On Friday, April 18, Capitol Technology University was honored by the visit of Dr. Elizabeth Rollins, National President of Sigma Gamma Tau (SGT), for our induction into this prestigious Aerospace Honor Society.
Jeff Volosin, Director of Astronautical Engineering (AE) at Capitol Tech, played a key role in making this event possible through his dedicated efforts over the past year to establish our university as a chapter. This marks a significant moment in our university’s history as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027. Since 1927, Capitol Tech has built a reputation as a leader in education for emerging technology fields—from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence to space engineering and beyond. Establishing a Chapter of Sigma Gamma Tau is recognition of the success of our university and our students in the field of astronautical engineering. SGT Chapters include many of the largest aerospace engineering programs in the country and we are proud to have Capitol Tech join with them as we support our students and honor their achievements.
“The society’s constitution allows a new chapter of Sigma Gamma Tau to be established only at universities which have an accredited program in Aerospace or Astronautical Engineering,” stated Dr. Rollins. “The approval of three-quarters of the existing chapters of Sigma Gamma Tau is required to establish a new chapter...I am happy to report their unanimous affirmative vote as well as their enthusiastic support of Capitol Technology University.”
Founded on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on February 28, 1953, the Sigma Gamma Tau National Honor Society was formed "to offer appropriate recognition to persons of superior scholarship, outstanding character, and professional achievement in the field of Aeronautical Engineering." The society’s objective is to foster a high standard of ethics and professional practice and to create a spirit of loyalty and fellowship, particularly among students of Aerospace Engineering. Since its modest beginnings in 1953, the society has grown from 14 chapters to about 50 chapters and from 2,000 members to about 24,000 members to date.
Membership with SGT is limited to those of distinguished scholarship or eminent professional attainment in Aerospace Engineering, and to undergraduate students who are in the upper third of the senior class, upper quarter of the junior class, or upper fifth of the sophomore class.
The primary mission of Sigma Gamma Tau is to be a service organization for Aerospace Education. Our student members will focus on supporting and mentoring other students both here at Capitol Tech and at local K-12 schools. They will also work with SGT Chapters at other schools to exchange project ideas and to recruit special aerospace guest speakers to come to our campus. Lastly, they will be eligible to apply for SGT National and Regional student awards where they can earn additional recognition and financial awards.
During our installation ceremony, Professor Volosin was joined by AE Professor Marcel Mabson and Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, Vice President of University Development and Student Services, in welcoming Dr. Rollins to our campus from Houston, TX. A number of faculty, staff, and students attended the ceremony, expressing their congratulations and support to our inductees.
Per ceremonial procedures, Professor Volosin was inducted first, and he will serve as the Capitol Tech SGT Faculty Advisor. Then, our first five students were inducted as Charter Members:
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Philip Alsop
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Carrington Hilliard
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Nathan Kinsey
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Elijah Mister
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Edward Zhou
Our student inductees expressed that they were extremely honored by this ceremony and excited to join the SGT.
"I'm glad that my peers and I in the Astronautical Engineering program are being recognized for our contributions and accomplishments,” said Edward Zhou. “I hope that this will inspire others to reach for the stars, too."
“My induction into Sigma Gamma Tau is an incredible milestone that reflects not only the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies, but also the amazing efforts of my peers,” added Elijah Mister. “I’m proud to be part of this community and deeply grateful to the Astronautical Engineering faculty who made this achievement possible.”
Our university was honored with an official plaque to commemorate this special occasion. Each student inductee received a certificate of membership and a medal, and was invited to sign the Chapter Roll Book—signifying both their formal induction as the Charter Members of this new chapter and their pledge to uphold the values of this honor society.
“I’ve been teaching in the Capitol Tech Astronautical and Space Engineering (AE) program since it was started in 2004,” stated Professor Volosin. “After 20 years as an Adjunct, this was my first year as the Director of the program. I’ve been working with students and school leadership during the past year to find ways to build on our history and provide new opportunities for our students. I was extremely excited when National SGT leadership agreed to our request to establish a Capitol Tech Chapter. It is great to be part of this prestigious organization, and I look forward to inducting more of our students in the years to come!”
We extend our gratitude to the Sigma Gamma Tau National Honor Society for this honorable opportunity and congratulate our student inductees on their outstanding achievement!
For more information about SGT, visit the Sigma Gamma Tau website.
For more information about Capitol Tech’s Honor Societies, visit the Capitol Tech website.
Written by Erica Decker