UNM’s Tau Beta Pi celebrates 50th anniversary with national accolades
November 4, 2026 - Lylla Florence Smith
Tau Beta Pi convention attendees gather in Tucson, Arizona, where UNM’s New Mexico Beta Chapter received national recognition.
The University of New Mexico’s Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society chapter is celebrating a milestone year after earning two national awards and recognition for its 50th anniversary at the organization’s 2026 national convention in Tucson, Arizona.
The New Mexico Beta Chapter received the Chapter Project Award and Chapter Excellence Award for the 2025–2026 academic year. The chapter was also recognized for five decades of promoting academic excellence, leadership and service among engineering students at UNM.
Tau Beta Pi is the nation’s oldest engineering honor society, recognizing engineering students for academic achievement and exemplary character. Eligible students must rank in the top one-eighth of their junior class or top one-fifth of their senior class, but academic standing alone does not guarantee membership. Candidates also must demonstrate integrity and a commitment to the engineering profession.
For chapter president Vicky Lizardi-Lobb, the convention was an opportunity to represent UNM and connect with students, professionals and chapter leaders from across the country.
“Attending the Tau Beta Pi Convention in Tucson let me connect with engineering students, professionals, and chapter leaders from across the country who share a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and integrity,” Lizardi-Lobb said.
The Chapter Project Award recognizes the chapter’s projects and activities, while the Chapter Excellence Award acknowledges member engagement, headquarters reporting and chapter operations. Lizardi-Lobb credited members, officers, faculty advisors, alumni and previous chapter leadership for the recognitions.
“As a student-led organization, our accomplishments depend on volunteers who give their time while balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities,” she said.
The 50-year recognition held special significance for Lizardi-Lobb, who described the milestone as a reflection of generations of UNM engineers and the foundation they built for future members.
“The decisions we make and the opportunities we create today can influence future generations of UNM engineers,” she said. “I hope our efforts will help sustain New Mexico Beta for another 50 plus years.”
Chapter president receives national fellowship
Chapter president Vicky Lizardi-Lobb, right, at the 2026 Tau Beta Pi Convention.
Alongside the chapter’s achievements, Lizardi-Lobb was selected as a Tau Beta Pi Fellow for the 2026–2027 academic year, a recognition of her academic accomplishments and promise as an engineer.
Lizardi-Lobb graduated summa cum laude from UNM in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear engineering while conducting research at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Her path has included returning to school while balancing work and family life.
“Engineering is demanding but returning to school as an older student while balancing marriage, raising two children, and working adds another layer of responsibility and difficulty,” she said. “At the same time, those responsibilities are among my greatest motivations.”
Lizardi-Lobb credits her family, friends, mentors and supporters at Central New Mexico Community College, UNM and Los Alamos National Laboratory with helping her reach her goals. As a Latina in engineering, she also hopes her story encourages students who question whether they belong in the field.
“If sharing my experience helps even one person continue pursuing their education, then I feel I have accomplished something meaningful,” she said.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years
With its 50-year milestone and national recognition providing momentum, the New Mexico Beta Chapter is looking for new ways to expand membership, community outreach and connections with the local STEM community.
One priority is beginning the appeals process to make computer science at UNM an eligible major for Tau Beta Pi membership. Lizardi-Lobb also hopes to introduce the society’s K–12 MindSET program at UNM, offering hands-on STEM workshops to younger students.
UNM engineering students share information about Tau Beta Pi at a campus outreach table.
The chapter is also planning its first gala for spring 2027 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, with the goal of bringing together members, alumni and the local STEM community. Lizardi-Lobb thanked benefactor Allegra Carpenter for helping secure the venue and resources to support the event.
“Through these initiatives, I hope to strengthen our chapter’s connection to UNM and the broader community while establishing programs that future officers and members can continue to develop,” Lizardi-Lobb said.As New Mexico Beta celebrates 50 years of engineering excellence, its members are focused on building a legacy that extends beyond the classroom through leadership, service and community engagement.
