IEEE - Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) Merger
Recently the Eta Kappa Nu Association (the electrical & computer engineering honor society) and the IEEE signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which proposes to merge these two organizations. One of the key reasons for the need for this merger is the financial condition of HKN. They have indicated that ongoing operating expenses are not being met by the funds they are receiving.
Merging with IEEE - or more specifically becoming an organizational unit of IEEE - will allow for HKN to continue on, and perhaps to do some additional things that their current financial situation did not allow them to do.
As a member of HKN, and former student member of IEEE, I can see the benefit of merging these organizations. It should have positive impacts on both organizations.
HKN has prepared a FAQ regarding the merger, and this is available on their web site: http://hkn.org
Feb. 27, 2008 UPDATE:
An email was sent to HKN faculty advisors on behalf of Dave Irwin, HKN President. It indicated that “the HKN Board is aware that numerous questions are being raised regarding the pending merger of HKN and IEEE and the Board wants to provide as much information to members as possible.”
Read the entire email here: http://groups.google.com/group/hknieeemerger/web/hkn-board-of-governors
January 30th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
It should have a positive impact on IEEE. As far as HKN goes, it destroys the 100+ year old organization. The main reason for the merger from IEEE’s point of view is to retain members (ie. get more money). As such, part of the merger is the requirement that all future HKN members will be required to have and maintain membership in IEEE. Once they stop paying their dues, they are no longer part of HKN. Is this seriously what HKN is supposed to be about? I don’t think so. 100 some odd years of service and academic excellence in HKN are getting thrown down the drain because some board of governers don’t know how to budget money appropriately? This is appaling.
- HKN Alumni
February 6th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
FYI - Alpha chapter thought it would be beneficial to have a place to discuss the different aspects of the merger. So they created the following Google group: http://groups.google.com/group/hknieeemerger .
March 10th, 2008 at 8:56 am
FYI: An update from the March meeting is here: http://groups.google.com/group/hknieeemerger/browse_thread/thread/e7db11e5bb62219f/d5ef1f0a5eeb436c#d5ef1f0a5eeb436c