Stories

Thirty-five years ago, on May 24, 1988, a new tradition was introduced to Santa Clara University. The Order of the Engineer Link #101 was established by Dr. Sukhmander Singh, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Professors Emeriti, Dr. John Finnemore, and Dr. Ian Murry. Our SCU chapter link represents one of sixteen links in California and is the third link established in the state. Every year, the SCU Link welcomes applicants from the area and beyond who have received their engineering degrees from ABET-accredited universities or are Professional Engineers. Prior to the pandemic, the ceremony drew over one hundred participants each year, and we aim to restore those figures. The Order was created in the United States over fifty years ago to promote “pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and experience, and to present to the public a visible symbol identifying the engineer.” 

Dr. Singh was exposed to the Order while teaching a Code of Ethics in Engineering course in Canada. Singh’s prior exposure inspired him to start a Link of the Order upon his arrival at Santa Clara University. “As an engineer, we are committed to holding the responsibility, safety, integrity, and service to the public,” said Dr. Singh. His commitment to this standard helped drive his ambition to establish the SCU chapter. However, before being able to create the chapter, Singh, Murray, and Finnemore needed to take the oath at the University of the Pacific. Initiation into the Order has attendees undertake the Obligation of the Engineer, receive a certificate, and are presented with a stainless steel ring to wear on the little finger of their dominant hand. Singh recalls the process taking around two months to get the chapter approved and spending several years educating and building interest in what the Order stands for. 

The Order of the Engineer, recognized nationally, emphasizes the importance of ethics in the engineering profession. This code of ethics binds those who take the oath and wear the ring. It symbolizes unity, reminding engineers of their shared responsibility and commitment to “serve humanity by making the best use of Earth’s precious wealth.” This commitment aligns with the School of Engineering's mission of building "an engineering community that inspires and develops engineering leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion – entrepreneurial thinkers who will build a more just, humane, and sustainable world." As such, the Order of the Engineer represents an important step in promoting ethical behavior and ensuring that our Bronco engineers act in the best interest of humankind. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE OATH, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THIS YEAR’S ORDER OF THE ENGINEER CEREMONY ON TUESDAY, JUNE 6.

https://www.scu.edu/engineering/news--events/order-of-the-engineer/