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Introducing Mortar Board's third executive director: Jane Hamblin
Dan praised the work of the Executive Director Search Committee in securing a candidate with the right expertise for the position. He explained, "Jane has a rich understanding of higher education, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, team-building and Mortar Board. The National Council has the utmost confidence in her ability to provide leadership for Mortar Board and help us move to the next level." Jane brings both higher education administration and nonprofit association experience to her role as Mortar Board’s executive director. Her specialties include leadership program development, membership cultivation and service delivery, and development. Jane hails from Indiana, and holds a B.S. from Purdue University (where she was a Mortar Board member) and a J.D. from Indiana University. She has complemented her background in student affairs and leadership program development with experience in writing, editing and publishing. Purdue University, Indiana University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County and Trinity Washington University are the higher education institutions where she has honed her expertise. Jane brings to her new role a mix of practical experience in and joyful enthusiasm for Mortar Board. Jane fondly reminisces about her selection to the Society, something she only dreamed could happen. Tapped at her sorority house (she is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi) by three confident Mortar Board members, Jane remembers a blurry rush of applause, hugs and the feeling she was floating on air. "Only when I joined my new Mortar Board friends at a reception on campus late that evening, did reality set in," Jane happily recalled. "Being in Mortar Board, however, continued to be a dream!" Her love for Mortar Board did not stop there. Jane served as the senior advisor of the Barbara Cook chapter of Mortar Board at Purdue for 17 years and now joins the staff to lead the renowned Society as it marches toward its centennial. "Many years ago I used to tell people that being the executive director of Mortar Board was the perfect job," laughs Jane. "Now I get the chance to prove that it’s true. Working with leaders whose intellect and passion know no limits – its perfect!" Search Committee Chair Jane Beyer explained, "We were fortunate to have a significant number of very qualified individuals express interest in the Mortar Board executive director opportunity. As we moved through the search process, however, Jane Hamblin’s qualifications enabled her to emerge quickly to the forefront." Jane has been on the staff of the Council of Graduate Schools and the American Association for Higher Education, where she developed systems for growing members and donors. At the American Dental Education Association, Jane led the team that managed conferences, membership operations, member services, media, marketing and publications. As "friendraiser-in-chief" for the Starke County Community Foundation, she further enhanced her skills in endowment building and grant making. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and holds its coveted Certified Association Executive distinction. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Her leadership bywords are, "People help support what they help create." Jane Hamblin will begin her time as executive director on November 16. Learn more about Jane in the upcoming edition of the Mortar Board Forum, set to arrive in homes in early December. Sign up for your subscription now to ensure that you receive this magazine or update your newsletter preferences to be notified when the electronic edition is available. Furthering your education? Apply for a national fellowship. Each year, the Mortar Board National Foundation awards fellowships to members of all ages in order to assist in financing their postgraduate education. Thousands of dollars will be available for Mortar Board fellowships for the 2010-2011 academic year, with applications due on or before January 31, 2010. Recipients are chosen for academic excellence, recommendation, promise, financial need and Mortar Board involvement. Since the establishment of the Mortar Board fellowship program in 1941, more than $500,000 has been awarded to members pursuing further study in graduate or professional school.
Help low-income children learn to read by participating in the Mortar Board Virtual Book Drive by Nov. 16 Illiteracy is linked to nearly every major socioeconomic crisis today. Children who cannot read are statistically more likely as adults to suffer poor health, struggle in the job market, rely on government assistance, and find themselves in the criminal justice system. Since 2002, Mortar Board has made a national commitment to combat illiteracy with the "Reading is Leading" initiative.
Please help Mortar Board reach a goal of $30,000 so that books can be provided to children from low-income families across the nation. Ways to donate
Mortar Board welcomes Illinois Wesleyan University as 228th chapter After a thorough application process, Mortar Board National President Daniel J. Turner has announced that Illinois Wesleyan University has been selected to host the 228th chartered chapter of Mortar Board. In order to have the privilege of obtaining a Mortar Board charter, an institution must be accredited, grant baccalaureate degrees, have support of the university administration, host official visits by a national representative of Mortar Board, and be voted upon by the organization’s board of directors, the National Council. Additionally, the group should serve as an active honor society that continues to make significant contributions to college and community life. Illinois Wesleyan University's charter has been unanimously approved by the Mortar Board National Council. The chapter has selected the name "EGAS" to commemorate EGAS, the university’s inactive local senior women’s honor society, which is being incorporated into Mortar Board. All of the chapter's 220 former members will be invited to become full members of Mortar Board at this time. The group will officially become a chartered chapter at a special installation ceremony held on Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m. in the Davidson Room of the Memorial Center located at 104 E. University Street in Bloomington. At this time, 22 collegiate members and will be inducted into the Society. |
Note to members The Mortar Board National Office wants to know all about you - awards, new jobs, accomplishments, life events, and more! Update us using an easy online form or by sending an e-mail.
Find an alumni chapter
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@mortarboad.org as they prepare for the publication of Mortar Board's centennial history book. Is your alma mater in the "spotlight"? During the academic year, Mortar Board recognizes a chapter for its excellence each month. A list of honorees is available online. |
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| Mortar Board alumni spotlight | ||||||
Shontrai DeVaughn Irving
Shontrai is devoted to scholarship. He received his M.A. and J.D. from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2003 and received his M.B.A. from Purdue University in 2009. His ultimate academic goal is to earn a Ph.D. in law and social sciences from Indiana University. He currently works in the legal profession as an attorney at State Farm Insurance. He is a true leader who has used his experience and influence as a lawyer to make a difference in his community. His leadership shone as an undergraduate with his campus involvement as a student activist and leader. Upon his graduation from Indiana University, Shontrai was named "Most Valuable Graduate" by the Indiana Daily Student, presented with the Elvis J. Stahr Distinguished Senior award, and was a winner of the Dr. Martin Luther King Public Speaking/Essay Contest. When it comes to service, Shontrai’s heart lies with the needs of children. While working as a prosecutor in Lake County, Indiana, he witnessed the horrible neglect and abuse that some children endure. Since, he has served as a single foster father to four children from ages 2-8 and been incredibly involved in the foster care system. In 2007, he was named Indiana’s Foster Parent of the Year. An activist for children, he is a member of several foster care organizations, has spoken with local legislators about foster care and has even appeared on the Star Jones television show to make people aware of the needs of children. Beyond his love for children, Shontrai also devotes a large portion of this time to making positive contributions by volunteering for community organizations and initiatives, donating to numerous charitable organizations, and encouraging students by serving as a public speaker at local schools. Over the years, Shontrai has been presented with countless awards. His legal skills have been recognized with the both Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the Defense Council of Indiana and the Up and Coming Lawyer Award from Indiana Lawyer in 2007. He is the first and only person to receive both of these awards. His leadership has been honored with the Honorable Viola J. Taliaferro Award, bestowed upon an attorney who exemplifies Judge Taliaferro’s courageous, visionary leadership in addressing the unmet legal needs of children. Each year at the Mortar Board National Conference, alumni members are honored with either the Alumni Achievement Award or the Distinguished Lifetime Membership Award. Nominations are accepted through March 15 of the award year. To nominate yourself or another alumna/alumnus to be honored in 2010, please use this form. |
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National President Daniel J. Turner announced that Mortar Board has named Jane Hamblin to lead the Society as its third executive director.
Now in its second year, the 
