MCC graduate inducted into Ferris State’s engineering honor society.

MCC graduate inducted into Ferris State’s engineering honor society.

BIG RAPIDS — Spencer Knizacky of Scottville, is among the 2018 inductees to Ferris State University’s Michigan Epsilon chapter of Tau Alpha Pi, the national honor society for engineering technology students.

Knizacky is a 2016 graduate of Mason County Central High School and the son of Lynn and Jerome Knizacky.

“Eligibility for membership is limited to the top 4 percent of all full-time students who have completed at least three-fourths of their studies in an eligible engineering technology program. So, these are the best students in some of Ferris State University’s toughest programs,” said Jim Rumpf, chapter advisor. “In addition, besides being academically eligible, candidates also must be recommended by their faculty group. So, these inductees were not only academically outstanding, but also have displayed excellent character during their careers. They have earned both our respect for their accomplishments and our appreciation for their performance.”

Rumpf and faculty advisors Gary Todd, Chuck Drake, Ben Upham, Ken Kuk and Rich Goosen processed nominations earlier in the Spring 2018 semester. Inductees received their certificates, pins and diploma seals on Thursday, March 22 at a presentation ceremony with Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Blake and College of Engineering Technology Dean Larry Schult. Names of the students were added to the Tau Alpha Pi plaque on display at the College of Engineering Technology.

The full list of inductees include: Timothy Klementowski, from Cedar Springs, majoring in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology; Jayna Colthorp, from Stevensville; Travis Hooker, from Mecosta; Spencer Knizacky, from Scottville; Benjamin Lentz, from Standish; Adam Makarewicz, from Elmira; Kaitlyn Oleniczak, from Manistee; and North Yates, from Alto, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology; Karley Engelsman, from Spring Lake, majoring in Manufacturing Engineering Technology; Ashley Smith, from Williamsburg, majoring in Product Design Engineering Technology; and Nicholas Horton, from Ada, majoring in Welding Engineering Technology.

The Michigan Epsilon chapter of Tau Alpha Pi was established at Ferris, in 2000. Tau Alpha Pi is the national honor society for engineering technology, as Phi Beta Kappa is for liberal arts and Tau Beta Pi is for engineering. Founded in 1953, membership is open to both associate-degree and baccalaureate candidates. The society’s purpose is twofold:

1. to recognize high standards of scholarship among students in engineering technology programs, and
2. to promote and encourage scholastic achievement by offering outstanding engineering technology students membership in the society. Tau Alpha Pi rewards selected scholars for past achievements and accomplishments, while encouraging a lifetime of commitment to learning and scholarship.

More information on Tau Alpha Pi can be found at the organization’s website: www.taualphapi.org.