History of Pi Tau Sigma

With the twentieth century came the realization that honor societies made a definite contribution to the department and that membership required active participation.  Pi Tau Sigma came into being on March 16, 1915 at the University of Illinois.  A similar organization embarked November 15, 1915 at Wisconsin, and other local organizations were soon to become active. 

In ten years, Pi Tau Sigma grew to six chapters in the Midwest (Illinois Alpha, Wisconsin Alpha, Purdue Beta, Minnesota Gamma, Illinois Delta, and Missouri Epsilon).  In 1925, the expansion continued to the east with the Penn State Zeta Chapter being installed.  Six years later the Texas Kappa Chapter, and the following year the Colorado Mu Chapter established chapters in the south and west.  Also in 1932 the expansion continued southeast to Georgia Tech Nu Chapter.  It was not until nine years later that the first chapter was installed on the Pacific coast; Oregon State Omega.  In twenty-six years, Pi Tau Sigma became truly a national honorary mechanical engineering fraternity with a total of twenty-five chapters.  During the succeeding four years, nine additional chapters were installed.  From 1947 to 1958 forty new chapters were installed.  The Chapter-At-Large was established in 1954. 

History of Buffalo Delta Lambda Chapter

After a petition, endorsed by four faculty and seventeen students from the University at Buffalo, was submitted for a new chapter in January 1974; Dr. Francis was notified of approval on December 2, 1974; and the University at Buffalo Delta Lambda Chapter of Pi Tau Sigma was installed on April 19, 1975.  Eleven students were initiated as charter members.

In 2000, the Buffalo Chapter of Pi Tau Sigma became dormant.  Three years later in November of 2003, Assistant Professor Paul E. DesJardin petitioned to members of the National Council for the re-activation of the Buffalo Delta Lambda Chapter.  Along with assistance from students and faculty, the Buffalo Lambda Chapter was reinstated in January 2004.  During the initiation, four officers were elected:  Tom Liebner (President), Matthew Devendorf (Vice President), Randell Sirens (Secretary), and Richard Delecki (Treasurer).  Today, the Buffalo Delta Lambda Chapter of PTS continues to fulfill the objectives/goals of the Honor Society which are:

1.  Foster high ideals in the engineering profession.

2.  Stimulate and support departmental activities

3.  Promote professional welfare

4.  Develop leadership and citizenship.

5.  Enjoy and have fun while doing all of the above.