Mortar Board is a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership, service and distinguished academic achievements. Mortar Board members represent the top scholars and leaders on their campuses. Its motto is Pi Sigma Alpha (ΠΣΑ), letters that correspond to three Greek words representing the ideals of Mortar Board: scholarship, leadership and service.
On April, 1st 1904 a group of women at Montana State University (Now the University of Montana) under the leadership of Eloise Knowles met informally for the purpose of organizing a secret society to foster the spirit of unselfish devotion and loyalty to the University. Miss Knowles was the temporary President, and Ruth Kellogg was the temporary secretary. The five other original members were Anne Bielenberg, Anabel Ross, Jessie Bishop, Faye Evens and Alice Glancy.
At the first meeting, a committee was appointed to draw up by-laws and a constitution. The name, Penetralia, which means "The innermost parts, such as the sanctuary of a temple" was selected as symbolizing the aims of the group. A new member Miss Dunniway compared Penetralia to a Pine "the strength and uprightedness is unchanging in character, steadfast, and the sweet prevading scent has a healing quality and protecting kindness." Penetralia also symbolized loyalty to the University, and loyalty to a high ideal.
Penetralia's activities, particularly tapping and initiation were conducted with the greatest secrecy, the newly elected members were given a small white card bearing the word "Penetralia" and a date and location. They were instructed to wear all white and not tell anyone about the card. That afternoon, one could see a number of girls in all white hurrying to main hall, afterward, it was known initiation was held and a dinner followed.
After a few years and establishment of traditions, the organization became interested in national affiliation, once the girls realized support of many chapter would be necessary. In March of 1927, the President at the time, Eloise Vinal wrote to Mortar Board and told them of their activitied and the Strengths of the University of Montana. April 10th and 11th the Penetralia chapter of Mortar Board was installed.
