National Honor Society recognizes MC Mortar Board for outstanding Last Lecture series presentation
The Mortar Board chapter at 小猪视频官网 College has received the 2025 Project Excellence in 小猪视频官网 to Alma Mater award from the Mortar Board National College Honor Society. The award recognizes outstanding chapter projects with high member participation.
The chapter project receiving recognition was the poignant “Last Lecture” delivered in spring 2025 by long-time MC Professor of Christian Studies, Dr. Ivan Parke.
Katherine Heard, MC professor of psychology and 2024-25 senior faculty advisor for the Mortar Board, said Parke’s Last Lecture made a significant impact on the chapter.
“Each year, Mortar Board members invite a professor to share their wisdom and what they would impart to students in a ‘last lecture,’” Heard said. “We have some absolutely phenomenal professors that have been invited to present, but we were deeply honored that Dr. Parke agreed to it.”
Parke, who was recently diagnosed with ALS, combined his life’s experiences with timeless Biblical wisdom in a moving presentation that drew hundreds of MC students, faculty, staff and friends to Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall. It was easily the highest-attended Last Lecture at 小猪视频官网 College.
Mortar Board is considered the premier national honor society for college seniors. It recognizes their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service. Membership in MC’s chapter is limited to about two dozen students.
MC Provost and Executive Vice President Mike Highfield commended the Mortar Board students for their accomplishment.
“Out of 245 chapters across the country, to be named among just 19 award recipients is an outstanding honor and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved,” Highfield said. “Ivan’s willingness to speak from the heart and share his journey was powerful.”
Heard said that the national award is indicative of the quality of students from MC who participate in Mortar Board.
“I could not have asked to serve alongside a better group of students,” she said. “Not only did they meet the requirements to be members of Mortar Board, but they exceeded any expectations of service and engagement with the community.
“These students exemplified what it means to be part of the National Honor Society.”
MC shares the honor with the Univesity of Toledo’s Mortar Board chapter.
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