Theta Tau is the oldest and largest co-ed professional engineering fraternity nationwide. Since its founding, the Theta Tau National Fraternity has graduated over 40,000 engineering alumni, making Theta Tau one of the best alumni networks in the world for engineers.
In 1904 at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Theta Tau was founded by Erich J. Schrader, William M. Lewis, Elwin L. Vinal, Isaac B. Hanks. These four were mining students at the time who founded Theta Tau under the name the “Society of Hammer and Tongs.” The Fraternity’s crest was created in 1911, after the chartering of the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma chapters, and has remained the same ever since. It was determined at that time that Theta Tau would adopt the core values of Service, Brotherhood, and Professionalism, and since then the fraternity has stood as a pillar for each of those essential aspects of fraternal fellowship.
The crest of Theta Tau, designed in 1906, embodies the principles of Service, Brotherhood, and Professionalism. Each element of the crest symbolizes the values and traditions that unite our members and inspire excellence in engineering and leadership.
Featuring iconic elements like the hammer and tongs, the crest is a timeless representation of our dedication to innovation, fellowship, and integrity. It serves as a reminder of our shared purpose and the enduring legacy of Theta Tau.
