About HKN

Washington University's Eta Kappa Nu chapter was founded May 19, 1960. Eta Kappa Nu is the national honor society for Electrical Engineering students who meet certain academic eligibility criteria; the top 1/3 of the senior class and the top 1/4 of the junior class are invited to join. In addition, graduate students and professors are often selected for membership.

Eta Kappa Nu was founded at the University of Illinois, Urbana, on October 28, 1904. The Preamble to the our Constitution states that the purpose of Eta Kappa Nu is "... to mark in an outstanding manner those who, as students in electrical engineering, have conferred honor on their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship activities, leadership, and exemplary character and to aid these students to progress through association with alumni who have attained prominence."

Eta Kappa Nu, as stated above, is the national honor society for Electrical Engineering students. As a local chapter of a national organization, we have guidelines, as stated in our Constitution, which govern the admission of students into the organization. These guidelines state that the top 1/3 of the senior class in Electrical Engineering and the top 1/4 of the junior class are extended invitations to membership in Eta Kappa Nu. Although there are no strict requirements, graduate students can also be invited to join, with letters of reference from faculty members and the department chair. WU's Delta Zeta chapter typically holds two induction ceremonies per school year and initiates 16 members on average per year.

Eta Kappa Nu contributes to our membership's WU experience by hosting both academic and social gatherings where members can enjoy academic discussions on topics of interest in Electrical Engineering or can get to know both one another and faculty members outside the classroom. In addition, Eta Kappa Nu also serves as a campus institution through which its members can take a leadership role in the WU community. This leadership experience can greatly enhance the academic and social experience that can otherwise be gained at WU.