The Hood Mortar Board chapter has its roots in the Keystone Honor Society of Hood College. Keystone was formed in 1922, modeled after the national Mortar Board honor society dedicated to the advancement of women, with the hopes that one day Hood would establish a Mortar Board chapter.
Upper class students were chosen for the Keystone Society according to standards of “scholarship, leadership, and loyalty.”[1] The purpose of the organization was to bring together highly achieving students to work on projects that would advance the college and inspire under class students. The keystone being the strongest part of an arch was its symbol, as this group aimed to be “the strongest unit of the college.”[2] The society worked for the principles of scholarship, leadership, and loyalty.
The Keystone Society planned many events on campus but was best known for its annual leadership conference. Leaders from every student organization attended, as well as faculty, administration, and other interested students. In the spring of 1948, the Keystone Honor Society became the 80th chapter of the national Mortar Board honor society.
Each April, students met in the Chapel for a “tapping” ceremony. The society chose its new members from the rising junior class by tapping the girls on the shoulder. It was a surprise to the nominees, but at one time parents were clued in beforehand and able to attend the ceremony. It must have been appreciated by the students who were “tapped”, but the room no doubt held visible disappointment every year. Eventually it became a meeting for interested students only. Approximately 10 students were added each year to the senior honor society.
Early impressions of the Keystone Society were less than flattering. Apparently in the beginning the group acted like a police organization, enforcing rules and regulations. They experienced some resistance and the group eventually evolved to lead by example rather than enforcement.[3]
In 1976, Mortar Board went co-ed, after facing a charge of sexual discrimination. Though men were invited that year, they were “forewarned” that the emphasis would still be on the advancement of women.[4]
Mortar Board at Hood is still a leadership, scholarship, and service organization. The society’s largest annual event is Safe Harvest, an annual Halloween event for children in the Frederick community and tradition of over 20 years.[5]
[1] Blue and Grey, Nov. 10, 1922
[2] Mortar Board Quarterly, October 1948.
[3] Blue and Grey, Sept. 9, 1976
[4] Blue and Grey, Mar. 11, 1976
[5] Frederick News Post, Oct. 31,2013
