UNH Engineering Students Inducted in to the Order of the Engineer
DURHAM, N.H. – The Order of the Engineer is an association for graduate and professional engineers in the United States and concentrates on professional ethics. During the April 19, University of New Hampshire College of Engineering and Physical Science’s Alumni Society Distinguished Alumni Banquet, xx UNH engineering students publicly accepted the “Obligation of an Engineer” and was inducted in the Order of the Engineer symbolized by the receipt of a stainless steel ring worn on the fifth finger of the working hand.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) president-elect, David G. Mongan, PE (Professional Engineer) made the presentation to UNH engineering students with the obligation that they pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of my profession, conscious always that their skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of Earth’s precious wealth.
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. This is similar to the Iron Ring used in Canadian ceremonies. Almost all states have universities with chapters, called "links," that host the Order of the Engineer. There are also several NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) chapters, sections of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other engineering association chapters with links. However, the number of American engineers who have participated in this ceremony remains relatively small.
UNH College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Bob Henry noted to a small gathering, "I have been wearing the ring for several years. What I find really comforting is that there are so many other structural engineers both in the US and Canada. This means that they have made a commitment to watch out for the safety of the general public. I believe wearing the ring provides one with a sense of pride and a feeling of professionalism."
On a lighter note Dean Henry said, "It is also comes in handy when you meet someone for the first time who is wearing
a ring because you have a topic of conversation to help break the ice."
The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer (or Kipling Ritual, or Iron Ring Ceremony) is a ritual dating from 1922 for students about to graduate from an engineering program at a Canadian university. The ritual was created by Rudyard Kipling at the request of H. E. T. Haultain, representing seven past-presidents of the Engineering Institute of Canada. During the 1960s American engineers tried unsuccessfully to extend the Canadian ceremony, The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer, to American engineering schools. The first ceremony was held in 1970 at Cleveland State University's Fenn College of Engineering.
High res graphics and captions:
http://www.ceps.unh.edu/images/group_ring.JPG
