Two CAFNR seniors are 'tapped'
by Jessica England, posted May 11, 2009
The secret societies at MU came out to tap their new members on April 18 on the Jesse Quandrangle. Being “tapped” is considered one of MU’s highest honors. Mystical Seven, QEBH, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, Rollins Society, and LSV are the societies members were tapped in to. All of these societies are elite and it is challenging for each individual to become a member. Members being tapped are recognized for their performance in academic and non-academic areas.
Two CAFNR students were unveiled at Tap Day, Rachel Duff and Kyle Eckler. Duff is an agricultural journalism senior from Smithville, Mo. Eckler is an agricultural education senior from Shelbyville, Mo. They were both tapped into the Mortar Board Honor Society.
“Mortar Board is a senior honor society that focuses on scholarship, leadership and service,” Duff said. Mortar Board takes 20 new members each year, but members are only allowed to be active for one year and then they are alumni.
Mortar Board offers numerous benefits and opportunities to members, including career networking, fellowships and awards, according to the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society Web site.
“Tap Day was different because we all walk out in hoods so we can kind of see what’s going on, but not really,” Duff said. “We were the second to last group to get tapped. They contacted our families anonymously, and you can’t talk to them about it, so you have no idea who is watching.”
Interested students had to apply in February and turn in a recommendation letter, essay, and list of activities. Members found out within two weeks of being tapped that they were selected into the society.
“It was interesting, but a lot of fun and definitely one of those things you will never forget, “said Duff.
