University of Washington Tolo chapter receives Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award

2009-2010 Chapter President Doug McManaway, Advisor Margot Smith and 2008-2009 Chapter President Nicole Fernandez pose with John T. Mount and his granddaughter Amy Giles as they accept the Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award at the 2009 Mortar Board National Conference.

The outstanding Tolo chapter, which celebrated its centennial this year, was selected as the 2009 Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award recipient.

Chosen by a selection committee for continually going above and beyond in supporting the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service, it is apparent that the group truly embodies a tradition of chapter excellence.

Scholarship is supported by recognizing faculty with the annual "Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award," hosting educational forums and fundraising for an endowed scholarship fund. Leadership shines through with the chapter's numerous campus projects, award-winning students and alumni collaboration. Finally, the chapter is devoted to service and shows it in a variety of ways: cleaning up the university district, volunteering at shelters and food banks, supporting the national "Reading is Leading" literacy initiative and more.

Newly-elected National Council members welcomed

Alumni Representative Bridget Williams Golden, Alumni Representative Jane Beyer, Student Representative Lindsey DePra, Vice President Abigail Diehl, Secretary-Treasurer Angela Schrader, President-Elect Susan Caples, President Dan Turner, Student Representative Joseph Rodriguez

More than 20 outstanding collegiate and alumni members vied for five open spots on the Mortar Board National Council at the society's 2009 National Conference held in Chicago, July 24-26.

The newly-elected candidates are:

• President-elect: Susan Herndon Caples (The University of Alabama, made honorary in 2006)
• Vice president: Abigail Diehl (The Pennsylvania State University, initiated in 1995)
• Secretary-treasurer: Angela Schrader (University of Wyoming, initiated in 1998)
• Alumni representative: Bridget Williams Golden (Purdue University, initiated in 1997)
• Student representative: Lindsey DePra (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, initiated in 2009)

Returning National Council members include:

• President: Daniel J. Turner (Northern Illinois University, initiated in 1994)
• Alumni representative: Jane Beyer (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, initiated in 1980)
• Student representative: Joseph Rodriguez (University of Arizona, initiated in 2008)

You may learn more about the National Council or choose to contact a National Council member using a contact list on the website.

Help low-income children learn to read by participating in the Mortar Board Virtual Book Drive

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.

Now in its second year, the Virtual Book Drive is a part of that initiative, allowing Mortar Board chapters, members, alumni and friends to participate. By contributing just $2 through nonprofit program First Book, a brand-new book can be provided to a child from a low-income background who otherwise would not have access. The average cost of a children's book from a national book retailer is more than three times this price.

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

• Online at www.firstbook.org/mortarboard - Simply fill out an easy online form by November 16, select the amount you would like to donate and credit either your collegiate chapter or a nearby chapter with the donation.
• Check or money order - Complete an online donation form by November 16 and mail your donation to First Book, Campus Advisory Boards, 1319 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC, 20004.  To ensure proper credit of donations, please indicate your desired collegiate chapter and location. 

Is graduate school right for me?

QS World MBA Tour and World Grad School Tour are working with Mortar Board to help you find the answer to the lingering question: "is graduate school right for me?"

The QS Grad School Tour is a series of half-day fairs for prospective graduate students interested in master's or Ph.D. programs. The fair is an opportunity for you to learn more about what graduate study entails and to explore the myriad of programs and fields of study.

The QS World MBA Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to meet admissions officers of international and national top-tier universities at a multitude of venues across the globe.

The Mortar Board VIP Pass offers you immense benefits: complimentary entry to both the World MBA Tour and World Grad School Tour, the opportunity to win $1.6 million worth of exclusive scholarships, meet prestigious national and international business school admissions officers, attend GMAT seminars, and participate in sample MBA classes.

So, why not jumpstart your career and gain a competitive advantage?
Join us at the QS World MBA and World Grad School Tour 2009 this fall!

To learn more, please visit topmba.com or topgradschools.com.

Chapters honored at 2009 Mortar Board National Conference

Each year, Mortar Board honors outstanding chapters with a number of awards at the annual national conference:

• Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award - This highest possible chapter achievement is awarded based on chapter operations, participation, selection, advising, visibility and communications.
• Most Improved Chapter Award - This award recognizes chapter success during the year while re-establishing and re-invigorating programming and membership.
• Golden Torch Award - Awarded to chapters meeting all the requirements for the Silver Torch Award who excel beyond the minimum, exemplifying scholarship, leadership and service.
• Silver Torch Award - Awarded to chapters meeting chapter minimum standards
• Project Excellence Awards - Chapters or sections with excellent events exhibiting Mortar Board's ideals of scholarship, leadership and service are honored.

To see if your alma mater was honored with an award at the 2009 Mortar Board National Conference, please check this list.

Learn more about national awards here
View a list of all the 2008-2009 recipients

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
or
Start a new 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. 
Learn more here.

John T. Mount
The Ohio State University, Made honorary in 1983
2009 Mortar Board Distinguished Lifetime Membership Award recipient

John was one of the first male members of The Ohio State University chapter, initiated as an honorary member in 1981.  While many honorary members simply accept this great honor and move forward, John served in an active role alongside the collegiate members, raising funds and participating in events.  Both prior to and since his initiation, John has provided superior service to all of Mortar Board’s levels.

John is the widower of former national president Ruth Weimer Mount, for whom Mortar Board’s highest chapter award is named and an endowed fellowship is awarded annually (thanks to John).  He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1941. After, he served in WWII as a naval officer, obtained a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and returned to OSU as an assistant professor in agricultural extension education.  Beginning in 1960, he held four different vice presidency positions at OSU: for the university, for educational services, for student life and for regional campuses.  Following his 1983 retirement, John still serves as vice president emeritus for regional campuses, dean emeritus for university college and senior volunteer associate for university development. 

John has constantly been a voice of reason and encouragement, giving extraordinary service to Mortar Board.  Prior to 1970, the Mortar Board National Office did not exist. As a result of the influence of John and other Ohio State leaders, Mortar Board was able to call an Ohio State campus building its home for three years.  After that time, he assisted with the search that resulted in Mortar Board’s current office space.  He was instrumental in both the 75th anniversary of the Ohio State chapter, raising funds to develop a Mortar Board Court on campus and the 75th anniversary of the national society, helping to plan a memorable celebration that coincided with the national conference.  John was even responsible for convincing Sandra Day O’Connor to attend the 1983 Mortar Board National Conference to accept her National Citation Award. 

His service is certainly not limited to Mortar Board.  The Ohio State University has recognized John with the Distinguished Service Award, the John B. Gerlach Award, the Gordon Gee Spirit Award and the Ohio Staters Founders Award.  He has been a vital player in Ohio 4-H, directing the first state 4-H leadership camps and helping to establish the Ohio 4-H Foundation.  He has served as an outstanding role model to 4-H members and received numerous awards and honors, including induction in the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame.  With Ruth Weimer Mount, he received the first Volunteer Philanthropist of the Year Award from the central Ohio chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

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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