The Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society presented the Gold Torch Award, national distinction given out annually to the most outstanding Mortar Board chapters, to Auburn's Sphinx Chapter.
Laura Beth Towery, Mortar Board president, said the Mortar Board was recognized for their efforts during the passed school year.
"Mortar Board's Sphinx Chapter [Auburn University] received The Gold Torch award at National Conference this summer in Indianapolis, Indiana in recognition of being one of the highest achieving chapters in the country," Towery said. "This award was given in recognition of our chapter's success for the 2015-16 year."
The Sphinx Chapter intends to achieve the same high level of success last year's Mortar Board members set, Towery said.
"Last year's members set the goal to be selected for this award last August, and we have set the same goal for this year," Towery said. "As current members, we plan to follow in the footsteps of the members before us and use this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Auburn's campus and community."
Towery said the board plans to host events reflecting their values and the skills they excel in.
"Since our members are selected on the basis of exemplary scholarship, leadership and service, our goal for the year is to host an event in each of these three areas," Towery said.
The Mortar Board will be hosting events they've held in the past as well as brand new events this year, Towery said.
"We will continue this year with our annual 'Park Like a Dean' event, in which students enter to win a dean's parking space during finals week," Towery said. "We will also host an event to recognize outstanding faculty, and we are creating a video of advice for incoming freshmen in hopes of inspiring them to be leaders."
Leadership and dedication to service have contributed to the board's success, Towery said.
"I believe the Sphinx chapter was selected for this award as a result of our members' genuine desire to give back to our community and our alma mater," Towery said. "Our members are truly leaders among leaders, and we are grateful to have an opportunity to serve this campus."
Norman Godwin, Mortar Board adviser, said he interfered as little as possible because the Mortar Board members' previous success as leaders.
"I am very proud of the chapter," Godwin said. "I have always said that Auburn is full of great students, and as an advisor, I just try to stay out of their way."
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