OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi chapter of Mortar Board, an honor society for college seniors, recently won two top honors during the national organization’s annual awards program.
The UM Tassels chapter met all the requirements necessary for a Gold Torch Award. The group also was named the Freeman and Fox Most Improved Chapter. Mortar Board chapters exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.
“The chapter began the 2021-22 academic year with the principle, ‘Begin with the end in mind,’ etched in our collective conscience, and everything undertaken throughout the year was predicated on improving the chapter and strengthening the membership,” said Brent Marsh, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students who serves as the chapter adviser.
“This special recognition is a testament to the determined effort of the officers and support of the members and our alumni.”
Accomplishments for which the chapter excelled in the area of scholarship included initiating 51 new members during the 2021-22 academic year, having three members chosen as Truman Scholarship finalists and one student as a Goldwater Scholarship finalist. Leadership achievements included the induction of two members into the Ole Miss student Hall of Fame.
Excellence in service for which the chapter was honored included serving as greeters for a campus diversity lecture and hosting its annual tradition, The Last Lecture, to conclude the academic year.
“We would not be receiving these awards without the hard work and dedication of Langston Ables (2021-22 president) and Dr. Marsh,” said Kelly Li, the chapter’s 2022-23 president. “They are a testament as to why all students should apply to join this honors society and be a part of what we are building.
“I am excited to keep growing our chapter of Mortar Board with new future members and continue representing and doing great things for our university, community and state.”
Areas in which the Tassels chapter showed significant improvements included membership selection, orientation and officer transition, programming and visibility.