Laurel Chapter of Baylor's Mortar Board Receives National Recognition

November 20, 2012
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Contact: Lori Fogleman, Director of Media Communications, (254) 710-6275
WACO, Texas (Nov. 5)--The Laurel chapter of Baylor University's Mortar Board was among the outstanding chapters recognized at the 2012 Mortar Board National Conference in July.
The Silver Torch Award was presented to the Baylor chapter for its timeliness, dedication and for exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. Silver Torch Award recipients are selected based on a review of national records, requiring that the chapter meet all of the national minimum standards and deadlines, according to the Mortar Board website.
Chapter president Elizabeth Cole was present to accept the chapter's award.
"This award is confirmation that our chapter is successfully representing Mortar Board as a whole," said Cole.
Baylor's Mortar Board was recognized for its efforts, including the International Student Mixer where members mingle with international students on campus while eating pizza and playing volleyball, according to Cole. They also participated in Circle of Achievement to recognize staff and faculty who have directly impacted member experiences at Baylor. The Laurel chapter also held the Freshman Tea, which honors freshmen who received a 4.0 gpa their first semester, and Women's Day.
"Through the success of these efforts, we received the award," Cole said.
The Laurel chapter at Baylor was chartered in 1971 and currently has 35 members. Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Nearly a quarter of a million members have been initiated across the nation with 229 chartered collegiate chapters in 47 states.
Some notable Mortar Board members include pioneering engineer Lillian Gilbreth, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Emmy award-winning actor Rue McClanahan, astronauts Judith Resnik and Janice Voss, adventurer Aron Ralston and lifestyle expert Bruce Littlefield. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.
For more information, please contact Jenni Szolwinski at jszolwinski@mortarboard.org or 513-907-7485.

by Rebecca Malzahn , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.