Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs," on October 15, 1904, by Erich J. Schrader, Elwin L. Vinal, William M. Lewis, and Isaac B. Hanks, mining engineering students at the University of Minnesota. They agreed that character qualifications should have top priority in membership selection.

In 1911, representatives of the three chapters and the alumni association met at the University of Minnesota for the first national Convention, the name was changed to Theta Tau, a revised Ritual approved, and the present badge adopted. Perhaps the most important for its future expansion, it was decided that Theta Tau would include all branches of engineering.

On June 5, 1995 Theta Tau Omega officially became the University of Florida's Theta Tau Colony. The goal of the colony was to become one of the finest engineering societies on campus and ultimately become a chapter of Theta Tau. During the colony period Theta Tau Omega experienced rapid growth and began several fraternity traditions including their annual St. Patrick's Day "Green Tongue Party". The colony also adopted a two-mile stretch of road in Gainesville and hosted several professional development events.

The members wanted to promote professional interest among its members, serve the community and create a strong fraternal bond among its members. On April 27, 1996 their goal was realized and the colony became the Zeta Gamma chapter of Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity.

Zeta Gamma Executive Council

Zeta Gamma Committee Chairs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Theta Tau?

Theta Tau is a National, Professional, Co-Ed, Engineering Fraternity. Although we do hold social events, our focus is professional development. First, we try to make you a better Engineer. Then we have a party. Theta Tau is a fraternity as opposed to an engineering society because membership is for life.

2. Is Theta Tau an honor society?

No. Although we strongly encourage academic achievement, the minimum required GPA for being initiated into Theta Tau is 2.0.

3. Can I be a member of both Theta Tau and another fraternity or sorority?

Yes, most of the time. You can be a member of Theta Tau and any social fraternity or sorority and/or any engineering societies currently at UF. However, there are some other professional fraternities we don't allow our members to join. If you have further questions please ask us.

4. How much time does Theta Tau require from me?

The more time you put into Theta Tau the more you can get out of it. As a pledge you will need to set at least an hour a week to come to your pledge meetings. It is also to your benefit to attend and help out with whatever events (whether they are professional or social) take place. Once you are a member, you are expected to attend weekly meetings held on the day that is most suitible for majority of the members. You should try to set aside at least and hour and a half for the meeting, but they usually last around one hour. You really do get as much out of Theta Tau as you put into it. If you don't show up for the meetings, don't go to the events, you get nothing out of it. Members who spend a lot of time with Theta Tau find that they get a lot out of it - friendship, leadership experience, connections within UF and elsewhere, and more.

5. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

You can contact us by completing our feedback form.