Lyon College’s Order of the Tartan chapter of Mortar Board National College Honor Society has received three national honors recognizing its commitment to scholarship, leadership, service and chapter excellence.
The chapter received the 2026 Gold Torch Award, which recognizes Mortar Board chapters that demonstrate the organization’s core values through outstanding programming and campus involvement.
Order of the Tartan also received the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Award in the Digital Communications and Social Media category.
That award recognizes chapters that have strengthened their visibility and increased engagement through communication efforts beyond traditional chapter programming.
The Lyon College chapter also received honorable mention for the 2026 Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award. The award is Mortar Board’s highest national recognition for a collegiate chapter.
The Chapter Excellence Award recognizes performance in chapter operations, advising, visibility, communications and participation. Lyon College joined Endicott College in receiving honorable mention for the 2026 award.
Dr. Irosha Nawarathne, senior member of the chapter’s advisory team, said the honors demonstrate the dedication of Lyon College’s students.
“These honors reflect the dedication, leadership and service of our students,” Nawarathne said.
She said chapter members have consistently represented Lyon College with excellence while making a meaningful difference on campus and throughout the Batesville community.
Other faculty and community advisers are Dr. Mayron Faria, Dr. Paul Bube and Joni Bube.
Whitney Mitchell, who recently completed her term as chapter president, credited the chapter’s recognition to its members’ dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to scholarship, leadership and service.
Lyon College’s Order of the Tartan chapter was chartered in 2001. The chapter recognizes rising seniors who demonstrate exceptional achievement in scholarship, leadership and service.
Members are selected through faculty and staff nominations based on academic achievement, campus involvement and a demonstrated commitment to helping others.
Order of the Tartan members participate in volunteer projects benefiting both Lyon College and the Batesville community. Activities include serving at local care facilities, supporting campus recycling initiatives, mentoring underclassmen and hosting leadership-development programs.
The chapter also organizes Lyon College’s annual Student Creative Arts and Research Forum, known as SCARF. The event showcases undergraduate research, scholarship and creative achievement.
Mortar Board National College Honor Society was founded in 1918 and includes 236 collegiate chapters nationwide.
Additional information is available through Lyon College and the Mortar Board national awards page.
NATIONAL HONORS RECEIVED
2026 Gold Torch Award
Recognizes chapters that exemplify Mortar Board’s values through outstanding programming and campus impact.
2026 Outstanding Achievement Award
Presented in the Digital Communications and Social Media category for strengthening chapter visibility and engagement.
2026 Ruth Weimer Mount Chapter Excellence Award
Order of the Tartan received honorable mention for Mortar Board’s highest national chapter recognition.
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