Meet Vince Palladino, Brandie Spencer and Tara Milliken

Vince Palladino, Brandie Spencer and Tara Milliken were all selected as conference assistants for the 2011 Mortar Board National Conference. Read more about these smart, capable Mortar Board leaders.

Vince Palladino recently graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s in political science. While an undergraduate, he served as editor of the Undergraduate Law Journal and interned in the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

As president of the Agathai chapter during the 2010-2011 academic year, he focused on building a spirit of teamwork within the chapter. “Good leaders can’t do everything,” he said, “so they have to take a group that is usually unformed and wield it into a team that is tightly focused on accomplishing a specific goal. Teams are orderly and disciplined; groups are not.” 

Under his leadership, the chapter successfully completed a number of projects and events that promoted scholarship, leadership and service on the UCLA campus. Among the chapter’s accomplishments this year was receiving distinguished recognition from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

***

Brandie Spencer, a 2011 graduate of the University of the Pacific, wants to help new chapter leaders understand that “actively participating in Mortar Board — and helping grow their chapter’s visibility on and off campus — will help them develop professionally and academically and help create social change.”

As the founder and executive director of Empowering Young Voices, Inc. (EYV), Brandie knows a thing or two about social change. EYV, based in Stockton, Calif., is a nonprofit organization that teaches life skills and leadership training to young people through peer mentors. EYV has worked with several schools, colleges and community organizations in the Stockton area.

During his tenure as president of the Knolens chapter, Brandie used his organizational skills, creativity and ingenuity to increase member participation in chapter events and maximize the chapter’s visibility on campus. His efforts paid off—this past year, the chapter received the highest number of self-nominations it has had in a decade.

***

Like her Mortar Board chapter, Tara Milliken has been a visible and vibrant presence on the campus of The Ohio State University. Graduating in 2011 with bachelor’s degrees in English and agricultural and extension education, Tara served as a university ambassador; as president of Micki Zartman Scarlet and Gray Ag Day, a one-day event to educate over 600 elementary students on the importance of agriculture; and was an officer in Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. Among her many honors was being named a Top Twenty Senior in Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

In addition to those activities, she served as president of the Mabel G. Freeman chapter of Mortar Board. In that capacity, she led the chapter through major structural changes. Though they had a large and active executive board, Tara recognized that the chapter was not doing enough to engage its remaining members. Based on her experiences, Tara’s advises incoming chapter leaders that a chapter “cannot succeed without a broader vision for the future, and it is crucial that the executive team recognizes the importance of adapting to best meet the needs of its membership.”

Meet Chris Wilkins and Dan Stam

Chris Wilkins graduated from the University of Montana with bachelor’s degrees in finance and marketing. Additionally, he minored in economics and earned an entrepreneurship certificate. He lists his current occupation as, “job hunter.”

Home: Billings, MT

Mortar Board chapter: Penetralia chapter

Favorite Mortar Board moment: Attending the 2010 Mortar Board National Conference

Major student activities: Student government; Finance Club; Marketing Club; Mortar Board; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Most recent achievement: Graduating from college with two degrees, a minor and a certificate

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about: I am in the planning stages of a 2-3 month backpacking trip through Europe. While there, I plan on seeing Notre Dame play in Dublin and the Olympics in London.

Hobby: Business planning, networking and camping

Last book(s) read: Your Marketing Sucks by Mark Stevens

Most-used web site(s): Facebook.com and the University of Montana’s website

Five adjectives that describe you: Adventurous, courageous, hilarious, spontaneous and dedicated

How your college experience changed your life: It opened my eyes to lifetime of opportunities.

Your favorite organization: Mortar Board, because of the passionate and dedicated people you can surround yourself with.

Advice you would give to new chapter leaders: I have learned a lot about myself and what it takes to be a great leader. I would stress to incoming chapter leaders the importance of time management and communication. Time management is important because it’s essential to plan Mortar Board events with plenty of time to spare. Communication is the most important aspect I would pass to an incoming leader. I have learned the importance of networking with other Mortar Board members that I met last summer. My close network of friends have relied on each other for motivation and answering questions on how to help their chapters succeed.

 ****

Dan Stam recently graduated from Northern Michigan University. He is currently studying for a doctor of physical therapy degree and is a medical first responder. He is proudly from Marquette County, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Mortar Board chapter: Telion chapter

Favorite Mortar Board moment: My favorite Mortar Board moment was receiving a very touching letter as a result of our chapter adopting a single mother and her two children over the Christmas holiday. For the first time, I realized that we can truly make a difference in other people’s lives, even if we never have the ability to meet them in person. My second favorite Mortar Board moment was a culmination of the entire initiation process—especially seeing the surprise on a new initiate’s face when tapped in front of his or her class, and having this opportunity to pass the torch to tomorrow’s leaders.

Major student activities: Mortar Board! I also had some very unique experiences as a student athletic trainer at the University of Notre Dame, at the United States Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Mich., and traveling and working within the National Football League as a summer intern.

Most recent achievement: Graduating summa cum laude from NMU this past May!

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about: A little-known fact is that I was a biology major with a concentration in aquatic and wildlife biology, prior to switching to sports medicine. At one time I was raising two salt-water catfish-sharks in a large aquarium. These sharks would have reached over 1 foot in length each, and were quite unique specimens, equipped with long whiskers and even mildly poisonous spines! This secret project of mine quickly came to an end once I began traveling a bit more. One day when I have more resources and free time I would love to create and maintain another underwater habitat!

Hobby: Tennis

Last book(s) read: Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Pathway to Widespread Recoveries and Savings by Ronald Donelson, M.D. (excellent book!). I have also been reading Brian Tracy’s Eat That Frog! and working on John Maxwell’s The 360 Degree Leader, a book on how to develop leadership from anywhere within an organization.

Most-used web site(s): My email, Google.com, YouTube.com, and research-related websites. Also, as a former chapter leader, I would highly recommend www.mortarboard.org!

Five adjectives that describe you: Ambitious, energetic, honest, detailed and compassionate

How your college experience changed your life: Can you believe that if one were to condense the entire world’s population into ten people, only one person would hold a college degree?  My undergraduate transition has been slightly bittersweet, yet, I am very proud of this accomplishment, and grateful for the people who have been in my life during this time. It truly has been a privilege. A privilege not to say, “I’ve done this,” but rather, I was given the opportunity to live, to learn and to serve for these past few years.

Fast forward to today, and my email inbox is filled with tempting potential opportunities to become involved as a new graduate student: to advocate on Capitol Hill, be a voice of change in legislative efforts or assist in disaster relief. Sometimes it (and college life) can be overwhelming, but these opportunities also say, “Here is the future.”

If there is one life-changing lesson I’ve learned while in college, it is that there is an entire world out there, far beyond our own homes and personal computers. There are daily battles fought with uncertainty, adversity, disease and debilitating injury, poverty, and homes and lives lost to natural disasters. Being one of the ten percent of people in this world to hold a college degree, how do we, of multiple disciplines and skills, make a difference? How do we become the change which we would ultimately like to see?

Your favorite organization: Mortar Board will always hold a special place. What Mortar Board gave me during college was a chance to get away. Rather than focusing completely on my career or the stressing aspects of everyday life, it allowed me to focus on the needs of my university and my community. Our chapter’s service events included reading books to children, raking leaves for an elderly couple and trick-or-treating for books to support a local library. And there is also the fact that Mortar Board is multidisciplinary and very diverse.

In just a few days, we will all have the opportunity to meet hundreds of new peers and potential mentors from across the United States. Graduate students, college seniors and college professors, all providing a wide spectrum of education and specialized training. For this weekend, these people will be brought together not to compete, but to cooperatively promote the pillars of scholarship, leadership and service.

Appreciating the value which each person and field of study brings while establishing lifelong friendships along the way—this commitment to its members is what truly sets Mortar Board apart.

Advice you would give to new chapter leaders: Take every opportunity, take pride in what you do, commit to serving a larger cause and give your members the very best experience possible. It’s what you put in that counts, and creating this experience is what you make it, regardless of the level of resources and prestige your university has available.

Meet Lori Cox and Mallory Meissner, conference assistants for the 2011 Mortar Board National Conference

Lori Cox graduated with a bachelor’s in business management from Texas Wesleyan University in 2011. She served as president of the Quadrangle chapter during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Home: Paradise, Texas

Mortar Board chapter: Quadrangle chapter

Favorite Mortar Board moment: Tapping our advisor Dr. Moore as an honorary Mortar Board member. She was so surprised and happy. We all cried many happy tears that day!

Most recent achievement: Graduating!

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about: I would like to start a corporation that provides employment and housing opportunities for the homeless, battered women and people with disabilities.

Hobby: Sailing, deep sea fishing and interior decorating

Last book(s) read: Marketing: Planning & Strategy by Subhash C. Jain

Most-used web site(s): Simpletruths.com and Google.com

Five adjectives that describe you: Encouraging, funny, cooperative, thoughtful and optimistic

How your college experience changed your life: My college experience has given me a new level of confidence in myself.

Advice you would give to new chapter leaders: I first would like the chapter leaders to know that organizing meetings and events, or at least having a tentative schedule, is very important.  Participation is key to a successful chapter and it involves all members taking part in the activities. Find ways to establish relationships with members. Establish committees--creative ideas come from here! Delegate tasks to keep cohesiveness among the chapter. You can get so much more accomplished with a lot of people involved as opposed to a select few in the chapter doing all of the work. Best of all have fun through it all!

Mallory Meissner graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and dance from the University of Alabama in 2011. She is currently an MBA student at the university.

Home: Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Mortar Board chapter: Hypatia chapter

Favorite Mortar Board moment: Being chosen to serve my chapter as vice president and being selected to serve Mortar Board as conference assistant for the 2011 Mortar Board National Conference.

Major student activities: The Blackburn Institute; The XXXI Women’s Honorary; The Anderson Society; Blue Key; Crimsonette: University of Alabama Million Dollar Band; and Pi Beta Phi Sorority

Most recent achievement: Interning for the city of Tuscaloosa’s planning and development department, where I assist in the recovery from the tornado of April 27.

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about: Establish a non-profit for arts or health education programs

Hobby: Dance, baton twirling and baking

Last book(s) read: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Most-used web site(s): Google.com

Five adjectives that describe you: Strategic, dedicated, analytical, activating and determined

How your college experience changed your life: My college experience helped me discover what I am passionate about where I want to be in the future,

Advice you would give to new chapter leaders: Capitalize on this amazing opportunity. Mortar Board affords its members many opportunities to excel within scholarship, service and leadership. As a chapter leader, hone in on these individual pillars of the organization and promote them within your local college and community. For scholarship, award excellence and encourage others to succeed. For leadership, strive to be the best leader you can be whether as a chapter officer or a distinguished active member of Mortar Board. For service, decide on one theme for the year and work diligently to make a difference. There is so much that a Mortar Board chapter can achieve within their year of active membership. Take advantage of this opportunity and make Mortar Board the catalyst to your future successes.

Bethany Rubin Henderson: visionary activist and developer of leaders

Bethany Rubin Henderson is a Mortar Board from the University of Pennsylvania, the founder and executive director of City Hall Fellows and a past recipient of a Mortar Board Alumni Achievement Award. Read more about how she has continued to live out the ideals and values of Mortar Board.

Home: I am a native of Baton Rouge, La., have spent the last 6 years in Los Angeles, Calif., and, as of December 2010, live in Alexandria, Va.

Education: B.A. and M.A., Political Science, University of Pennsylvania, 1998; J.D., Harvard Law School, 2002

Mortar Board chapter: Quaker, University of Pennsylvania, 1997

Favorite Mortar Board moment: Two stand out. First, my induction, which took place in a gorgeous old wood-paneled room in College Hall at the University of Pennsylvania; the beautiful, historic setting underscored the weight of the honor. Second, attending the 2010 National Conference, where I received my Alumni Achievement Award. The other alumni I met were fascinating people whom I’d otherwise never have had a chance to meet, and the energy of the student officers was palpable.

Major student activities (as an undergrad): Ultimate Frisbee (captain of the nationally competitive intercollegiate women’s team); Pi Beta Phi (membership chair, philanthropy chair); Panhellenic Council (executive vice president); Student Class Boards; Political Science Undergraduate Advisory Board

Profession: Visionary activist, developer of local civic leaders

Occupational title: Founder and executive director of City Hall Fellows

Most recent achievements:

Personal: My 2 incredible daughters, aged 2.5 years and 7 months

Professional: Raising over $2.5 million to support the recruitment, selection, training and support of 51 Fellows in three cities, Baton Rouge, Houston and San Francisco (San Francisco currently is in the process of selecting a fourth cohort.) To date, those 51 Fellows have worked more than 60,000 hours solving critical municipal problems and have each undergone more than 300 hours of training in the local policy process in their cities, as part of which they have collectively completed more than 50 pro bono consulting projects for city agencies and leaders. These Fellows have found ways to save their cities millions of dollars; authored local legislation that has improved public health delivery; assessed the shortcomings, proposed refinements to and enforced participation in groundbreaking policy initiatives like Bank on San Francisco and HealthySF; managed the implementation of new financial management and more eco-friendly and cost-efficient public water meter systems; designed and piloted anti-obesity, juvenile delinquent reform and gang prevention programs; and much more.

Professional recognition: 2011 Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Distinguished Alumni Award; 2011 Selah Social Justice Leadership Program–executive cohort; 2010 Mortar Board Alumni Achievement Award; 2010 New Leaders Council Fellow–Los Angeles; named to the 2010 Next American Vanguard by Next American City magazine; 2009 Echoing Green Fellow (an award for innovative new social entrepreneurs who have devised high-impact solutions addressing the root cause of social problems); Coaches' Prize in the 2009 Los Angeles Social Venture Partners Social Innovation Fast Pitch Competition.

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about: I’m not much into cooking, but I’ve taught myself how to cook a mean vindaloo. I’d like to go hang-gliding and learn how to fly a plane.

Hobby: Ultimate frisbee; my family; travel; exploring historical and cultural sites and going to restaurants everywhere I travel or live

Last book(s) read: The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Most-used web site(s): Dropbox.com, Facebook.com, Google Docs

Five adjectives that describe you: Audacious, determined, pragmatic, idealistic, enterprising.

How your college experience changed your life: During my junior year, Professors Ira Harkavy and Lee Benson introduced me to service-learning: a pedagogy that integrates an academic curriculum with meaningful hands-on, real-world experience that also benefits the community. It was a paradigm-shifting. It completely changed how I view the purpose and role of education at all levels. This impacted my experience of the rest of college and my course choices—in fact, I did an independent study exploring why the academy at large was not yet adopting service-learning, something I’m delighted to note has changed significantly since I graduated. It impacted my experience of law school—I wrote my 3L thesis, later published in the Journal of Legal Education, on the discord between the typical legal education and what lawyers do, and demonstrated how incorporating more service-learning practices could improve the legal profession. It also impacted my career choices, inspiring my design of City Hall Fellows and our over 300-hour civic leadership development curriculum.

Your favorite organization: City Hall Fellows, of course!

Meet Kunle Oguneye

Meet Kunle Oguneye, a Mortar Board from Valparaiso University. He is pictured above at the 2010 Mortar Board National Conference, where he received the prestigious Mortar Board Alumni Achievement Award.

Home: Renton, Washington

Education: B.A., Electrical Engineering, Valparaiso University

Mortar Board chapter: Gown & Gavel, Valparaiso University, 1996

Favorite Mortar Board moment: Addressing Mortar Board members at the National Conference 

Major student activities: I was on the board of the Valparaiso International Students Association for two years. 

Profession: Information technology professional, author, volunteer, entrepreneur with a cause

Occupational title: Senior Product Development Engineer

Most recent achievements: Founded Digital Aid, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to furnishing computers to schools in Africa; formed Blue Brush Media to provide entertainment and literature to black children; founded the Seattle chapter of The African Network; served on the board of the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest; and have received numerous awards for my first children’s book, Sikulu and Harambe by the Zambezi River: An African version of the Good Samaritan Story

What you have done, would like to do, or already do that no one but you knows about:  My retirement plan is to own a jazz club and invite the best known and unknown jazz players to perform.

Hobby: Reading, tennis, travel

Last book(s) read: The Nigeria - Biafra War Letters: A Soldier’s Story by Benjamin Adekunle

Most-used web site(s): LinkedIn.com

Five adjectives that describe you: Gregarious, funny, determined, unpredictable, dependable

How your college experience changed your life: I never expected to leave Nigeria and study in the United States.  At Valparaiso University, I was exposed to students and teachers from a variety of nationalities.  The diversity of thought was enlightening.  I learned that I could be an agent for change.  Indeed, I came to understand that I have a responsibility to be the change that I want to see.  

Your favorite organization: Mortar Board, because of the impact is has on the lives of young people. Mortar Board encourages its members to consider their opportunity and duty to help improve their societies. 

An exit and an entrance: reflections of an outgoing and incoming chapter president

Daniel Stam has led the Telion chapter at Northern Michigan University in Marquette as its president over the past year. Alex Wolfe has just been elected as the new chapter president. Read below for their thoughts on Mortar Board, reflections from the past year and hopes for the chapter’s future.

The Telion chapter at Northern Michigan University, class of 2010 - 2011

1. When did you first hear about Mortar Board? What was your first impression?

Daniel: Being a nontraditional student with a large accumulation of credits, I actually received an invitation to apply for the Northern Michigan University Telion Chapter my junior year of study. At the time, I was less familiar with the organization, and did not apply. However, receiving a second invitation going into my senior year, I decided to take the chance. My first impression began with the surprise of being tapped in front of my exercise physiology classmates. I knew immediately, even before I was elected president, that Mortar Board was going to be a very special experience.

As a new initiate I became involved in local service activities, including a scholastic book fair and a reading night at a local children’s museum. I thought: here is my opportunity to join with a top rate, nationally recognized organization and begin to truly give back to my community for the first time, having been so preoccupied with academic interests the remainder of my spare time. My initial impression was that of excitement and that the possibilities were endless.

Alex: I first heard about Mortar Board through my current organization, Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP). I wasn’t really sure what it was, but I knew that a lot of people who finished my leadership program had been selected by Mortar Board. Initially, it seemed like a great program that valued being involved in the community. This is very valuable to me and something I look for in a student group.

2. What has surprised you most about working with Mortar Board?

Daniel: What has surprised me most about working with Mortar Board has been its global and multidisciplinary approach. Rather than being surrounded strictly by people of your own academic and professional discipline, you have the opportunity to work side-by-side with successful students of business, marketing, biology, psychology, secondary education, and the list goes on. Everyone brings such a diverse skill set and résumé of experience. This truly emphasizes cooperation, teamwork and utilizing the diverse talents of the group. And to think that this carries over to a national level! As alumni we can continue on with this network as we go to graduate school and begin professional careers, and as alumni we can really make a difference in a world which will benefit from the ideals Mortar Board promotes.

Alex: The vast network that Mortar Board is what has surprised me. I had no idea that it was a national organization. Obviously there has been a lot of time and effort put into this organization which makes it very impressive. It makes my job a lot easier knowing that I have an incredible amount of resources out there to draw from.

3. What has been your favorite Mortar Board experience so far?

Daniel: From the time we had over 2,000 textbooks stacked to the ceiling in a small university storage closet, to the time we raked 37 bags of leaves in one afternoon for an elderly lady in the community to when our chapter adopted a single mother and her two children over the Christmas holiday and received a very touching letter as result—being a part of the Telion Chapter has given me many memorable experiences.

My favorite Mortar Board experience, however, has to be the initiation process. Seeing the surprise on a new initiate’s face when tapped in front of her class is wonderful. The night we digitally tapped two international study-abroad students via YouTube was also a great experience. The initiation weekend this year was also memorable, as we had Mortar Board Executive Director Jane Hamblin in town as our special guest.

I’ve had this tremendous experience to learn and develop, and now I have the opportunity to pass the torch to tomorrow’s leaders and see how much they will accomplish through similar ambition and excitement. I have a lot of confidence in the new officers.

Alex: I think hosting Mortar Board Executive Director Jane Hamblin was a very unique experience. It was the first time that Northern Michigan University had hosted somebody from the National Office. She led a leadership workshop and also attended our initiation. It was great to see the ideals and values of the leader of an organization. It made me even more excited to know that I was working with someone with similar views to my own, particularly as to leadership.

4. How have you (or will you) encouraged your Mortar Board class to develop meaningful connections with one another?

Daniel: Our chapter has learned to embrace and respect what each member has to bring. Our members and officers are involved in many disciplines and activities and have a great deal to offer. For example, our chapter’s vice president, who is also the leader of the Economics Student Association on campus, recently put on a major campus and community-wide forum on the economics of renewable energy sources. Our treasurer recently secured a clinical laboratory science internship at the Mayo Clinic. Our secretary will be going on next year to pursue a clinical doctorate in psychology.

There is this theme that we are all part of a greater whole, and our Mortar Board network should not begin and end with our senior year of undergraduate study.

Alex: One of the most encouraging things that I have been hearing with the new members is that they would really like to be involved with Mortar Board. The fact that people are placing Mortar Board so high on the list of their priorities is outstanding. Our executive board wants to focus on creating a united group. We might form a social committee to add opportunities for Mortar Boards to get to know each other outside of our chapter projects and campus events. I believe that a more cohesive group is a better functioning group.

5. Your chapter has focused a lot on visibility and recruitment on your campus, and you have had a lot of success.

What have been the keys to your success?

Daniel: I truly think that the key to success has just been hard work, initiative and not being afraid to try new things. Last summer, we specifically reached out and requested a National Office visit. Putting your chapter on the “map” doesn’t necessarily require having lots of exclusive resources and prestige. It’s about having the vision that we can make the change we want, and to seek it out until it has been achieved.

I am very excited for our new chapter president, Alex Wolfe, who is very involved in other campus activities, including the nationally recognized Student Leadership Fellowship Program. The assistant director of Northern Michigan’s SLFP, Jon Barch, is a Mortar Board alumnus and actually co-presented on the “Leadership Link” with Jane Hamblin during initiation weekend. Establishing these connections, expanding Mortar Board’s role on campus and in the community, and building off of what the previous year accomplished will be a key component to our chapter’s strategic planning in the next few years.

How do you think you will continue that momentum (new president to answer)?

Alex: I think the best way to continue the success of the group is to get out and make our presence known through volunteering and pursuing other activities within the campus community. Dan and the past chapter leaders have done an outstanding job through putting on workshops and other events and service projects. I hope to expand upon that through continuing and adding to some of our chapter activities. There are so many different volunteering opportunities in Marquette (the city that is home to Northern Michigan University), and I believe that we can really put our name out there. Collaborating with SLFP and the university’s volunteer center will help put our name out on campus even more.

6. As you have transitioned offices in the chapter, what tips would you pass on for others?

Daniel: As president I have two large binders with National Office documents and chapter historical documents. These binders have been passed along from year to year during transitions. I also have electronic files including all agendas, minutes, and national report forms, from the past three years of this chapter. Alex has received these materials and we met to discuss chapter operations, fundraising and priorities for next year.

Tips I would suggest to other chapters: make a tradition, keep it structured, cover the essentials and encourage your new officers to remain in contact! I have consulted with last year’s president from time to time, and this communication has opened up the opportunity for our chapter to do a very unique “Living History” project at a local assisted living home. The new Mortar Boards will be continuing this next year. Alumni are certainly a good resource!

7. As a new president, how will you keep connected to your fellow Mortar Boards over the summer?

Alex: We discussed this topic at our final meeting recently. Obviously, e-mail will be very important. We are also planning on putting out a few information tables at the various campus orientations. We have a variety of ways to stay in touch and maintain our campus visibility until the whole group is back in the fall.

8. How will you, as an alumnus, remain connected to Mortar Board?
Daniel: Very good question! I am honored to say that this upcoming summer I will be serving as a conference assistant at the Mortar Board National Conference. This will be a great opportunity to seek out future opportunities and to meet Mortar Boards from all parts of the country! I will be presenting at the Chapter Solutions preconference workshop on Thursday with a group of my executive board officers on the topic of putting your chapter on the map.

I will continue to apply for Mortar Board fellowships, as I am pursuing graduate studies. This is a fantastic organization and it has given me opportunities to learn and grow. I hope to be involved with Mortar Board for a long time to come, and my next step is to look for opportunities to serve on a national committee or, some day, a section coordinator opening.

I will be studying for my clinical doctorate in physical therapy next fall and want to continue working for a Ph.D.—so I have plenty more school ahead of me. I have a lot of passion for academics and there is a great deal more I would like to commit to Mortar Board. My experience as a chapter president is over, but I would like for this to be more of a beginning than an end.

9. What would you say to freshman or sophomore students who are interested in Mortar Board?

Daniel: The ideals of Mortar Board are scholarship, leadership and service; and these primary criteria are what get you accepted into our Mortar Board chapter. I would suggest to them to make the most out of their time leading up to senior year. Not just in the classroom, but outside of it. Personally I feel like I didn’t really truly appreciate the value of service to our campus and local community until my year with Mortar Board. And the year goes by so incredibly quickly. Embrace the ability to give back to others, because it is a gift. Make the most out of every opportunity, thank the ones who helped you to get to where you are, and exemplify those qualities which make someone say, “If you want to get something done, give it to a Mortar Board.”

Alex: I would say take the time to find your passions and values in life. You aren’t able to reach your full potential until you are doing something that you love. Once you find this passion, do whatever you can to pursue it. Everything else will happen to fall into place. You’ll have that intrinsic motivation that will help you succeed in whatever you want, and particularly in Mortar Board. While getting into Mortar Board is no easy task, I believe that having something to get you through the tough times that college can bring is necessary. In addition to that, go serve your community. I believe that community service is a fundamental necessity to happiness in one’s life. Marquette has a great community and I have been so lucky to serve it over the past three years in a number of ways.

Taking a moment to say thanks

vol·un·teer

–noun

1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.

It’s national volunteer week! We would like to take a moment to thank the many people who volunteer their time and give so much of themselves to living out Mortar Board’s ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.

To our National Council: Thank you for the energy and dedication you bring to stewarding our Society. You share your time and immense talent to move the mission and vision of our Society forward.

To the trustees of the Mortar Board National Foundation: Mortar Boards do more because of you. Whether it is through the funds you raise for fellowship programs, chapter project grants, or for our other leadership and service initiatives, you help provide the opportunity for our chapters, members and alumni to continue their pursuit of excellence. Thank you.

To our section coordinators: You are an invaluable resource to our chapters and to Mortar Board as a national organization. Thank you for keeping us connected to each other and helping preserve the rich history and traditions of our Society. 

To our committee chairs and those involved with the strategic plan:  Your dedication to the governance of our Society and foresight in how we can plan for the future will benefit Mortar Boards everywhere.  Thank you for sharing your time and talents in building the future of Mortar Board.

To our historical publication committee: In preparation for Mortar Board’s centennial, you are spending countless hours to document the rich histories of our collegiate and alumni chapters. Through your work, you will share our story.

To our chapter advisors: Every year, you take an already amazing group of scholar-leaders and help channel and direct their energy and talent. Under your guidance, students fulfill the high expectations of Mortar Board members and gain experiences they will carry with them forever.

To our members: Your Mortar Board experience helped teach you that leadership is much more than just a title: Mortar Boards lead by example. During your year of collegiate membership, you recognize the importance of serving your college or university. Beyond college, you become leaders in your communities and promote our ideals through your service. Through you, Mortar Board fulfills its mission to encourage lifelong contributions to the global community.

The Mortar Board National Office honors the work of our volunteers and those who exemplify our ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. We thank you for all you share with us!