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About UsNational Fraternity History: Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs," on October 15, 1904, by Erich Julius Schrader, Elwin Leroy Vinal, William Murray Lewis, and Isaac Baker Hanks, mining engineering students at the University of Minnesota.They agreed that character qualifications should have top priority in membership selection.The Fraternity fulfilled the dream of its principal Founder, Erich Schrader, that there be established in engineering a fraternity similar to those already existing in law, medicine, and dentistry. Founder Schrader established a record of service unequaled in the Fraternity's history. He served as its first Grand Regent until 1919, and then for 35 years as Grand Scribe. At its Founders' Golden Anniversary Convention (1954), Theta Tau established the position of Counsellor to be held only by him. His unselfish service continued until his death in 1962, at the age of 81. The other Founders also maintained their interest in the Fraternity throughout their lives. The last, Brother Vinal, passed away in 1971. Brother Schrader was chiefly responsible for the Ritual, Constitution, and the Bylaws adopted by the Founders. The first badge was a gold skull with the letters Theta and Tau on its forehead, and a crossed hammer and tongs beneath. The Constitution provided for the establishment of additional chapters at other leading engineering schools, and the Fraternity soon began to take on its national character. The oldest symbol of the Fraternity still in use is the coat of arms adopted in 1906. It may only be displayed or worn by members. In 1911, representatives of the three chapters and the alumni association met at the University of Minnesota for the first national Convention, the name was changed to Theta Tau, a revised Ritual approved, and the present badge adopted. Perhaps most important for its future expansion, it was decided that Theta Tau would include all branches of engineering. Upsilon Chapter History: Upsilon Chapter became a chapter because Delta Psi Fraternity was organized at the University of Arkansas during the winter term of the school year 1918-19 for the purpose of promoting the interests of the College of Engineering, as well as fostering an interest in student activities. It was then known as the Engineers' Club. After a successful year, it was thought that the Club had attained a standing which would merit petitioning a national body for membership and on March 31, 1921, a petition was sent to the Executive Council of Theta Tau. At the Convention of Theta Tau, however, the petition was held over for further information. Realizing the deficiencies of the first petition, it was then decided to formulate a new and more complete petition. During the fall of 1926, the members of Delta Psi revived interest in petitioning Theta Tau for a chapter at the University of Arkansas. Correspondence and personal association with two members of the national fraternity, Dr. R.J. Russell, Epsilon '19, from Texas Tech at Lubbock, Texas, and Professor C.V. Mann, Iota Hon. '14, of Rolla, Missouri, were continued for over a year. Finally, the men were rewarded for their efforts in December, 1927, and were granted a charter as Upsilon Chapter of Theta Tau. The first oppurtunity for the installation of the chapter was during the Easter holidays and, consequently, the installation was held on April 7, 1928. For more info check: [FAQs] [National Fraternity] |
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