Order of the Engineer
The Order of the Engineer is an association for graduate and professional engineers in the United States that emphasizes pride and responsibility in the engineering profession. It was inspired by the success of The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer, a similar Canadian ceremony, and is a common presence in American engineering schools. Before joining, members must take an oath to abide by a code of ethics called The Obligation of an Engineer. Members are given a stainless steel ring called the Engineer's Ring that is worn on the little finger of the working hand.
The first ceremony was held on June 4, 1970 at Cleveland State University's Fenn College of Engineering. Now, almost all states have universities with chapters, called "links", that host the Order of the Engineer. Several engineering organizations also host links such as NSPE, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and ASCE. During the ceremony engineering graduates take the Obligation of the Order. After each member takes the obligation they are awarded the ring while putting their hands through a big ring and having a member of the Order of the Engineer put the ring on the little finger of the dominant hand. Each inductee takes the obligation, signs a certificate of obligation and wears the ring to show their pride in the Order and as a symbol of their Obligation to the Profession and the Public. Often friends and family join the new initiates for a time of celebration together after the Ceremony.
Early attempts to extend The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer to the United States were unsuccessful due to complications including copyright issues.
See also
- Engineer
- Engineering
- Engineering ethics
- Iron Ring
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer