Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) chapter of Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the international honor society for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has received the 2024-2025 Outstanding Chapter Award. The prestigious award recognizes chapters for excellence in administration and programming.
The PNW chapter of IEEE-HKN was one of just 30 chapters worldwide selected for outstanding performance during the 2024-2025 academic year. This recognition is especially significant because the chapter was established in 2023.
“Receiving this international award is a major recognition for the department,” says Lizhe Tan, department chair and professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “This recognition reflects positively on the quality of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program and its culture. It shows that students are active beyond coursework through mentoring, tutoring, outreach, professional development and community service.”
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“This recognition reflects positively on the quality of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program and its culture. It shows that students are active beyond coursework through mentoring, tutoring, outreach, professional development and community service.”
The IEEE-HKN evaluation committee selects chapters based on several criteria, including activities that advance professional development, raise instructional and institutional standards, encourage scholarship and creativity, provide a public service, and further the established goals of IEEE-HKN.
PNW’s chapter was recognized for sponsoring a variety of events throughout the academic year, including participation in Welcome Rallies and STEM on the Road events; organizing technical workshops on printed circuit board (PCB) design, soldering, PC computer building, 3D modeling and printing; holding a collaborative showcase with engineers from the Chicago and Northwest Indiana regions; hosting professional speakers from various companies; mentoring local high school students; and competing in the annual evGrandPrix competition by designing and constructing an electric vehicle.
Tan notes that while the Outstanding Chapter recognition highlights the chapter’s excellence in scholarship, character and attitude, it also reflects the strong departmental support, as well as student and advisor leadership.
“This recognition makes students more competitive for internships, research opportunities, scholarships and future employment,” says Tan. “It increases networking opportunities and connects students with a broader professional community which can lead to mentorship opportunities, professional development and career guidance.”
