National History

A group of chemical engineering students at the University of Illinois met in 1931 to form an organization which would recognize those juniors and seniors who displayed academic excellence and leadership in their profession. They designed a key, petitioned for and received recognition from the University administration, and became the Alpha Chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon.

In 1932, the Beta Charter was granted to Iowa State College, and the Gamma Charter was established at the University of Minnesota in 1934.

In 1967, the society became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. The society has ties with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and with the American Society for Engineering Education. Omega Chi Epsilon now has over 61 active chapters and more than 19,000 members.

Beta Pi History

In March of 1996,members of the Junior Chemical Engineering class at the University of Delaware: Ned Habein, Jason Quirin, Vishal Garg, and Chris Dilks established the Beta Pi Chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon. On March 4, 1996, the society held its first meeting and elected its first officers. On February 23, 1997, the first initiation ceremony was held.

Professor Jon Olson (1999 Associate Chair of the UD Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Program), Professor Marylin Huff (Founding Chapter Advisor) , and David Morin (1999 Chapter President) accepting Delaware's OXE charter