DATE: September 18, 2007

CONTACT: Brenda Vander Mey, (864) 656-3821
vanmey@clemson.edu

WRITER: Alex Hill, (864) 656-2061
ahill2@clemson.edu

Clemson University’s Mortar Board chapter receives award

CLEMSON — The Order of Athena chapter of Mortar Board at Clemson University was presented with the Silver Torch Award for the academic school year of 2006-2007 at its recent national conference.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service.  It provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community.

The chapter from Clemson University was one of 51 to take home the Silver Torch Award.  It was selected for its timeliness and dedication while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. Caroline Mason, 2007-2008 chapter president, was there to accept the award on behalf of the group.

“I was surprised and gratified that our chapter has been recognized at the national level for two years in a row! Mortar Board students excel not only in scholarship, but also in leadership and service.  They exemplify the citizen-scholar, and our chapter has done some very impressive work on behalf of the larger community. I am honored to be their adviser,” said sociology professor Brenda Vander Mey.

The chapter also was recognized with an award for its “Reading is Leading” community-based project.