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.
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On April 1, 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. 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 pervading 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" with a date, time 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, 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 chapters would be necessary. In March of 1927, then-president Eloise Vinal wrote to Mortar Board and told them of their activities and the strengths of the University of Montana. In April the Penetralia chapter of Mortar Board was installed.
The Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society named the University of Montana one of the 36 collegiate winners for the Gold Torch Award.
“We are extremely proud of our Gold Torch chapters,” said Abigail Diehl, Mortar Board’s national president. “Their members set the bar for excellence as scholar-leaders on their campuses, and their innovative programming positively impacts their communities throughout the year.”
2009 - 2010 Silver Torch and Project Excellence
2010 - 2011 Silver Torch
2013 - 2014 Gold Torch
2014 - 2015 Gold Torch
2015 - 2016 Gold Torch and Project Excellence
2016 - 2017 Gold Torch and Project Excellence
2017 - 2018 Project Excellence
2018 - 2019 Gold Torch and Project Excellence
2019 - 2020 Gold Torch
Project Excellence Awards recognize outstanding chapter projects with high member participation. To win, chapters must be in good financial standing and meet minimum standards. A chapter must apply or be nominated to receive this award.
Silver Torch Award honors chapters that meet minimum standards, as outlined in the Bylaws.
Gold Torch Award honors chapters that meet all the requirements for the Silver Torch Award and go beyond the minimum, exemplifying scholarship, leadership and service. A chapter must apply or be nominated to receive this award.