New members tapped in ceremony's 80th year
Published April 24, 2007
For 80 years, faculty, staff, students and university supporters have gathered on Francis Quadrangle to watch one of MU's most sacred traditions.
Friday provided good weather for the annual event as 78 students were tapped into six different secret societies.
Wellness Senior Coordinator Joan Masters, who is a QEBH member, reminisced about her Tap Day in 1998 as an undergraduate before the ceremony began.
"Tap Day was a time as a student I felt I was recognized with other leaders on campus," Masters said. "The Quad is a magical, beautiful place, and it was a beautiful experience."
Students who met each society's criteria of academics, leadership and community service were inducted into one of MU's secret honor societies: Mystical Seven, QEBH, LSV, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board and Rollins Society.
In addition, there were 15 honor taps, which are given to faculty and staff members who the societies feels significantly contribute to students' experiences.
During the day, the university also took time to remember the 32 students who were killed at Virginia Tech on April 16.
The crowd wore pins to remember the students as a wreath was placed between the columns during a moment of silence.
The Tap Day participants walked slowly out of Jesse Hall and circled the crowd until they were in front of the columns.
Various members of MU praised the newest members of the honor societies throughout the program.
During the ceremony, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs said all the new members deserved the honor.
"These students displayed commitment to the ideas and principles MU stands for," she said.
Chancellor Brady Deaton said the students tapped gave him "feelings of greatest optimism for the future."
Recognized students represented a variety of majors and activities on campus.
"While qualities may be the same, their personalities are very different," Missouri Students Association President Rachel Anderson said.
Applause from the audience of family and friends rang throughout the Quad as each society lifted the hoods from its newest members' faces to reveal their identities.
In honor of its national centennial anniversary, Mystical Seven members were unveiled first in the ceremony. QEBH, the oldest secret honor society at MU, usually unveils its new members first but gave up its spot this year.
Newly unveiled Mystical Seven member Kelley Robinson said she was shocked, surprised and confused when she found out she was selected. Once she got over her initial shock and confusion, Robinson said she was proud to be among a circle of well-respected people at MU.
Many students felt honored to become a part of a tradition on the campus and were glad to be selected into their societies.
"It's an extreme honor, and I'm so grateful," QEBH member Dustin Barker said. "Every student out here deserves it."
Mortar Board member Claudia Liddle said she is honored to be a part of Tap Day.
"I felt flattered," Liddle said. "It's nice to have your work on campus recognized."
ODK member Courtney Green said she watched Tap Day as a freshman and is glad to be a member of ODK.
"I think it is cool to be a part of long standing tradition," Green said.
Deaton said the new members are carrying on the tradition of their societies while becoming leaders for the future: "We believe MU's greatest service today is teaching leaders tomorrow."