MT. VERNON – The Torch chapter at Cornell College was among the outstanding chapters to be honored for their excellence at the 2008 Mortar Board National Conference, held July 25-27 in Columbus, Ohio.
The group was one of 59 outstanding chapters to receive the Silver Torch Award, presented to chapters executing timeliness and dedication while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. Recipients are selected based on a review of national records, requiring that the chapter meet all of the national minimum standards and deadlines.
Chapter President Kristina Pontarelli ’09 (right) was present to accept the chapter’s award.
Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Since its founding in 1918, the organization has grown from the four founding chapters to 226 chartered collegiate chapters with nearly a quarter of a million initiated members across the nation. The Torch chapter at Cornell College was chartered in 1943 and currently has 32 members.
Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Some notable Mortar Board members include former President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Lance Armstrong and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.
Photo: Midwestern State University Chapter President Jordan Guse (left) and Cornell College Chapter President Kristina Pontarelli enter a session at the 2008 Mortar Board National Conference.
For more information, please contact Alicia Notestone at the Mortar Board National Office by e-mail at anotestone@mortarboard.org or by phone at 800-989-6266 ext. 106.
Cornell College Chapter President Kristina Pontarelli can be reached via e-mail at kpontarelli09@cornellcollege.edu.