of members on these issues and in light of the
recent failing of chapters to ratify constitutional changes as approved by the
Convention during recent years, he challenged the Council to allow all decisions
of change regarding international issues be accomplished solely by vote of the
collegiate chapters. He recommended
that in all dealings of Tau Beta Pi, the Council remember that this is an honor
society based on a distinguished and dignified history and to keep this in mind
if tasked to create additional image materials or a new logo.
As stated in an
Image Review Committee meeting flashy rhymes with trashy for a reason, and
that's not what we are as Tau Beta Pi.
I.L. Kasprzak (WI D) recommended that
consideration be given to partial stipends for part-time graduate students.
Z.
Ivanic (VT B) said that a new Porsche automobile is flashy, not trashy.
Chairman
Hickling recessed the Final Business Meeting at 6:45 p.m., and it reconvened at
7:48 p.m.
President
Green announced that the Executive Council had made one GIG Chapter Project
Grant for 2001-02 to South Dakota Alpha ($750) for its "Youth Engineering
Adventure" and presented a plaque to the winning chapter.
President
Green introduced Kevin Olmstead (OH A '81) who had won $2.18 million, a
world-record amount in a game show. He
said that the second-place record holder is a member of Kentucky Beta who won
$1.8 million, and he spoke to the delegates about the top 10 questions regarding
the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" television show.
He encouraged the delegates to write questions for an event in Orlando,
FL, on November 28-December 1, 2001, as requested in the Fall 2001 issue of THE
BENT.
President
Green made the presentation of the 2001 Tau Beta Pi National Outstanding Advisor
Award to Dr. Lewis F. Geschwindner Jr., NY G '67, Pennsylvania
Beta Advisor,
and recognized the excellent performance of the chapter under his
effective long-term guidance. He
presented two checks of $1,000 for Dr. Geschwindner and for the dean's
discretionary fund at the Pennsylvania State University to Dr. Geschwindner.
Dr. Geschwindner thanked his chapter and noted that his dean would use
the $1,000 from Tau Beta Pi for future scholarships.
President
Green made the presentation of the 2001 Tau Beta Pi Distinguished Alumnus Award
to Dr. James E. Drewry, VA A '60, retired
executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Oak Ridge Associated
Universities, read his citation of accomplishments,
and presented him with a plaque. (A
$500 scholarship had previously been sent to the Virginia Alpha Chapter).
Dr. Drewry spoke to the delegates of the importance of using their
talents for the benefit of society. Dr. Green made the Association's Laureate
Presentations. He introduced Laura
S. Miyakawa, PA G '01, recognized her diverse achievements, and presented her
with a Laureate plaque and $2,500 award. He
presented Matthew T. Reiter, PA Th '01, recognized his
numerous athletic and diverse achievements, and presented him with a
Laureate plaque and $2,500 award.
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Awards, K.A. Walowicz (MI A), Chair, reviewed the
criteria for the R.H. Nagel Most Improved Chapter Award, mentioned the basis of
improvement of the wining chapter and its excellent project activity, and
presented the Most Improved Chapter Award to West Virginia
Alpha. (A plaque will
be prepared and delivered to the winner later.)
Ms.
Walowicz reviewed the criteria,
history, and the importance of the reports and documentation for the R.C.
Matthews Outstanding Chapter Award and recognized the 14 pre-screened chapters
for their strong leadership, participation in extensive project activity, and
efforts in promoting the Tau Beta Pi image:
California Zeta, DC Alpha, Indiana Delta, Iowa Alpha, Maryland Alpha,
Michigan Theta, New Mexico Gamma, New York Kappa, New York Tau, Ohio Beta, Ohio
Iota, South Dakota Alpha, West Virginia Alpha, and Wyoming Alpha.
She presented the honorable mentions to Iowa Alpha and Michigan Theta and
the Outstanding Chapter Award to Wyoming Alpha. She complimented the winner's numerous, diverse and original projects,
community outreach, and high-level performance by its members.
(Plaques will be prepared and delivered to the winners later.)
Continuing
the Report of the Committee on Resolutions, K.E. Hammack (WV B), Chair,
presented a plaque of appreciation to the Ohio Gamma Chapter to President Brian
T. Wenning and a Bent desk piece to Arrangements Chair Rollins.
Mr. Hammack read Section 2 of the following:
Resolutions
of the Convention
(Section
I) A hilarious skit presented by the Resolutions Committee and based on
television, image, and Tau Beta Pi.)
(Section
II) On behalf of the Resolutions
Committee, it is my honor to present the resolutions for this year. I would like
to begin by thanking Ohio Gamma members for their enthusiastic hospitality, and
wonderful bus directions.
I'd
like to call to the front Brian T. Wenning, President of Ohio Gamma, and Adina
Rollins, Arrangements Chair.
We
present this plaque to the Ohio Gamma Chapter in honor of all of the hard work
and time you committed to making this weekend a success.
And
to the Warrior Princess, Ms. Adina Rollins, your gracious service to making this
Convention run so smoothly is greatly appreciated. Your words on how we as
engineers can make a difference in the world and its safety were truly
inspiring. We would like to thank you with this special Bent desk piece.
Next,
we would like to recognize the Executive Council: President Douglas Green,
Vice President Edward D'Avignon,
and Councillors Ð Dr Jerome Atkins, Dr. George Peterson, and Ms. Catherine
Rice.
Your
exceptional dedication to this organization's future is to be commended. You
have done a wonderful job. Only 30 million, 5 hundred 85 thousand, 600 seconds
to go and counting! No lame ducks
guys. Quack!!!
In
addition, we would like to thank those who are responsible for running the major
programs of Tau Beta Pi: Director of Fellowships Stephen Pierre, and the
Fellowship Board; Director of Rituals Alan Hirsch; the granddad, I mean the Iron
Man, no Director of Engineering Futures Russell Pierce, and, of course, his
merry band of volunteer instructors.
Those
of us who correspond with the National office know that running a chapter would
be nearly impossible without the help of the following people: Executive
Director and Secretary Treasurer James Froula, Assistant Secretary Treasurer
Roger Hawks, and the Headquarters staff. Thanks for your patience with us as we
learn the ropes of being an officer in Tau Beta Pi.
And
now for the bottom line. A big thanks to the members of the Trust Advisory
Committee for their job in growing Tau Beta Pi's investments.
Not
to be forgotten are the Advisors and District Directors, your many hours of
service and efforts to keep things running smoothly in chapters as we go through
the endless cycle of training new leaders will earn you a trip to Hawaii Ð
compliments of Stanford University. Seriously, thank you for your commitment.
We
also thank the following companies for their generous support of this
Convention. Without them we would all be starving engineers. They are: Battelle,
Bechtel Jacobs Company LLC, Cingular Wireless, Duke Energy, Exxon Mobil, Fluor,
IBM, Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Lubrizol, Lucent Technologies, Mitchell
Energy and Development Corporation, Netwalk Communications, NVIDIA, Ohio State
University College of Engineering, Pratt and Whitney, Proctor & Gamble, Ross
Products Division of Abbott Laboratories, United Technologies, and Teradyne.
And
a special thanks to the Tau Beta Pi alumni who contributed to the Fellowship and
Scholarship Program and to the overall support of the Association this past
year. Along with the support of the alumni, 155 companies are to be thanked for
their matching grant gifts to our Alumni Giving Program.
We
extend our condolences to the family and friends of Harry L. Staubs, West
Virginia Alpha 1952. Harry has been
active in the Southern California Alumnus Chapter and he has attended many
Conventions. He was active in Tau
Beta Pi till the last day he was alive. His
participation in the highly spirited Advisor's meeting at this Convention was
probably the last thing he did. We
want to pay tribute to his dedication to Tau Beta Pi. May his example be motivation to us all to continue to care
for the organization we all love. He
will be missed.
Tau
Beta Pi is an organization full of wonderfully hard working and talented
individuals. Some of our members have gone beyond the average duties of a Tau
Bate, and we would like to recognize them at this time.
Congratulations
to our 2001 Laureates - Laura Miyakawa, Pennsylvania Gamma '01, and Matthew
Reiter, Pennsylvania Theta, '01. We
also congratulate the Tau Beta Pi Scholars.
Dr. Louis Geschwindner Jr., Advisor to Pennsylvania Beta, is the 2001 Tau
Beta Pi Outstanding Advisor. Congratulations
to 2001 Distinguished Alumnus James Drewry, Virginia Alpha '60.
We
congratulate the Ohio Nu Chapter on attending its first Convention since being
installed on March 3, 2001. Following in their footsteps, the following chapters
successfully petitioned for new chapters at this Convention: Dartmouth College,
University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Portland, and the University
of Texas at San Antonio.
In
addition to these new chapters, we recognize the new Bent monument that was
dedicated by California Psi in February of 2001. The electees of this chapter
can now be properly initiated into the Society with the Bent shining.
Finally,
we commend all of the collegiate and alumnus chapter leaders who directed their
local groups effectively in 2000-01 and truly maintained and improved the
visibility and public image of the Association and its members.
In
the wake of the tragedy of September 11, we all realize that there are numerous
problems in the world to solve. Ms.
Rollins reminded us at this Convention’s opening that we, as engineers, are
problem solvers. We know that many
of these global problems will be considered and perhaps solved by the people in
this very room as you all continue your education, research, or careers.
You will make Tau Beta Pi proud. Thank
you to all collegiate representatives for your attendance here in Columbus, OH.
We hope to meet you again in 2002 in Detroit at Michigan Epsilon, Wayne
State University.
In
the spirit of the occasion, the entire banquet group joined Secretary Froula in
the Tau Beta Pi yell, after hundreds of attached napkins were raised into the
air. Mr. Hickling thanked the
Tellers Committee and Parliamentarian Johnson.
On the motion of numerous delegates,
seconded by numerous delegates, after a voice vote, Chairman Hickling
declared the Convention adjourned sine die at 9:12 p.m.
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