Welcome to the University of Washington Mortar Board Tolo Chapter webpage. It is our intention that this webpage is passed down from class to class, passing on the core values of scholarship, leadership, and service.
Mortar Board is a certified national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. Founded in 1909, the Tolo Chapter of Mortar Board is the oldest continuing honor society on the UW campus. Among UW Tolo Chapter alumni are civic leader and UW Regent Mary Gates, philanthropist Marion Oliver McCaw, and formerWashington State Attorney General Rob McKenna. NFL quarterback and philanthropist Drew Brees, former Director of the National Science Foundation Rita Colwell, astronaut on the Challenger Judith Resnik, as well as diplomat and educator Condoleezza Rice are among many distinguished Mortar Board alumni throughout the country.
Each year, up to 40 students are selected for membership in the Tolo Chapter of Mortar Board. Members of Mortar Board are a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in academics and have demonstrated excellent leadership skills. Our members are actively involved in service to the community.
Alden’s perspective on how Mortar Board connects today’s leaders
I feel that everyone in Mortar Board is doing very interesting and meaningful things with their time. The people I’m surrounded with are very successful, but also caring and empathetic, which is a quality that more of today’s leaders need. It’s humbling to be around so many driven young people that have so much energy […]
Continue readingMember Emma on how Mortar Board creates a strong community
“Mortar Board is an honor society with an esteemed and honorable history, one that values the service and quality of their members, rather than the quantity. Acceptance into Mortar Board requires academic success, as well as a strong background in service and extracurricular activities. Additionally, Mortar Board seeks members with leadership skills, great accountability, and […]
Continue readingVP Betz’ take on what makes Mortar Board unique
“Mortar Board differs from other honor societies because of the long history that our Tolo Chapter has on the UW campus. The Tolo Chapter of Mortar Board has been at the University of Washington for over 100 years, and began as a women’s only honor society at a time when women were not allowed to […]
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