To all members of Theta Tau:
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Laureate George Dodd (Zeta, ‘60). Laureate Dodd served on the Theta Tau Executive Council from 1966 until 1976, including the last four of those years as Grand Regent, and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame (our highest honor) for his service to the Fraternity, and to the engineering profession, in 1989.
In Laureate Dodd’s memory, I hereby proclaim a period of forty-five days’ mourning for the Fraternity at large, to last from today until sundown on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Members may observe this period of mourning by wearing a small piece of black material (felt or ribbon) behind their badge. Chapters may drape a large black ribbon across a badge replica in their chapter house or other appropriate facility. Chapters may also change their social media headers and profile photos to those in use by the National Fraternity.
Laureate Dodd was initiated into the Zeta Chapter in Fall of 1956, with roll number 624. As a student member, Dodd was named Outstanding Delegate after playing a pivotal role in rewriting our Constitution to remove the limitation of membership based on race. After graduation he was heavily invested in the success of Theta Tau, serving in numerous volunteer capacities, including ten years on the Executive Council which culminated with his service as Grand Regent. Through his leadership Theta Tau also navigated the transition to initiating female members. Dodd held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and, after completing his education, went on to a decades-long career at General Motors.
The impact that George Dodd had on this Fraternity cannot be overstated, and his loss is deeply felt by those of us who knew him. His kindness, generosity, and wisdom were on full display anytime he attended a Fraternity event, and he was a central figure in the most important moments in the modern history of Theta Tau. He will be sorely missed.
We extend our deepest condolences to Laureate Dodd’s family and close friends, and we hope that the extraordinary things George accomplished in his life, as well as the fellowship he enjoyed with so many, will be a comfort in this time of loss. We also hold in our hearts the Past Grand Regents, who enjoy a special bond, and have lost their most senior member.
In H&T,
David Parker
Grand Regent
