About us
Our story
From the national NSBE mission to the Pitt chapter's own history — here's where we come from.
From the national NSBE mission to the Pitt chapter's own history — here's where we come from.
1971, at Purdue University, three people, students Edward Barnette and Fred Cooper, along with faculty advisor Arthur Bond, noticed something troubling: Black students in engineering programs were struggling to be recruited, retained, and supported. So they started a small group called the Black Society of Engineers, with one clear purpose: change that. The idea caught on. A group that became known as "The Chicago Six", John Logan, Brian Harris, Edward Coleman, Anthony Harris, George Smith, and Stanley Kirtley, joined as charter members and helped grow the organization from a single-campus effort into something bigger. In 1974, Anthony Harris renamed it the Society of Black Engineers and designed the torch-and-lightning-bolts symbol that's still instantly recognizable today — the torch representing the drive to succeed, the lightning bolts representing the impact that success would have on the world. By 1975, the group was ready to go national. That year, at the first National Conference at Purdue, 48 students from 32 schools showed up, added an "N" to the name, sketched out a national constitution, split the country into six regions, and elected John Cason as the first National Chairperson. The name they landed on, the National Society of Black Engineers, has stuck for 50 years. What started with a handful of students at one university is now the largest student-managed organization in the country, with chapters spanning pre-college, undergraduate, and professional levels all over the world. But the mission hasn't drifted far from where Barnette, Cooper, and Bond started it: increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and give back to their communities.
Awarded at the 2026 NSBE National Convention in Baltimore, this honor recognized Pitt NSBE among more than 12,000 attendees nationwide for its academic support, mentorship, and community impact throughout this year.
Awarded alongside the National title, making Pitt NSBE's Baltimore convention a double win. This regional honor reflects the chapter's growth including stronger internal community-building, expanded outreach programs, and a deepened partnership with the Swanson School of Engineering.
Presented to chapter president Leliani Cruz for her leadership in strengthening the chapter's community and expanding its reach throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Awarded by the Regional Executive Board for the chapter's spirited convention performance, highlighting the camaraderie and shared goals that bond Pitt NSBE's memebers.