UA Pi Sigma Alpha Chapter Earns National Awards

University Communications
Oct. 30, 2012

The UA Pi Sigma Alpha chapter, a Mortar Board College Senior Honor Society, was among the outstanding groups to be honored during the 2012 Mortar Board National Conference.

The UA chapter was one of six to be named a finalist for the Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award, the top prize for a collegiate group. Finalists are chosen based on chapter operations, campus visibility, member participation, advising, communications and chapter projects.

Also, the UA chapter was among 31 to earn the Golden Torch Award, which is given to those chapters performing above minimum standards, accomplishing significant results in chapter management and contributing meaningful service to their higher education institutions.

"Receiving the Golden Torch award is extremely prestigious and very meaningful for our chapter," said chapter president Sarah Hamre, a UA Honors College senior studying finance in the Eller College of Management.

Also, the UA chapter was also among 19 groups to earn a Project Excellence Award, which goes to chapters that, among other things, exhibit notable achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, fundraising and contributions to the Mortor Board's “Reading is Leading” national project.

Hamre noted that the chapter emphasizes literacy and is involved in reading programs at two Tucson area elementary schools.

"Our members are involved in a wide range of organizations around campus, making us a great club filled with spirited leaders," Hamre said, adding that chapter members select the Homecoming royalty from a pool of applicants submitted by clubs affiliated with the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, ASUA, and other student groups.

The chapter also awards scholarships to students for high academic achievement and members are constantly engaged in service and scholarship projects.

"We are devoted to academics and service because Mortar Board's national motto is 'Scholars...Chosen for Leadership...United to Serve,'" Hamre said.

"Our members are all individuals who are passionate about community service and focused on academic success and accomplishment," she added. "We all want to inspire UA students to give back to the community, while also striving for academic integrity and achievement. We hope to lead others by example, and eventually recruit new Mortar Board members who will also inspire the UA community and advocate for the same ideals."

Mortar Board, which has 229 chartered collegiate chapters with more than 250,000 members across the nation, is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. The UA chapter was chartered in 1926 and currently has 38 members, all UA seniors.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Hamre

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