The Fairmount chapter at Wichita State University was among the chapters to be honored for their excellence at the 2009 Mortar Board National Conference, held July 24-26.

The group was one of 67 chapters to receive the Silver Torch Award, presented to those executing timeliness and dedication while exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service.

Silver Torch Award recipients are selected based on a review of national records, requiring that the chapter meet all of the national minimum standards and deadlines.

The Fairmount chapter also was among 28 groups to receive a Project Excellence Award. It was honored with its regional group for participation in the section project, a service day at Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City, Mo.

Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. The Fairmount chapter at WSU was chartered in 1954 and has 29 members.