KU News Release

Mortar Board announces 48 new members for 2008-09

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LAWRENCE — Forty-eight University of Kansas students were recently initiated into Mortar Board, a senior honor society.

The initiation ceremonies were April 13 at the Kansas Union, followed by a reception at the chancellor’s residence for student and alumni members and their families and invited guests.

The KU chapter also initiated its first honorary members: Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Vice Provost for Student Success Marlesa Roney. They were honored for their contributions of countless hours to the university, community and Mortar Board.

Nick Barnthouse, Leawood senior and outgoing Mortar Board president, said that Hemenway and Roney exemplify the ideals of Mortar Board: scholarship, leadership and service.

Barnthouse conducted the ceremonies. Bryan Hay, Topeka senior, organized the selection of new members. Katy Ault, Topeka, and Dustin Curzon, Broken Arrow, Okla., both seniors, were initiation co-chairs. Kevin Campbell, Leawood junior, is Mortar Board president.

Mortar Board advisers assisted with the ceremonies. They are: Linda Mullens, senior budget and personnel administrator in the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success; Antonio Simoes, associate professor of Spanish and Portuguese; and Sandy Garrett, Lawrence chapter alumni adviser.

Mortar Board members are selected based on distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Students must have a 3.0 grade-point average and hold senior status during some or all of the academic year. What became KU’s Mortar Board chapter was founded in 1912 as the Torch senior women’s honor society. In 1924, it affiliated with the national Mortar Board women’s honor society. Mortar Board opened membership to men in 1975. This year, 85 students applied for membership at KU.

The new members are listed below by hometown, major, parents’ names and high school.

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