2010-2011 Mortar Board Fellows announced

Mortar Board National Foundation Chair Sally Steadman, Ph.D., announced that $39,500 has been awarded to 11 exceptional members furthering their graduate education during the 2010-2011 academic year. In applauding this year’s Mortar Board fellows, Dr. Steadman said, “The brilliance of these scholar-leaders is matched only by the generosity of the donors and partners of the Mortar Board National Foundation. It is gratifying to know that we are continuing a nearly 70-year tradition of support for advanced study by the brightest graduates in the United States.”

Each year, the Mortar Board National Foundation awards fellowships to assist members in financing their graduate studies. Since the establishment of the fellowship program in 1941, more than $600,000 has been awarded to help members pursue graduate or professional school. Annually, members are chosen to receive these fellowships based on a history of academic excellence, strong recommendation, scholarly promise, financial need and Mortar Board involvement.

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Mortar Board remembers first executive secretary

Mortar Board sadly acknowledges the passing of Donna Mae Walls (The Ohio State University, 1968), the first executive secretary of our great Society.

Donna was tapped for Mortar Board in the spring of 1968 at The Ohio State University. She proudly donned her pin and, after graduation, became an active member of the Greater Columbus Mortar Board Alumni Chapter.

Just a short time later, in 1970, Mortar Board delegates voted to open a National Office at Ohio State. Donna quickly became a major player in this revolutionary change for Mortar Board, and was named the Society’s first-ever executive secretary, a title now known as executive director. During her tenure, she edited the Mortar Board Forum magazine, maintained financial records and helped to install several new Mortar Board chapters.

Donna resigned in 1975 and went on to substitute teach within the Columbus City Schools system and work for Omni Health Care. All the while, she continued her involvement with local Mortar Board alumni activities. Donna died Monday, June 21, 2010, in her residence.

The National Council of Mortar Board extends its condolences to Donna’s family and friends with deep regard for her undying service to the Society that she loved so much.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ohio State University Foundation, 709 Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 and note on the check that it should be directed to Mortar Board Alumni Endowment Fund 605413.

RSVP before July 12 to join us at the 2010 Candlelight Banquet

Mortar Board alumnae and alumni are invited to join national leaders, current chapter leaders, advisors and friends at Mortar Board's biggest event of the year: the Candlelight Banquet held at the 2010 Mortar Board National Conference in Chicago.

This semi-formal banquet will feature guest speakers, recognize outstanding collegiate chapters, and honor members with the Distinguished Lifetime Membership Award and the Alumni Achievement Award.

Location: Marriott O'Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631
Date/time: Saturday, July 24, 2010 (7 p.m. - 9 p.m. )
Price: $45 per plate, guests welcome
RSVP: Please RSVP to conference@mortarboard.org on or before Monday, July 12 to reserve your space and indicate any dietary restrictions.
Attire: Semi-formal

Checks for payment can be made payable to Mortar Board and submitted by mail to 1200 Chambers Road, Suite 201, Columbus, OH 43212. You may also pay with your credit card by calling 800-989-6266 or 614-488-4094.

Know what healthcare legislation means to recent graduates and their families

Whether you recently graduated, are preparing for graduate school or are currently between jobs, you may find yourself with a lapse in your healthcare coverage because you are no longer covered by your school-sponsored or employer's health insurance plans. Thanks to new healthcare reform legislation, this gap can be prevented. Recent college graduates are able to remain on or re-enroll in a parent’s health insurance plan until they are 26 years old. However, the bill doesn’t go into effect until September of 2010.

If you find yourself with such a gap, you should fully explore your options for health insurance. Not having the proper healthcare coverage can result in costly medical bills. According to a recent study, excessive medical bills are the reason for more than 60 percent of bankruptcies in the U.S.

Mortar Board has partnered with GradGuard, who offers an affordable solution for short-term medical insurance that can be purchased on a month-to-month basis. Don’t allow your coverage to lapse without knowing your options. Some benefits and features of GradGuard’s Short Term Medical insurance include:

• Free Quotes
• Choice of payment plan
• Flexible plan length
• Keep your current doctor and facilities
• No paperwork - our quote process is online
• Next day coverage available

Click here to get started and get your quote!

KODA - a refreshing employer-matching system that will help you find your next job

If you are unemployed, or if you're unhappy at your current job, relax. Have you stopped and thought about the variety of paths that are available? What about work environment - you're going to be spending a lot of time at work, so what do you want your office and co-workers to be like?

You can explore job opportunities in a better way on KODA, the online community for employers and young professionals. Recruiters from companies like New York Life, Yelp, GEICO, Agilent and IDEO are trying to hire you. They're scouring the KODA community for possible recruits, so create a profile and connect with them. Find out what these employers are about, and starting to understand your options. Join today - it's free. 

Mortar Board historical book in research stages

Do you have great Mortar Board stories, photos or memorabilia?  Or, would you like to serve as a chapter's permanent historical liaison to assist with the book? Please contact the national Historical Publication Committee at history@mortarboard.org as they prepare for the publication of Mortar Board's centennial history book.
Learn more here.