Theta Tau (ΘΤ) was founded in 1904 by four engineering students at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. As defined by the fraternity, 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. The goals of the fraternity are to promote the social and professional development of i
ts members during and after their college years. Today, Theta Tau is the oldest and largest professional engineering fraternity in the United States, with a diverse membership of men and women studying engineering at more than 40 campuses. The Fraternity was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs" on October 15, 1904, by Erich Julius Schrader, Elwin Leroy Vinal, William Murray Lewis, and Isaac Baker Hanks. The name was changed to Theta Tau at the fraternity's first national convention at the University of Minnesota in 1911. Since then, approximately 30,000 members have been initiated. The Colony of Theta Tau at George Mason University was originally established during the Fall of 2008. Theta Tau is a National, Professional, Co-Ed, Engineering Fraternity. 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. In addition to the desirable attributes of a general fraternity, it offers a common bond: an interest in and pursuance of engineering in its various branches. With the first chapter founded in 1904, we are the largest and oldest engineering fraternity in the nation! Theta Tau is different from other fraternities in that it combines the best attributes of social fraternities, technical societies and honor societies to prepare its members for the engineering profession while getting the most enjoyment and memories out of their college years. The Fraternity helps the member to make the transition from student days to years of professional practice ahead. From a closely-knit chapter to a vast body of alumni ready and willing to advise and assist him. There are many alumni in places of high responsibility throughout the world, all wearing the same badge and speaking the language of the engineering profession. On October 6th, 2012 Theta Tau installed the George Mason University Colony as the official Xi Delta Chapter. The Xi Delta Chapter of Theta Tau is a Professional Engineering Fraternity open to all IT&E School Students at George Mason University.
