The Tau Beta Pi Association was founded at Lehigh University in 1885 by Edward Higginson Williams, Jr., to mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation's second-oldest honor society. There are currently 250 U.S collegiate chapters, 47 active alumni chapters, and a total initiated membership of more than 608,000. Tau Beta Pi's mission is to: Recognize – accomplishments among engineering students and professionals. Celebrate – exemplary people and their important engineering contributions to society. Champion – engineering as a highly valued career.