George Mason’s chapter of Theta Tau, the professional engineering fraternity, was honored with a national Outstanding Chapter Performance Award at the fraternity’s national convention in Milwaukee this summer.
Computer science student Matthew Krug, cyber security student and former chapter vice president Ryan Petrus, and information technology student and former chapter president Jennifer Miller represented the George Mason chapter, called Xi Delta, at the convention. Miller was also selected to serve as a convention intern, a prestigious opportunity offered nationally to only a select few brothers (the word used to generically describe a Theat Tau member). Miller supported convention programming, assisted national officers and staff, and helped facilitate sessions and logistics.
“It was an incredible experience to see the inner workings of a large-scale event and to contribute to something that brings so many brothers together,” she said.
The delegates did not know going into the meeting they were going to be recognized. Miller said, “The award is based off points for events we hold on campus. Theta Tau tracks a list of all the chapters in the country and based on the number of points we earned we received the recognition.” She said that to her knowledge it was the first time the organization received the honor.
According to its website, Theta Tau is a national, co-educational professional engineering fraternity, founded by engineering students in 1904 at the University of Minnesota. Its mission is “to foster lifelong friendships and support professional success in engineering through professionalism, service, and Brotherhood.”
At the convention, attendees participated in professional development and leadership sessions. Miller reported that a highlight was attending an etiquette luncheon led by Sharyn Kennedy Amoroso, Director of Etiquette and Protocol Services and Cadet Hostess at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Petrus said, “It was really cool to meet people from other schools like Texas A&M and the University of California, Merced. I love talking to people, and this was one of the best places for me to meet new people and be social. The networking opportunity definitely made the trip for me.”
At George Mason, Xi Delta members stay engaged in a variety of ways. Miller said, “We adopted a highway right off campus and clean that up every semester. We've done a couple of professional development events and things like resume reviews, LinkedIn workshops, and alumni panels.”
Their recognition in Milwaukee reflects not only a year of hard work, but the strength and commitment of a chapter that continues to invest in its members and its community. Those interested in learning more can visit gmuthetatau.org/rush.