Contrary to what their name may imply, members major not only in engineering, but also in such disciplines as science, management, architecture, and the arts.

A model of diversity, the society counted among its members students from across the United States and Central and South America.

The idea of constructing a clubhouse, potentially with dormitory style living quarters was first formally discussed at the society's 1909 annual meeting.

At that meeting, it was decided to wait until such a time that the institute's students began relocating from downtown Troy to the main campus which is situated on a hill above the city.

Over the ensuing years student living preferences changed as predicted and the institute dormitories and educational buildings on the hill grew.

At the 1912 annual meeting a house committee was charged with evaluating the feasibility of building a clubhouse and ultimately determining its location.

With the purchase options in hand the building committee solicited donations to commence the project with the hope that a decision could be made by the 1913 annual meeting.

On May 12, 1915 it was finally announced that, for $3,750, the Rensselaer Society of Engineers had purchased a one-acre lot in the Troy Parkway Villa Site from the firm of Gilbert Geer, Jr. & Co.

This was at a time when all the fraternities on campus had begun planning to move into houses constructed close to the rapidly growing institute.

The initial design plans called for a structure "strictly fireproof and modern in every particular" that was expected to cost around $50,000, the equivalent of $1.17 million today.

As the dream of constructing a purpose built clubhouse for the society was hampered by funding challenges, the population of RSE students on campus continued to grow.

The fund raising effort to build a house on the vacant property on the corner of Sage and Griswold continued with both the graduate and undergraduate members pressing alumni for both donations and previously unpaid activity fees.

The society even offered to repay loans from alumni from the proceeds of the sale of the Burdett Avenue house once the new clubhouse was completed.

The house's front brick patio was restored and its underlying steel reinforced concrete structure was repaired for the first time since its construction.

In the month of October, RPI hosts an annual Alumni Weekend for all past graduates of the university to come back for a reunion.

RSE also hosts an Annual Alumni Greek Chowderfest[4] The Rensselaer Society of Engineers donates many hours and dollars each year to both local and national charitable organizations.

This popular event involves the cooking of hundreds of breakfast sandwiches which are sold to students and delivered to various campus faculty and offices.

Since the 1960s RSE has also proudly hosted an annual holiday party for local children through the Troy Boys and Girls Club and other organizations.