Mortar Board: The Ohio State University
President
Main Responsibility: Oversee and guide all activities of the group.
In the month of January 2006, a young ambitious individual by the name of Matthew Hansen became a part of The Ohio State University as an honors engineering student. During that first year he learned the wonders of late night studying and late night conversations, helping out around the university, working at the Lincoln Tower front desk, and what evil creatures robots can be. During the next year, Matthew was accepted into the major of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering. In addition, during that sophomore year, Matthew became a Teaching Assistant with the Freshman Engineering Honors program in order to pass the knowledge ha head learned the previous year to other and to ensure that they enjoyed it just as much as he did. He also began mentoring with the FIRST robotics program at OSU. Junior year for Matthew has been an extension of the sophomore year, in devoting much time to studying, building friendships, and helping others to grow. Honors that Matthew has received include ALD/PEZ local scholarship and the Brenholts Scholarship. After graduation, Matthew is currently planning on going to graduate school in the Mechanical Engineering department, but the winds are always changing.
1st Vice President
Email: kaufman.192@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Coordinates the selection of new members.
Megan Kaufman will be graduating with a duel degree in Accounting from the Fisher College of Business and Political Science from the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a member of the Honors Accounting Program in the business school as well as a member of the Politics, Society, and Law Scholars Program. She is an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority where she has held the position of philanthropy chair and activities chair. Megan also enjoyed being involved with the Undergraduate Business Women’s Association where she has served as the community service chair as well as the Waste Not Center representative. Apart from her academic schedule and extra-curricular activities, Megan enjoys spending her time volunteering with various community service organizations such as Hope Street Kids and the Waste Not Center. Upon graduation, Megan plans to attend law school, specializing in corporate and environmental law.
2nd Vice President
Email: gaborcik.1@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Working to make election day special!
Josh Gaborcik was born and raised in Central Ohio. Throughout his college career, he has stepped out of the comfort zone and has taken several leadership roles on campus. He has been an OWL-Coordinator, an Office Assistant, a Resident Advisor, a member of the Student Leadership Advocates, and is currently applying to become a Resident Manager for the 2009-2010 school year. Josh plans to graduate at the end of spring quarter 2010 with a major in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has been an active member in his community by serving and volunteering at nonprofit organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Upon graduation from The Ohio State University, Josh hopes to attend Pharmacy School to receive his PharmD. Josh hopes to attend the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy or Pharmacy School down south. One day, he hopes to work in a hospital setting and work in conjunction with doctors and nurses, and see patients on a daily basis.
2nd Vice President
Email: bradshaw.70@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Working to make election day special!
Fawn Bradshaw is currently part of the College of Engineering at the Ohio State University. She is majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering and minoring in music. One of her proudest accomplishments is presenting her research, Usefulness of Infared Dynamic Pupillometry in Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy, at the American Academy of Neurology. During her past two summers, she volunteered at the Cleveland Clinic to do research in both drug delivery and diagnosing neurological diseases in order to improve patients' medical experiences. She was awarded the Excellence Scholarship through the Office of Minority Affairs, Tradition Scholarship through MAXIMUS competition and other scholarships through the college of engineering. After graduation, Fawn hopes to either go directly into industry, continue her research into graduate school, or attend law school and specialize in patent legislation.
3rd Vice President: Josh Halter
Email: halter.135@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Coordinates the initiation ceremony for new classes.
Josh Halter is a junior majoring in Economics in the Fisher College of Business. For the past three years Josh has excelled both in and outside the classroom. Placed on the Dean’s list for multiple quarters during his tenure at Ohio State, Josh has also been a part of “The Best Damn Band In The Land” for the past three football seasons. The highlight of his career came this past season when he served as “The Man Out Front” as Head Drum Major for The Ohio State University Marching Band. By being selected as Head Drum Major, Josh was awarded the Drum Major Scholarship, for full in-state tuition, and also receives the Trustee Scholarship on a quarterly basis for his cumulative GPA. Josh’s other activities and interests include photography, fishing, and summer camp counseling 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. After graduation Josh would like to take his Economics degree and enter the banking industry and work in the personal finance sector.
Treasurer: Allyn Checovich
Email: checovich.1@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Managing the finances of the organization.
Allyn Checovich is currently an honors student in the Undergraduate Biomedical Science Major Program at Ohio State, in the college of Allied Medical Professionals. She is pursuing a minor of Forensic Science in the Anthropology department. She has been on the Dean’s list every quarter, and has earned scholarships both from the university and outside sources such as International Brotherhood of Teamsters. She has worked in a human cancer genetics research lab for the past two years, and is currently working on a project of her own studying chronic Lymphocytic leukemia. Allyn also volunteers for the James Cancer Hospital, and is very active in volunteering to help on Biomedical Science Major Program interviews and honors visit days. In additional to academics and service, Allyn, has been the event planning chair for Mirrors Sophomore Class Honorary, and is the current Ohio State Undergraduate Student Government Treasurer. She sits on the Allocations Sub-committee for the Council of Student Affairs, and also enjoys playing intramural sand volleyball during Spring quarter. Next year, she plans on attending medical school to pursue a career in forensic pathology.
Secretary: Liane Longbottom
Email: longbottom.7@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Keeping all records for the current class including all minutes and member listings.
Liane Longbottom is from Medina, Ohio. She is majoring in Zoology and minoring in Business and a student of the College of Biological Sciences. After graduation, Liane plans to attend Veterinary School. She enjoys shadowing at different Veterinary Clinics to gain experience for her future in the career. She currently works as a Student Manager in Morrill Fresh Express and as a Research Assistant in the Fishel Lab. When not at work or in class, she enjoys volunteering her time. Liane has spent the last year involved with Bucket & Dipper, coordinating a volunteer program for undergraduates at OSU Vet Hospital, and riding horses as a member of Ohio State’s Hunt Seat Equestrian Team. Liane is currently in the process of becoming a Resident Advisor and is keeping her fingers crossed she will be picked. She is extremely excited about her induction into Mortar Board and can’t wait to spend the next year with all these amazing new members!
Service Event C0-Chair: Julie Halpin
Email: halpin.15@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Organize service projects throughout the year.
Julie Halpin, the daughter of Mike and Janice Halpin, has come a long way in her three years at Ohio State. Graduating in a class of forty five students, Ohio State seemed like a large and scary place. Coming here and joining the Mount Scholars program she as found a second home full of possibilities and opportunities. She is most passionate about volunteering and serving others and always strives to put other people before herself. She is involved with Scholar Ambassadors, The Buck-I-Frenzy Planning Committee, and serves as a Student Coordinator for the Mount Leadership Society, where she is in charge of first year experience. Majoring in Strategic Communication and Family Studies she hopes to join the Peace Corps after college and then go on in helping students by achieving her masters in Student Affairs and Higher Education. It’s been a long and strange journey but feels that she has made a positive impact on the people around her and cannot wait for the adventures that she is about to endure in her last year here at The Ohio State University.
Service Event Co-Chair: Doug Flowers
Email: flowers.196@osu.edu
Main responsibility: Organize service projects throughout the year
Doug Flowers graduated from Dublin Coffman High School in the Spring of 2006 with his sights set on University of Cincinnati. Doug was accepted into the College of Business as a Marketing Major. During his freshman and sophomore years at UC, Doug became involved in the residence hall government and events planning committee for the College of Business. Doug joined a fraternity where he immediately took on leadership positions. During his stay in Cincinatti, Doug Partook in several community service and philanthropies projects such as adopt-a-road, Relay for Life, as well as raising money for the Make-a-Wish foundation. During the summers, Doug traveled to Eustis, Florida to volunteer at a camp for seriously ill children with cancer and HIV. After his second year, he discovered an opportunity at the Ohio State University and applied for the Fisher College of Business. He was immediately accepted into his major in marketing. Since becoming a Buckeye, Doug has become involved in his fraternities' chapter on campus and joined OUAB while never regretting moving back to Columbus.
Technology Chair: Matt Rudd
Email: rudd.36@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Maintaining the OSU Mortar Board Chapter Web Site, working with the 1st VP for the on-line elections, and other technical needs.
Email: rudd.36@osu.edu
As a chemical and bimolecular engineering and pre-medical student, Matt Rudd has to balance class work with extracurricular activities as well as leave a little time for himself just to relax and have a good time. So far he has done a pretty good job as he is an honor student with a 3.53 GPA and is involved in a number of clubs and organizations. Since he was a freshman in 2006, he has made the Dean’s List four times. He is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma. Last year he was on the internal and external social committees for ALD/PES on which he aided in organizing social events for the honor society. He is also a member of the Ohio State triathlon club and has played both football and softball intramural sports. He is currently an HIV test counselor at the Ohio State Wellness Center. When he is finished earning his undergraduate degree, Matt will pursue his desire to enroll in medical school and become a radiation oncologist.
Membership/Social Chair: Megan Swillinger
Email: swillinger.4@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Coordinating social activities, which will help facilitate members working as a team through the year.
Megan Swillinger is a senior here at Ohio State, seeking two bachelor’s degrees. One is in International Studies, the other in Political Science. Both are in the college of Arts and Sciences. Megan started her Ohio State career in the International Affairs Scholars program and traveled to Senegal West Africa her freshman year. She had the privilege to speak at Dr. Gordon Gee’s Presidential Pre Game brunch, sharing the stories of her travels. Megan serves as a Scholars Ambassador, guiding prospective students and fielding the questions of their parents. She also helps students on campus by serving as a Peer Career Advisor. With this position she critiques resumes and helps students with the college of Arts and Sciences find jobs and internships. Megan has spent the last year planning the celebration of 65 years of International Studies at Ohio State. There have been a number of events, most notably hosting the former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner, Mary Robinson. Megan lives in the off-campus community and serves as a Community Ambassador for 9th and 10th avenues. With this position she helps promote community safety and cohesion. She is honored to be a part of Mortar Board.
Faculty Reception Chair: Stephane Meyer
Email: meyer.619@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Organizing the faculty reception to thank all of our wonderful teachers at OSU.
Stephanie Meyer is an Honors Microbiology major in the College of Biological Sciences with an English minor from the College of Humanities. Her passion for science blossomed during her time at Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati, where she conducted an independent experiment on oral micro biota. Since then, Stephanie has researched the parasitic protozoan Leishmania, and currently studies osteoclasts at the College of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Beth Lee. In addition to academics, Stephanie is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Emerging Leaders board, a team dedicated to developing strong leadership and service skills in future physicians. Further, she is a volunteer at Physician’s Free Clinic, on the Relay for Life Committee, and was a fund-raising chair in both the Mirrors Sophomore and Chimes Junior Honoraries. Additionally Stephanie served as a teaching associate in OSU’s Department of Chemistry, as well as in the Department of Microbiology. Her past two summers has included interning at Procter and Gamble, where she researched and developed Family Care products. After graduation, Stephanie plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician. She is honored to be a member of this incredible group of seniors, and can’t wait for the year to begin!
Historian/Alumni Liaison: Amber Phelps
Email: phelps.84@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Keeping archives for the organization, including the end of the year scrapbook, summaries of all events and pictures for the website, and our chapter’s liaison to the Columbus Mortar Board Alumni Club.
Amber Phelps is a journalism and political science dual degree student with minors in women’s studies and sexuality studies. Amber is an honors student, Politics, Society and Law Scholar, Morrill Scholar (An Office of Minority Affairs scholarship granting full in-state tuition), and has received a Presidential Scholarship. She is also the co-public relations director of the SLEF Beanie Drake Student Scholarship. Amber is currently a volunteer at Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth, a foster care agency for troubled youth. During her summers at OSU, Amber has been a Student Research Opportunity Program and STARS scholar. She has completed two research theses and has presented her work, "Communicating the Black Lesbian Identity" and "Exploring the Blogophere's Impact on American Politics: The Case of Michelle Obama," at several conferences including Michigan State and OSU's SROP Research Symposium. Amber spends her free time with hanging out with friends, playing guitar hero and rock band, and reading political blogs. After graduation, Amber plans on attending law school or is interested in pursuing a career in mass communication/intellectual property law.
Pillow Fight Chair: Catherine Smithers
Email: smithers.8@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Organizing the World's Largest Pillow Fight.
Catherine Smithers is involved in way too many things for her own good, hence her caffeine addiction. One cup of coffee goes to her research, involving the impact of stress on health, and research in consumer behavior. One cup of coffee goes to the Speech and Debate team at Ohio State, another cup of coffee goes to her Social and Behavioral Sciences majors of Psychology and Economics. Of course if we are buying Starbucks here you need to throw in plenty of sugar which would be Catherine’s involvement in Undergraduate Student Government. Finally, the whip cream with the chocolate drizzle are Catherine’s future plants (The future always looks the most appetizing) of earning a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology and hopefully one day giving out assignments that do not make students drink so much coffee!
AOSCH Liason
Geoff Sieron and Julia Stuart
Email: sieron.2@osu.edu
& stuart.60@osu.edu
Main Responsibility: Keep Mortar Board connected with the other Honoraries at OSU
Our next inductee is a regular James Bond. You can ask him what he does, and he would gladly tell you, but then he would have to kill you. His name is Geoff Sieron. Geoff is a fifth year senior Mechanical Engineering major in the College of Engineering. Geoff started out his career in Steeb Hall as the hall treasurer. After dabbling in the finances department, Geoff moved on to become a member of Ohio State’s Mini Baja SAE Team. This team designed and built from scratch an all-terrain vehicle. That following summer, Geoff began his first job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base working in the Research Labs. He has since worked three co-op rotations there at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and will work one last one this summer. During his time at the base, Geoff actively volunteered at Blood drives and festivals for the military. Inside the classroom, Geoff made the Dean’s List in Autumn quarter ’08. He was also a Peer Mentor for freshmen engineering students. After graduation, Geoff hopes to work at Wright Patt in a research position and possibly go back to school to get his Master’s Degree.
AOSCH Liason: Julia Stuart
Email: stuart.60@osu.edu
Main responsibility: Keep Mortar Board connected with the other Honoraries at OSU
Julia is a senior majoring in nursing with a minor in English. She is a dedicated member of Chi Omega sorority. She has been part of the honorary system since her freshman year, serving as a member of ALD/PES freshman class honorary, Mirrors Sophomore Class Honorary, and Chimes Junior Class Honorary. She i also involved with Nursing Student Council, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International honor society. Julia was awarded the Ohio State Traditions Scholarship, as well as an Honors and Scholars Travel Grant for a study abroad opportunity in Greece during 2008. After graduation, Julia hopes to pursue a Doctorate of Nursing Practice specializing in women's health.