History
Alpha Pi Mu was the brainchild of James T. French, who in 1949 was a senior industrial engineering student at Georgia Institute of Technology. Nine students, chosen through their affiliation with the Georgia Tech chapter of Tau Beta Pi, constituted the original membership of Alpha Pi Mu. In 1959, full membership in the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) was attained. Alpha Pi Mu’s association with ACHS signifies that it is the only nationally recognized industrial engineering honor society. Chapters now exist in almost every major university that possesses an accredited industrial engineering program.
Mission
While high academic interests and abilities are required for membership, the society’s overall goals are much broader. Its purpose is to:
- Recognize top junior and senior industrial engineering students for their academic achievements
- Increase professional development among members
- Promote networking among faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students
- Have fun!
Membership Opportunities
Employment
Companies give added consideration to honor society members who have already demonstrated that they have something extra.
Leadership
Employers look for signs of potential leadership characteristics among the students they interview. Officer positions and the worthwhile projects carried out by the chapter provide excellent opportunities for the acquisition of leadership experience and the satisfaction of accomplishment.
Professional Activities
Progress of the industrial engineering profession is closely linked to the growth and development of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). Alpha Pi Mu has long had close ties with and has cooperated fully with IIE. These organizations have a number of officers and members who are active in both groups, affording close liaison and mutual help.
Membership Qualifications
Excellence, as demonstrated by scholarship, leadership, integrity and sociability are the chief requirements. The Alpha Pi Mu National Constitution states that only those ranked in the upper one-fifth of the junior class or the upper one-third of the senior class may be considered for membership. Graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement may, upon nomination by the department head, be considered for membership.
Selected candidates can choose whether or not to join, but are only asked once to join Alpha Pi Mu.
