IEEE-HKN

Founded in 1904 by Maurice L. Carr at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) was originally established to help electrical engineering graduates find employment and gain footholds in their careers. The intention of the founding members of HKN was to recognize and prepare the future leaders of the profession. The Greek letters ΗΚΝ were chosen from the first, fourth, and last letter of the Greek word for electron: ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝ. In 1927, the HKN Shield and coat-of-arms were adopted, incorporating the Wheatstone bridge (and its ability to provide extremely accurate measurements).

For more than 100 years, HKN has embraced excellence. Today, IEEE-HKN is still dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in the IEEE-designated fields of interest. In the years ahead, IEEE-HKN will continue to reinvent itself to meet the needs of its members, the institutions they serve, and society overall.