Eta Kappa Nu: A History

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.