On 28 October 1904, on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) was founded by a group of young men led by Maurice L. Carr, whose vision was to create an honor society that recognized electrical engineers who embodied the ideals of scholarship, character, and attitude and to promote the profession.
From its humble beginning until today, HKN has established nearly 280 university chapters worldwide. Currently, the honor society boasts more than 40,000 members. Having inducted roughly 200,000 members during its existence, it has never strayed from the core principles espoused by its founders.
“Eta Kappa Nu grew because there have always been many members who have been willing and eager to serve it loyally and unselfishly,” Carr said in the “Dreams That Have Come True,” article published in the 1939 October/November issue of the honor society’s triannual magazine, The Bridge.
In 2010, HKN became the honor society of IEEE, resulting in global expansion, establishing chapters outside the United States, and inducting students and professionals from the IEEE fields of interest.
Today the character portion of HKN’s creed translates into its students collectively providing more than 100,000 hours of service each year to their communities and campuses through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach programs and tutoring.
Hackathons, fireside chats, and more
In honor of its 120th anniversary, IEEE-HKN is celebrating with several exciting events.
HKN’s first online hackathon is scheduled to be held from 11 to 22 October. Students around the world compete to solve engineering problems for prizes and bragging rights.
On 28 October, IEEE-HKN’s Founders Day, 2019 IEEE-HKN President Karen Panetta is hosting a virtual fireside chat with HKN Eminent Members Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn. The two Internet pioneers are expected to share the inside story of how they conceived and designed its architecture.
The fireside chat is due to come after a presentation for the hackathon winners, and it will be followed by an online networking session for participants to share their HKN stories and brainstorm how to continue the forward momentum for the next generation of engineers.
The three events are open to everyone. Register now to attend any or all of them.
“My favorite part of being an HKN member is the sense of community.” — Matteo Alasio
HKN has set up a dedicated page showcasing how members and nonmembers can participate in the celebrations. The page also honors the society’s proud history with a time line of its impressive growth during the past 120 years.
IEEE-HKN alumni have been gathering at events across the United States to celebrate the anniversary. They include IEEE Region 3’s SoutheastCon, the IEEE Life Members Conference, the IEEE Communication Society Conference, the IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, the IEEE World Forum on Public Safety Technology, and the Frontiers in Education Conference.
IEEE-HKN’s reach and impact
The honor society’s leaders attribute its success to never straying from its core founding principles while remaining relevant. It offers support throughout its members’ career journeys and provides a vibrant network of like-minded professionals. Today that translates to annual conferences, webinars, podcasts, alumni networking opportunities, professional and leadership development services, mentoring initiatives, an awards program, and scholarships.
“When I joined HKN as a student, my chapter meant a great deal to me, as a community of friends, as leadership and professional development, and as inspiration to keep working toward my next goal,” says Sean Bentley, 2024 IEEE-HKN president-elect. “As I moved through my career and looked for ways to give back, I was happy to answer the call for service with HKN.”
HKN’s success is made possible by the commitment of its volunteers and donors, who give their time, expertise, and resources guided by a zeal to nurture the next generation of engineering professionals.
Matteo Alasio, an IEEE-HKN alum and former president of the Mu Nu chapter, at the Politecnico di Torino in Italy, says, “My favorite part of being an HKN member is the sense of community. Being part of a big family that works together to help students and promote professional development is incredibly fulfilling. It’s inspiring to collaborate with others who are dedicated to making a positive impact.”
HKN is a lifelong designation. If you are inducted into Eta Kappa Nu, your membership never expires. Visit the IEEE-HKN website to reconnect with the society or to learn more about its programs, chapters, students, and opportunities. You also can sign up for its 2024 Student Leadership Conference, to be held in November in Charlotte, N.C.
