Register today for the 2026 TSPE Conference to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of TSPE!

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF TSPE

 

SOCIETY FORMATION

In the early 30s, there was a growing need from the engineering community for something more than technical assistance, an organization which could consider itself entirely with the advancement of the engineer as an ethical professional, a society which would emphasize public relations and business ethics. In 1934, a group of professional engineers met in New York City and founded the National Society of Professional Engineers, an organization dedicated to the non-technical concerns of licensed professional engineers. Engineers of Texas quickly realized the necessity of a state society, and on May 10, 1936, TSPE was officially created with the formation of the Travis Chapter at the Travis County Courthouse.

Later that year the first state meeting of TSPE was held in Austin's historic Driskill Hotel on November 19, 1936. At the time, TSPE was comprised of only two local chapters: the Bexar Chapter at San Antonio and the Travis Chapter at Austin. Colonel W. B. Tuttle, P.E. was the first president of TSPE and served from 1936-1937.

With the formation of TSPE in 1936, a strong effort was launched during the 45th Legislature to introduce a bill that regulated the practice of engineering in Texas. Less than a year later, in 1937, the New London School explosion took place on March 18, 1937 in New London, TX. The Engineering Registration Act, now referred to as the Texas Engineering Practice Act, was quickly signed into law on May 28, 1937 in response. This act prohibited anyone from practicing as an engineer unless they are officially licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors.

 

RIO GRANDE VALLEY CHAPTER FORMATION

The Rio Grande Valley Chapter, the host of this year's 2026 TSPE Conference, began with its formation on June 11, 1947 when fifty-seven engineers met in Weslaco. The chapter, then referred to as the Lower Rio Grande Chapter, was the 18th chapter to form within the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Percy V. Pennybacker, chairman of the Publications Committee, was in charge of the organizational meeting, carrying out the assignment of the 1947 TSPE president, Will A. Rounds. He was assisted by W. N. Harris, city engineer of McAllen. In 1973, the Rio Grande Valley Chapter hosted the annual TSPE Conference for the first time in Brownsville, TX.

Today, the chapter is very active in the engineering community and continues to go above and beyond through their work with local student chapters, engineering scholarships, Engineers Week celebrations, chapter awards, and other programs that embody the goals of the organization. Follow the chapter on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with current events and announcements.