The University Mortar Board chapter named two University administrators and one athletic coach honorary members of the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society.
Mortar Board, a national honors society, awarded Director of University Special Events Randy Gurie, Assistant Director for Union Event Services Susan Reed and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Sue Gunter with honorary memberships.
The national Mortar Board society annually recognizes college seniors for achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.
Chapter President Sonja Ardoin said the University’s Mortar Board chapter, the Blazer chapter, chooses between 40 and 50 seniors each year who excel in all three areas.
The Blazer chapter honors faculty and staff members, athletes and outstanding freshmen each year for their contributions to the University. These contributions include involvement in clubs and organizations, participation in service projects and excellence in academics.
Gurie said the honorary membership solidifies and legitimizes the honorees’ relationship with the Mortar Board Blazer chapter.
Gurie served as a chapter adviser for several years and is being honored for his 30 years of service to the University.
“It’s quite an honor,” Gurie said. “Any time you’re involved with students, it’s a real privilege to be recognized by them.”
Reed served about six years as an adviser for the Blazer chapter in the 1980s and has worked at the University for 23 years.
Reed said she is honored to be chosen by such outstanding students.
Although Gunter was not previously involved with Mortar Board, the Blazer chapter felt she deserved the honor because of her 20 years of work at LSU and service to the University community, Ardoin said.
Each fall, the Mortar Board Blazer chapter honors 10 sophomores for their achievements during their freshman years. The members also recognize several athletes in the spring as Scholar Athletes.
The Blazer chapter is releasing applications for the “Top 10 Freshmen” on Sept. 9, Ardoin said. Students can nominate themselves based on the activities in which they participated during their freshman year.
Ardoin said the University often chooses many of the “Top 10 Freshmen” to be Mortar Board members during their senior year.
Reed said it is usually interesting to see how the “Top 10 Freshman” perform and where they get involved during their careers at the University because many stand out as leaders all four years.