11/06/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- The Gold Cord Mortar Board chapter at Fort Hays State University was honored for excellence at this year's Mortar Board National Conference in Chicago.

The group was one of 31 chapters to receive the Golden Torch Award for exceptional chapters that show significant results in chapter management and contribute meaningful service to their institutions.

The chapter was also honored with its regional group for the section project "Harvesters," conducted in conjunction with the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Northwest Missouri State University, the University of Missouri at Columbia, the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Stephens College, Washburn University, Washington University, Wichita State University and William Jewell College. This is the fifth consecutive year the section has participated in this project benefiting Harvesters, a Kansas City community food bank.

Chapter president Carmen Thompson, Coldwater senior, and vice president Madison Edwards, Jetmore junior, were present to accept the awards.

Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. It is the premier national honor society recognizing 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 229 chartered collegiate chapters with more than a quarter of a million members across the nation. The Gold Cord chapter at FHSU was chartered in 1971.