University of Arkansas Mortar Board Chapter Receives National Awards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Octagon chapter at the University of Arkansas was among the outstanding chapters to be honored for its excellence at the 2010 Mortar Board National Conference, held this summer in Chicago.

The group was one of 77 chapters to receive the Silver Torch Award, presented to chapters meeting chapter management standards while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.

Additionally, the chapter was among the 19 groups that received a Project Excellence Award, granted for notable achievement in scholarship, leadership, fundraising, service, the “Reading is Leading” national project, alumni involvement, or Mortar Board Week. The chapter was recognized for raising funds to donate to the earthquake relief efforts of the American Red Cross with its “MB for Haiti” project.

Chapter President Kelly Degn was present to accept the chapter’s awards.

Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Since its founding in 1918, the organization has grown from the four founding chapters to 228 chartered collegiate chapters with nearly a quarter of a million initiated members across the nation. The Octagon chapter at University of Arkansas was chartered in 1940 and currently has 34 members.

Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Some notable Mortar Board members include distinguished politician Condoleezza Rice, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees and Suzy’s Zoo creator Suzy Spafford. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.