About Us

History The purpose of Theta Tau is to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. National History Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs," on October 15, 1904, by Erich J. Schrader, Elwin L. Vinal, William M. Lewis, and Isaac B. Hanks, mining engineering students at the University of Minnesota. They agreed that character qualifications should have top priority in membership selection. 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 the most important change for it's future expansion, it was decided that Theta Tau would include all branches of engineering. Theta Tau has grown immensely over the past century. Women were allowed into the brotherhood in 1977. Today, there are over 50 chapters and colonies across the nation. For more information please visit the National Theta Tau Website. Local History On June 17, 2006, a group of ambitious engineers at the University of South Florida officially became recognized as a Colony of Theta Tau Fraternity. The fifteen founding members worked hard to write the local constitution and bylaws, establish connections with the college, university and community and lay the foundation for a strong future. On April 5, 2008, nearly two years of hard work paid off as USF was granted Chapter status and became the Upsilon Gamma Chapter of Theta Tau. Today we are still going strong with nearly 50 active brothers and many wonderful things to look forward to in the future.