IEEE-HKN Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Future tech Leaders
IEEE-HKN, IEEE’s honor society, is commemorating a significant milestone: 15 years of recognizing and fostering excellence in electrical and computer engineering and related fields. This anniversary marks a period of ample growth, impactful partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to developing the next generation of technology leaders.
A Growing Society & Expanding Reach
Initially founded as Eta Kappa Nu, the society officially merged with IEEE in 2009, solidifying its position within the world’s largest technical professional organization. Currently, IEEE-HKN boasts over 64,000 active members – a remarkable 22% increase over 2023. This growth reflects the increasing value students and professionals alike place on the society’s unique offerings and the prestige of membership.
Strengthening Ties with IEEE & Beyond
You’ll find IEEE-HKN actively collaborating with various IEEE societies to broaden its impact. More than 20 societies financially supported last year’s Student Leadership Conference, making it more accessible to students. This support also provides invaluable opportunities for seasoned professionals to mentor aspiring engineers.Championing the “One IEEE” Vision
In alignment with the “One IEEE” initiative, all IEEE-HKN conferences actively encourage students to connect with their technical communities. Sponsoring societies have representatives present to help students discover their ideal technical home within IEEE.
Key Conferences & Opportunities for Engagement
IEEE-HKN offers a diverse portfolio of conferences designed to support students and professionals at every stage of their careers:
Student Leadership Conference: Scheduled for November 7-9 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, this conference focuses on developing leadership skills.
Pathways to industry: A virtual conference connecting students with potential employers and career paths.
TechX: Another virtual event, TechX explores cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends.
Both virtual conferences are open to all IEEE members at a discounted rate, fostering inclusivity and knowledge sharing.
Celebrating the Merger & looking Ahead
This year, the 15th-anniversary merger has been celebrated at prominent IEEE events. These include SouthEastCon, IEEE Region 1 and Region 2 joint meetings, the IEEE Life Members Evolution Conference, and IEEE CompSac.
Moreover, IEEE-HKN will feature the anniversary in the October issue of its Bridge magazine. The society is also partnering with the IEEE Foundation on a dedicated anniversary campaign to raise funds for future student initiatives.
A Legacy of Scholarship, Character, and Attitude
Reflecting on the past 15 years, Nancy Ostin, director of IEEE-HKN, emphasizes the society’s core values. “As IEEE’s honor society, HKN’s core values of scholarship, character, and attitude align with IEEE’s strategic goals.”
These values translate into:
Inspiring intellectual curiosity and knowledge sharing.
Fostering lifelong engagement within the IEEE community.
Empowering the next generation of technology leaders.
A Lifelong Designation & Commitment to Giving Back
becoming an IEEE-HKN member is a lifelong achievement. You’ll join a network of leaders in industry, academia, and government who are dedicated to supporting current and future students.
Ultimately, IEEE-HKN’s 15-year journey demonstrates a powerful commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the advancement of the electrical and computer engineering fields. You can learn more and contribute to the society’s future by visiting https://hkn.ieee.org/donate.
