- ERAU SGT PHOTO ALBUM -

Purpose

The objectives of Sigma Gamma Tau, as stated in the preamble of the Society's national constitution, are: "to recognize and honor those individuals in the field of Aeronautics and Astronautics who have, through scholarship, integrity, and outstanding achievement, been a credit to their profession. The society seeks to foster a high standard of ethics and professional practice and create a spirit of loyalty and fellowship, particularly among students of Aerospace Engineering." 

History

Sigma Gamma Tau was founded on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on February 28, 1953, "to offer appropriate recognition to persons of superior scholarship, outstanding character, and professional achievement in the field of Aeronautical Engineering." The new society was formed by the merger of two existing societies, Tau Omega, founded in 1927 at the University of Oklahoma, and Gamma Alpha Rho, founded in 1945 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The name of the society was selected by combining the Greek letter Sigma, indicating sum, with Gamma and Tau from the initial letters of the parent organizations. Since its modest beginnings in 1953, the society has grown from 14 to 50 collegiate chapters and from 1,900 to 14,864 initiated members.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Chapter started in 1980, with only twelve members. Since then, it has continuously evolved, expanded, and gotten involved with campus and university goals. It is with great pride that the Sigma Gamma Tau chapter at ERAU, as or Spring 2010, holds the sixth largest chapter in the United States, with 754 initiated members into the society since its beginnings. This is a great honor and prestigious title that shows the quality of Embry-Riddle's commitment to excellency in the field. Our chapter is only outnumbered by the chapters of: Purdue, Georgia Tech, The University of Texas at Austin, Penn State, and MIT.

Membership

Distinguished scholarship or eminent professional attainment in Aerospace Engineering is the primary eligibility requirement for Sigma Gamma Tau. Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited Aerospace curriculum must have completed at least five quarters or three semesters of work toward the bachelor's degree. Those in the upper one-third of the senior class, upper one-quarter of the junior class, or upper one-fifth of the sophomore class with grade averages equivalent to a B (85%) are eligible.

Graduate students must be in good academic standing and have met similar requirements. After the scholastic requisite is fulfilled, selection is then based on a high moral character and a strong interest in Aeronautics and/or Astronautics. By recognizing this group of young Aerospace engineers, Sigma Gamma Tau seeks to identify those from which the future advances in the profession are most likely to come. Membership is also extended to those individuals in the Aerospace industry who have made significant contributions to the profession.

 Activities

This year Sigma Gamma Tau at Embry Riddle has participated and been a part of several activities, some of them which include the Annual Lego Building competition sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, a trip to Fantasy of Flight, and our guest campus keynote speaker: Dr. Allan J. McDonald. 

During spring semester the organization also participated in the Charity house event helping raise funds for the Daytona Beach Shelter. The society also hosted trips to Gulfstream Aerospace's facilities in Savannah, GA. Other activities included fundraising during Speedweek races, having fun at the vertical wind tunnel in Orlando, FL, and other fun activities.