At the 2025 Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity National Convention, alumni and current members of GW Engineering’s Gamma Beta Chapter convened to discuss Fraternity business and strengthen community connections. The event offered current students valuable networking opportunities and skills workshops, while also recognizing alumni contributions, including Lieutenant Commander Sean P. Walsh (Ret.), B.S. ‘76, who was inducted into Theta Tau’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
Theta Tau is the oldest, largest, and foremost Fraternity for Engineers, with over 40,000 brothers initiated since its founding at the University of Minnesota in 1904. GW’s chapter was founded in 1935 but went inactive following Walsh’s graduation in 1976. In 1987, Walsh was instrumental in helping Dr. Douglas L. Jones re-establish the Gamma Beta Chapter.
Commander Walsh’s induction is Theta Tau’s recognition of his service to the Fraternity, the engineering profession, and his country. He joins fellow Hall of Fame members from Gamma Beta Chapter: Norman B. “Deacon” Ames, B.S. 1917; Douglas L. Jones, B.S. ‘63; Cliff Stearns, B.S. ‘63; and Michael Livingston, B.S. ‘92.
After graduating from GW Engineering, Commander Walsh was commissioned as an Engineering Duty Officer, serving at sea, at two shipyards, and in design and project management assignments. While on active duty, he also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a Master’s in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering as well as the Professional Degree of Ocean Engineer.
After retiring from the Navy, he continued his career as a naval architect and systems engineer, supporting the design and acquisition of both Navy and Coast Guard ships until 2021. He continues to support his profession through professional society participation, including leadership of the Chesapeake Section of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and as an ABET Program Evaluator.
For the Fraternity, Commander Walsh has served as the Gamma Beta chapter advisor and on the board of the Theta Tau Educational Foundation. At GW Engineering, he is a past president of the GW Engineering Alumni Association and received GW’s Alumni Outstanding Service Award in 2011. He continues to serve as a member of the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering’s Advisory Board.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside previous inductees from Gamma Beta Chapter, especially Dr. Doug Jones, who mentored me both while I was at GW and afterwards, is a great honor,” said Commander Walsh. “I encourage current students to stay involved with the Fraternity, GW Engineering, and in professional societies after graduation.”
At the induction ceremony, Nicholas Pennino, a current member of the Gamma Beta Chapter studying systems engineering, presented Commander Walsh with his award. The mix of GW Engineering alumni and students at this year’s convention demonstrates the deep commitment to advancing the chapter shared amongst generations of brothers.