Award Opportunities

There are a number of awards available, both through the national office and our chapter, including:

National Awards

Silver Torch Award - This honor is awarded to chapters meeting chapter minimum standards, as outlined in the Bylaws.

Golden Torch Award - This mark of distinction is given to chapters meeting all the requirements for the Silver Torch Award and which excel beyond the minimum, exemplifying scholarship, leadership and service. A chapter must be nominated to receive this award.

Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award - This award is the highest possible honor given in chapter achievement. The receiving chapter is chosen based on chapter operations, participation, selections, advising, visibility and communications. A chapter that receives this award is not eligible again until five years have passed since they last received the award. Qualifications include:

  • Be represented by a delegate at the national conference
  • Practice timely submission of all reports to the National Office
  • Complete all college/university and Mortar Board financial obligations
  • Have a current chapter Web site
  • Submit an application for a Project Excellence Award
  • Complete the national project, involving a minimum of 75 percent chapter member participation
  • Sponsor an alumni event, alumni newsletter or co-sponsor a service project with another Mortar Board chapter
  • Practice an excellent selection process (following procedures, diversity in membership, consideration of a large pool of candidates relative to campus size, selection of a relatively “full” chapter size)
  • Have active advisor(s)
  • Be in good financial standing
  • Have campus visibility
  • Have established traditions
  • Have an effective communications system within the chapter

Most Improved Chapter Award - The purpose of the award is to encourage chapter development and to recognize a chapter that has achieved success during the year while re-establishing and re-invigorating programming and membership. For consideration to receive this award, a chapter may self-nominate or shall be nominated by their section coordinator.

Project Excellence Awards - Section coordinators may nominate outstanding projects, or chapters may self-nominate events they have executed throughout the academic year to receive this award. To be considered, chapters must have accounts cleared and meet the chapter minimum standards.

Excellence in Advising Awards - Advisors are honored annually at the national conference for exemplifying the ideals of Mortar Board by providing excellent service, guidance and support to a collegiate chapter. These outstanding advisors must be nominated.

Chapter Web Site Awards - Each year, Mortar Board honors outstanding chapter web sites at the annual national conference. Winners are selected for the 'Best Overall' and 'Most Improved' categories.

Chapter Awards

Paulsen-Weber-Young New Member Scholarship - The Fayetta Paulsen chapter awards and annual scholarship up to $500 to a member of that year's incoming cohort. The award is given based on the student's prior accomplishments in the fields of leadership, scholarship and service. Students apply for the scholarship at the time they apply to become members. Applicants answer a series of essay questions which are reviewed by the scholarship committee. Following the application is an interview. At the conclusion of the review process, the successful applicant is announced at the spring induction ceremony. Winners include:

  • 2007 - 2008 Cohort - Darcy Filho
  • 2008 - 2009 Cohort - Megan Wilson

President's 'Stole the Scene' Award - Chapter President Vernon Langford began this award with the 2006-2007 cohort. The award is given to the member that went above and beyond the membership requirements laid out in the Constitution and most embodied the values of scholarship, leadership and service. The recipient of the award receives a certificate and a free graduation stole to wear at commencement. The award is presented at the end of the academic year. Winners include:

  • 2008 - Sarah Anderson & Robin Valpey