About Us

USC's Torch and Tassel chapter is challenged to provide thoughtful leadership to the campus and community, to create an environment of effective communication, and to maintain the ideals of the society. Since 1918, over 200,000 college seniors have been initiated into the Mortar Board tradition of scholarship, leadership, and service. We welcome you and invite you to share our tradition. More information about our national organization can be found here. USC's chapter was founded in 1929, and is comprised each year of approximately 30 seniors who embody the organization's ideals of Leadership, Service, and Scholarship.

Applications for the 2012-2013 school year are currently available here. New Mortar Board members are selected each year for their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the university. Email us at MBD@usc.edu to find out more information.

What We Do

Tappings

Each semester, Mortar Boarders "tap" two university professor for recognition of their leadership, commitment, and excellence in teaching. If you wish to make a suggestion for such a professor, be sure to email us at MBD@usc.edu. Past tappings have included:

• Professor Warren Bennis, Marshall School of Business (11/30/11)
• President C.L. Max Nikias (11/09/10)
• Professor Dekmejian, USC College and Marshall School (03/27/08)
• Professor Plotts, Marshall School of Business (03/06/08)
• Professor Stacy Smith, USC Annenberg School for Communication (02/25/08)
• Professor Jewell, USC School of Cinematic Arts (02/04/08)
• Dr. Veronika Krausas, USC Thornton School of Music (12/03/07)
• Dr. Najm Meshkati, USC Viterbi School of Engineering (11/15/07)
• Dr. Ken Simmonds, USC Marshall School of Business (10/22/07)
• Dr. George Sanchez, USC College American Studies and Ethnicity and History (10/03/07)

Last Lecture Series

Each semester, Mortar Board sponsors a "Last Lecture" Series, in which a professor is invited to present a lecture as if it were to be his/her last. Check back to see when this semester's speaker will be. Past speakers have included:

• Dr. James Kincaid (1/31/12)
• Dr. Gene Bickers (11/17/10)
• Dr. James Bretcher (11/28/07)
• Dr. John Hubbard (10/29/07)