The Order of the Engineer is an association of engineers dedicated to the teaching, administration, or practice of their profession. Initiation into the Order includes adherence to a Creed and acceptance of a stainless steel ring to be worn on the working hand. There are no further meetings to attend, or dues or subscriptions to pay. The Obligation is voluntary and for life. It does not replace or compete with NSPE, ASCE, IEEE, or any other educational, scientific, or engineering organization, but lends dignity and significance to those who are members.

 In the midst of a career, it is possible to lose sight of goals so that dreams grow dim in the press of earning a living and establishing a vocation. The ring is a constant reminder of the wearer's calling, a bond of strength in adversity and assurance that one is not alone in his endeavor, but is joined by a vast number of contemporaries with a common purpose and resolution. It is a badge of recognition which also will be known to the public. It is worn with pride and viewed with honor. The ring reminds you that you are an engineer. It is only for those who have met the high standards of engineering training, administration, or practice, and who voluntarily accept the Obligation. The ring is not a trinket to be bought nor an award to be conferred carelessly. It is, rather, the union of the engineer with the engineering profession. 

The Order was started in 1970 by members of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers who became part of the international engineering organization started in Canada. The Charter for the Nebraska link, as it is called, was granted in 1976.

The Order of the Engineer strives for the following objectives:

• Develop a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession;

• Strengthen the interface between training for and the practice of engineering; and

• Present the public with a visible symbol identifying the engineer.

Recently, ASCE leadership has embraced the Order, and are promoting it throughout the Society.  Sections and Branches are encouraged to participate in ring ceremonies. 

Membership is open to all holders of a bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline. The one-time initiation fee for The Order of the Engineer is $20.00. All of the proceeds (minus administration and ring costs) will go to support the Mathcounts program in Nebraska which encourages 7th and 8th grade students to continue their math studies and perhaps select a career in Engineering.

If you are interested in joining the Order or helping plan the next initiation ceremony, contact Marie Maly.  Additional information will be forwarded to those interested. 

Also, check the website at www.order-of-the-engineer.org.

The Nebraska Section's first initiation ceremony was held at 2003's Annual Meeting and Banquet, where 12 engineers accepted the Obligation.  Another ceremony was held at the 2004 Annual Meeting.