What is MI - Iota?

About MI - I

Michigan Iota is a chapter of Tau Beta Pi located at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Based in District 7, we are the 9th chapter to be founded in Michigan

History of MI - I

Starting in 1961, engineering students at the University of Michigan Dearborn could be initiated into the Michigan Gamma Chapter (University of Michigan Ann-Arbor) of Tau Beta Pi. Our Chapter, Michigan Iota, was founded on January 16th, 1982 as a sister chapter to Michigan Gamma.

Our Chapter's Mission

Our Chapter's mission is to not only uphold the objectives of the Association but to also "Support students in achieving excellence in engineering". That is to provide guidance to engineering students to help find success in their studies.

Notable Alumni

Michigan Iota is proud to recognize several distinguished alumni, including several Deans and Chancellors Medallion recipients, M-Talents, and Difference Makers. These notable alumni include:

Andrew Toy

Michael Ustes

Ben Pollatz

Sarah Overbeck

Maya Hamka

Vincent Martinez

Alicia Bondar

James Eichelberger

Aiden Boyer

Elise Ambriz

Nico Bokhari

Zoie Mink

Tau Bate Faculty Members

Over the years Michigan Iota has grown its membership significantly, having initiated nearly 1000 members in our history! Michigan Iota is proud to recognize University of Michigan Dearborn current and former faculty as members of Tau Beta Pi including:

CECS Dean

Ghassan Kridli

Dr. Kas Kasravi

Chancellor

Domenico Grasso

Former CECS Dean

Anthony England

-Dr. Azeem Hafeez

-Dr. Paul Watta

-Dr. Michael Putty

-Dr. Byungchan Lee

-Dr. Eric Ratts

-Dr. Caymen Novak

-Dr. John Cristiano

-Dr. Luis Oritz

-Dr. Mal Shrindar

-Dr. Adnan Aswad

-Dr. James Knight

MI-Iota Notable Achievements

Michigan Iota has had the privilege of being recognized by the Association and awarded for its excellence. Our chapter also has had the opportunity to participate and lead in events across UM-Dearborn CECS:

National Convention - 2007

Every year Tau Beta Pi holds a national convention where Tau Bates from every chapter in the Association convene to conduct business, present awards, and allow for networking and professional development opportunities. Michigan Iota held the honor of hosting the 2007 Convention from October 11th to October 13th right here in Dearborn, MI.

Michael Ustes: Laureate - 2021

The 1984 National Convention established the Tau Beta Pi Laureate Program. This annual program recognizes up to five Tau Bates who outstandingly exemplify "the spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges". Award categories include, athletics, arts, diverse achievements, and service. Chapter advisor, District Director, and former Chapter President Michael Ustes was recognized as a Tau Beta Pi Laureate in 2021 for his diverse achievements.

In his time at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Michael was well involved with several student organizations outside of Tau Beta Pi. In 2021 he was captain and manufacturing lead of the Formula SAE Combustion racing team. He held the title of President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers from 2019 to 2021. Michael also rebuilt the mechanical engineering honor society Pi Tau Sigma; serving as their President between 2019 and 2020.

Andrew Toy: Outstanding Advisor - 2023

The National Convention of 1996 established the Outstanding Advisor Award to recognize exemplary performance of Tau Beta Pi Chapter Advisors. The 2023 National Convention hosted by the Georgia Alpha Chapter of the Georgia Institute of Technology recognized Michigan Iota's Chief Advisor, Andy Toy as the recipient of the Outstanding Advisor award.

Mr. Toy is a role model of service and excellence at Michigan - Iota. He expects engagement and professionalism from all members of the chapter and deeply cares about the important role that excellence plays in the personal growth of professional engineers. He has repeatedly proven himself not only through his service to various STEM related organizations, but also through his support of chapter projects. Mr. Toy has remained a passionate advisor even during the most challenging times for the chapter, continuously fostering a spirit of liberal culture for all members. He is an inspiration to the members of the Michigan Iota Chapter.

Engineers Week - 2024

In February of 2024, The University of Michigan Dearborn saw Engineers' Week sweep the campus! This week long event was organized by Winter 2024 Officers, Zoie Mink (CS) and Jakub Wittrock (P) with support from presidents of 14 other student organizations.

There were daily design challenges where students would compete with each other to develop unique solutions to challenges posed by the hosting student orgs. Tau Beta Pi worked with Pi Tau Sigma, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and Additive to host a hovercraft design challenge!

In addition to the design challenges there were daily engineering games modeled off the Olympic games. These games were for the student orgs to compete against each other to be crowned the Engineers' Week 2024 champion at the ending Gala! There was Engineering Trivia, the Scavenger Hunt, the Relay Race, and Dodgeball!

Engineers' Week was concluded at the Ending Gala were the hosting student orgs were recognized, t-shirts were handed out, and the excitement from Engineers' Week was recapped.

Tony England ELB Renaming Ceremony - 2024

On April 19th, 2024, The University of Michigan Dearborn renamed the Engineering Lab Building after former CECS Dean, Anthony England. Dean England is a former NASA astronaut, CECS Dean, and member of Tau Beta Pi.

He was largely responsible for the upheaval in facilities offered to engineering students at the University of Michigan Dearborn. He wanted a vibrant environment for students where they can find their community and get the best out of their education. He is largely responsible for the installment of the MSEL, the IAVS, and of course the Engineering Lab Building.

The Winter 2024 President, Jakub Wittrock, was chosen by the event planners to deliver a speech on behalf of CECS and our Chapter of Tau Beta Pi. Jakub had the unique opportunity to present in front of Senior Design Day and the guests for the renaming ceremony.

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