In a shady spot under a large cottonwood tree, on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, our founders saw the need for an honor society – one that by invitation would recognize scholarship, character, and attitude. The vision of these inspired young men was to promote the highest ideals of the engineering profession and form an organization where professionals and students help each other.

Since 1904, our society has recognized engineers, like you, whose curiosity and determination know no boundaries. Students and professionals who refuse to give up until the problem is solved. Engineers who hear the calls of their communities, and answer through their willingness to serve others.

HKN Founders Day, celebrated on 28 October each year, is one way we share the Eta Kappa Nu story, raise awareness of the value that an IEEE-HKN Chapter brings to a University, show the many ways a Chapter serves fellow students and the community, and encourage industry to support us. Today’s IEEE-HKN students are the leaders of tomorrow.

Learn more about Your Chapter's History

  • Talk to your Department Chair & Faculty Advisor
  • Look into the history of your Department
  • Contact Chapter Alumni
  • See if there are any Eminent Members from your University
  • Update your Chapter Page with any new information you uncover!

Key Chapter Recognition

  • A Founders Day activity is one of the optional Chapter Engagement components of earning Key Chapter recognition
  • Please submit a post-Founders Day Activity Report on or before 1 December 2023 to have this count toward Key Chapter recognition for the 2023-2024 reporting year