Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society announced that collegiate chapter Delta Alpha at the University of Missouri – Kansas City again this year earned the coveted Gold Torch Award. This award is a national distinction conferred upon Mortar Board’s most exceptional chapters. The award was presented to chapter delegates at the Society’s annual national conference, held earlier this month in Phoenix.

Mortar Board’s executive director, Jane Hamblin, explains, “Gold Torch chapters add considerably to Mortar Board’s standing… They are providing high-impact educational programs for their campus communities. That’s what Mortar Board is all about.”
Distinguished chapters must excel in chapter operations and promote scholarship, leadership and meaningful service to their institutions. Only 36 chapters, including Kansas State University in the Midwest, received the 2015 Mortar Board Gold Torch.

UMKC’s Chapter President, Klorissa Kavan, shares why the Chapter was primed to receive this honor:  “Mortar Board has worked hard over the last few years to develop a pivotal role on campus and in the local community. The Golden Torch Award is only given to the top 5% of Mortar Board chapters across the nation and I think that speaks volumes of our efforts as an organization. This past summer, we were also a nominee for the Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award, the highest distinction presented to the best chapter in the nation. It really is an honor to work with such committed and inspiring individuals right here at UMKC. Abiding by our three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service, we use these pillars as a guide for all we do as an organization. As a member of the current chapter, I believe that Mortar Board will have one of the best chapters yet this coming year.”

Andy Best, Communications Chair, indicates that the “deciding factor was how UMKC worked together with the school to put on events and be an active part of the school community. Not only did it allow for more events, but we also got to see a relationship and mutual respect form between UMKC and the Mortar Board organization. Watching that connection grow was one sign that we were on the right track.”

About Mortar Board
Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Since its founding in 1918, more than a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 231 chartered chapters across the nation. Mortar Board provides its members with opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Some notable Mortar Board members include professional football player and philanthropist Drew Brees, former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and award-winning actor Marion Ross. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.