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Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for their outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. Founded in 1918, Mortar Board has a long history of promoting academic excellence and community engagement among its members. However, like many organizations with a long history, Mortar Board’s past is not without controversy.

To become a member of Mortar Board, students must meet certain requirements, including a minimum GPA, leadership experience, and community service involvement. Once accepted, members participate in various activities and projects that promote scholarship, leadership, and service. These activities include academic and professional development workshops, community service projects, and leadership training sessions.

Mortar Board’s history is marked by several significant events. In 1925, the organization adopted its current name, which is derived from the mortarboard cap worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies. In 1935, Mortar Board became the first national organization to recognize outstanding senior women. In 1975, the organization opened its membership to men, and in 2005, Mortar Board celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Despite its many accomplishments, Mortar Board’s history is not without controversy. Like many organizations founded in the early 20th century, Mortar Board was initially limited to white, Christian women. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the organization began to actively recruit women of color and non-Christian faiths. Even then, many chapters remained predominantly white and Christian, perpetuating social injustice and systemic bias.

In recent years, Mortar Board has taken steps to address these issues. The organization has implemented diversity and inclusion training for its members and has made a concerted effort to recruit and retain members from diverse backgrounds. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that Mortar Board is truly inclusive and representative of the diverse student populations it serves.

In conclusion, Mortar Board is a prestigious honor society that recognizes outstanding college seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. While the organization has a long history of promoting academic excellence and community engagement, it has also perpetuated social injustice and systemic bias in its past. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Mortar Board can continue to evolve and become a more inclusive and equitable organization.