History

The HKN Key

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) is the student honor society of IEEE and is dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in the IEEE-designated fields of interest. The members consist of students, alumni, and other professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership. Professional members are inducted by nomination of a current member and by virtue of their contributions.

Through a variety of service programs and leadership training, student members develop lifelong skills that earmark them for prominent positions in industry and academia. Members are better prepared for the post-college world and are especially valuable and attractive to employers. They are recognized as extremely capable, both technically and professionally. The intention of the founding members of Eta Kappa Nu was to recognize and prepare the future leaders of the profession.

After graduation, members continue their involvement through their (or their local) university chapter, as graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, or as professionals volunteering for IEEE-HKN committees; speaking at chapter programs; mentoring students on capstone or senior projects; sponsoring programs or students; and keeping in touch via the alumni e-newsletter.

To further recognize excellence, IEEE-HKN conducts award programs to recognize professional leaders, exceptional educators, outstanding students, young engineering professionals, outstanding chapters, and effective faculty advisors.

For more than 100 years, Eta Kappa Nu has embraced excellence. In the years ahead, IEEE-HKN will continue to reinvent itself to meet the needs of its members, the institutions they serve, and overall society.