This week, the Nu Kappa Tau chapter of Mortar Board celebrates Mortar Board Week, a week aimed at increasing awareness of the organization.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that seeks to recognize seniors for their outstanding achievement and contributions to their campus and the community as a whole. They promote continued leadership development and strive to instill in their members a sense of lifelong service. This is reflected in their motto; “scholars chosen for leadership, united to serve.”

Mortar Board was founded on Feb. 15, 1918 and since its inception, 250,000 members have been initiated nationwide, and there are currently 228 collegiate chapters. The University of Miami chapter, Nu Kappa Tau was founded May 17, 1937 by the first Dean of Women, Mary B. Merritt. It was initially founded as the highest honor for women. Mortar Board has since then become co-ed and is still one of the highest honors at the University of Miami.

Members of Mortar Board are students who are nominated by their peers, faculty or administrators who are then chosen for induction into this honor society; only a select few students are extended an invitation to join each year.

Upcoming this week, Mortar Board has two events that you do not want to miss.

• Thursday Feb. 13, 2014 they will be tabling in the breezeway with baked goods. Students will be able to meet the members and find out more about what this elite organization has to offer.
• Also this Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Maldonado Apartment, Mortar Board will be hosting a leadership panel. This panel will seek to inspire freshman and provide them with examples of how they can further get involved on campus. Some of the members of the panel include Danny Barry (AGLO Chair), Bhumi Patel (SG President), and Karam Alawa (HEC 2013-2014 Chair).

Whether you stop by their table in the breezeway, attend their leadership panel, or both, make take to take part in Mortar Board Week. For more information on Mortar Board, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/umiamimortarboard

words_taylor duckett. illustration_courtesy of the Nu Kappa Tau chapter of Mortar Board.