| Rensselaer Society of Engineers | |
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RSE
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| Founded | 1866 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Type | Social |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | In time, through friendship, science and knowledge will rule the world |
| Colors | Black Orange |
| Publication | The oveRSEer |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Nicknames | RSE |
| Headquarters | Troy, New York, United States |
| Homepage | RSE JM Website RSE Alumni website |
The Rensselaer Society of Engineers (RSE) was founded as the Pi Eta Scientific Society in 1866, and in 1873 was incorporated in New York State as The Rensselaer Society of Engineers. Soon after, it changed from a scientific society to a social fraternity.
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The Rensselaer Society of Engineers was founded as the Pi Eta scientific society in 1866[1] and incorporated under the laws of the state of New York in 1873. Originally members of the society were required to do original scientific research and present a paper before the membership. In 1883, the Pi Eta scientific society became the Rensselaer Society Of Engineers. The reason for this was to distinguish themselves from the other fraternities in the region as well as to show their close ties with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The RSE clubhouse is the third place of residence for the brothers of the Rensselaer Society of Engineers. The Pi Kappa Alpha house is one of RSE's previous locations. [2]
Arriving on campus at about the same time as some of the first fraternities, it has remained one of the oldest “local” organizations in the U.S.[3] RSE is the only independent fraternity at RPI. They have chosen to remain independent because they feel that their complete freedom to set their own policies and make their own decisions far outweigh the small advantages of being associated with a national. Members major not only in engineering, but also in each of the Sciences, Management and Architecture. Society members are active in not only campus and local activities, but are also in many national organizations.[1] The fraternity was suspended in 1997 for violations of the University's disciplinary policy, but was reinstated ahead of the original (2003) term of the suspension[4].
The current clubhouse was designed by famous architect Bertram Goodhue for the Rensselaer Society of Engineers in 1922 at the behest of alumni leader Edwin S. Jarret. Construction began in 1923 and ended in 1924. The clubhouse was one of the first structures on the East side of 15th street. The clubhouse was also put together under the contributions of one E.L. Lockhert, who contributed approximately $200,000. There are multiple specialized rooms in the clubhouse. There is an archive room, billiards room, and a library. Originally, members lived in a dormitory located on the third floor of the clubhouse. The remaining levels of the house were full of study rooms, a lecture hall, a room for the chef, and an infirmary. Since then multiple rooms have been built on the second and third floors to house the members that decide to live in the clubhouse. The historic house is an iconic image in the Rensselaer landscape. For this reason, RSE is a host to a variety of functions, both Greek and Academic. This includes the Annual Alumni Greek Chowderfest[5]
Beginning in the Fall of 2009, renovations were done to the living room. $100,000 was spent to fix plaster damaged by water leaks. The windows and doors were also replaced to enhance house security and allow for usage as the old ones were sealed shut. The purpose of the living room is not only for house functions, but is used to host guest speakers throughout the year. The goal is to eventually have a lecture series in the space. The living room is also the venue for the annual Holiday Banquet.
Each year, RSE hosts a Holiday Banquet. The banquet has been a long standing tradition of the fraternity, in which each member invites one or two of their professors to attend. Invitations are also sent out to the RPI Board of Trustees and the current President of the Institute. Each year a speaker is asked to present on a topic of their choice.
The Rensselaer Society of Engineers donates many hours and dollars each year to various organizations around the world. Through Children International, RSE supports a Colombian boy, José, as he struggles to grow up in poverty.[6] José mails the brothers crayon drawings as a sign of his appreciation. RSE also hosts an annual breakfast to raise money for The Children's Miracle Network. This is the one time a year students and professors can enjoy a famed McRSE. The breakfast has become very popular amongst professors who will order sandwiches to be delivered to their offices.
The Rensselaer Society of Engineers offers a number of scholarships annually to its members.
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