The Drexel University Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the prestigious engineering honor society, has sent membership invitations to over 200 students, including juniors in the top eighth of their class and seniors in the top fifth of their class during the current spring initiation period. Engineers are invited from all engineering disciplines throughout the College of Engineering and the College of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems.
The 2018-2019 Tau Beta Pi executive board, l to r: Millo (Zikang) Ling, Molly Cuka, Ibukun Fatoki, Charlotte Navrot, and Mark Odorizzi.
Drexel Tau Beta Pi members are eligible for $1K and $2K scholarships each year and have access to a vast network of active alums across the country, said Mark Odorizzi, BSAE/MSCE ’19, president of the Society for the 2018-2019 school year. Group meetings include visits from members in industry and academia, as well as regular training on soft skills like team building and effecting meeting planning.
The organization is working to magnify its presence on campus and is seeking the support of faculty, staff, and other students in the College of Engineering to do so. Invited initiates must give notice of their intent to join within two weeks; the cutoff date is Friday, May 17.
“Tau Beta Pi is the only honor society that will connect you with all disciplines of engineering in a way that will benefit you academically and professionally,” said Odorizzi. “There are opportunities to excel not only technically but also as a well-rounded professional after you graduate. We have a huge network across the country. If you’re looking for a job and you need something to tip the scales, Tau Beta Pi can provide that extra boost.
“We are the engineering honors society. We cover all disciplines of engineering – there are specific groups for each major, but this one embraces the whole profession and has been doing that since 1885.”
CoE Dean Sharon L. Walker, PhD, endorses the Drexel group wholeheartedly.
“My own membership through the University of Southern California has been an invaluable part of my professional and personal experience,” said Walker. “Over 3,500 Tau Bates have been initiated into the Pennsylvania chapter alone, with half a million members nationwide.”
District 3 conference attendees in Pittsburgh, PA earlier this spring.
One obvious example of the Society’s value is an active network of alums who are ready to provide counsel and contacts. For example, toward the end of Odorizzi’s co-op in New York City last year, he needed advice on how to navigate his upcoming job negotiations. He looked up a Tau Beta Pi alum in the city and cold-called him to arrange a meeting.
“He was very motivational and very calming, and he gave me a lot of perspective from his own years of experience, talking about how he had navigated different careers before he fell into the niche where he currently works,” said Odorizzi. “He told me, ‘you’re not shackled to one company; don’t be afraid to take a risk.’ It was really helpful, and I had just called him out of the blue and he happened to be in New York at the time.”
The leadership for the 2019-2020 school year has already been chosen; BSME/MSEE junior Millo (Zikang) Ling will be the next chapter president.
Tau Beta Pi holds initiation twice each year, in the fall and in the spring. Each year, active members also have the opportunity to meet other District 3 chapters, which include Pennsylvania and Delaware universities. Members can participate in both the district and national conferences. The group also holds occasional coffee/cookie giveaways in the lobby of LeBow Engineering Center, near “The Bent” statue, to introduce its leadership to prospective members.
The next free food/info event will be held during the morning of Thursday, May 9 at The Bent.
Those seeking more information on Drexel’s Tau Beta Pi chapter should email tbppaz@gmail.com.