Our Origins
Michigan Epsilon’s roots reach back to 1934, when the honorary engineering society ACCEMITES was organized at Wayne University shortly after the Colleges of the City of Detroit were reorganized. The name “ACCEMITES” was coined from the first letters of the five branches of engineering established at Wayne University: Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical. Its constitution was patterned after that of Tau Beta Pi.
ACCEMITES sponsored engineering convocations and hosted notable speakers including Dr. Joseph Stringham, City Engineer of Detroit, and Mr. Kenneth Meade, Director of Personnel for the General Motors Research Laboratories. The society paused during World War II after its 1942 initiation banquet and was reactivated on May 28, 1948, when faculty advisors elected 34 members — retroactive to 1942 in fairness to wartime graduates. By that time, 156 members had been initiated since the society's founding.
In 1951, ACCEMITES’ legacy was formalized when the Michigan Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Pi was established at Wayne State University. For 75 years, our chapter has upheld the ideals of integrity, breadth of interest, and adaptability that define the Tau Beta Pi honor society — continuing a tradition of engineering excellence in Detroit that stretches back over ninety years.
What is Tau Beta Pi?
Tau Beta Pi is the oldest and most prestigious engineering honor society in the United States, founded in 1885 at Lehigh University. With over 600,000 initiated members across more than 260 collegiate chapters, Tau Beta Pi fosters a spirit of liberal culture in the engineering profession and champions the cause of engineering education.
Timeline
The honorary engineering society ACCEMITES is organized at Wayne University, with a constitution patterned after Tau Beta Pi. The name is coined from five engineering branches: Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical.
ACCEMITES holds its last initiation banquet before suspending activities during World War II. By this time, the society has welcomed a significant cohort of engineering scholars.
Faculty advisors reactivate the society and elect 34 members, retroactive to 1942. A total of 156 members have been initiated since the founding.
Michigan Epsilon Chapter of Tau Beta Pi is established at Wayne State University, carrying forward the legacy of ACCEMITES as part of the nation's premier engineering honor society.
The chapter grows steadily through its first decade, establishing core traditions of academic mentorship and community service.
Michigan Epsilon expands its outreach with tutoring programs and partnerships with local schools and engineering organizations.
Formal mentorship programs connect active members with alumni advisors, creating lasting professional networks.
Chapter-run tutoring sessions become a campus staple, providing free academic support for engineering students.
Michigan Epsilon embraces technology with online member directories and digital communications.
The chapter modernizes recruitment and outreach strategies, growing membership and campus presence.
Michigan Epsilon adapts to virtual meetings and hybrid events, maintaining community through unprecedented times.
Launch of the modern tbpmie.org website with member portal, resume builder, event calendar, and game room.
Past Presidents
Local Bents Archive
The chapter has published 70 issues of the Local Bent newsletter, spanning from 2014 to 2024. The Local Bent chronicles chapter activities, member achievements, and community involvement.
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