History
In 1949 James T. French founded Alpha Pi Mu as a senior Industrial
Engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Nine men, chosen through
their affiliation with the Georgia Tech chapter of Tau Beta Pi, constituted the
original membership of Alpha Pi Mu. In 1959, full membership in the Association
of College Honor Societies (ACHS) was attained.
The
major significance of Alpha Pi Mu's association with ACHS is that it is the only
nationally accepted industrial engineering honor society. Chapters now exist in
almost every major university which possesses an accredited industrial
engineering department. While academic interests and abilities are required for
membership, the society's overall goals are much broader.
The
Georgia Tech engineers who led the initial developmental work wanted an
organization to provide inspiration for young students, a common
ground on which their outstanding young engineers could exchange ideas, and experiences which could help their future professional development.
Requirements
To join Alpha Pi Mu, one must be ranked in either the top one fifth of their third year IE class or the top one third of their fourth year IE class. Also, APM pledges must fulfill their pledge activities.