New! Bish Fellows Program

The Bish Fellows is a NEW program that brings together a select cohort of student leaders dedicated to strengthening their Mortar Board chapters and advancing the Society as a whole.

Fellows serve as catalysts for pride, connection, and engagement—sharing their experiences and insights to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond their participation year.

Each year, the program centers on a key theme designed to enhance both chapter and national initiatives. The 2025–2026 theme is visibility, and Bish Fellows will collaborate to elevate Mortar Board’s presence—on campus, within communities, and across the nation.

Applications are due November 1.

Apply Here!

Program Benefits

  • National mentoring and networking: Be paired with a Mortar Board alumni mentor for individualized mentoring sessions. 
  • Peer connections: Network with student leaders from across the country to share ideas and experiences. 
  • Professional development: Participate in skill-building, leadership growth opportunities, and engaging discussions. 
  • Exclusive Mortar Board merchandise: Receive recognition and special perks as part of the Mortar Board Ambassador Program. 
  • $150 stipend: Awarded to students upon successful completion of the program. 

Program Requirements

  • Monthly meetings: Attend one virtual meeting per month. Meetings focus on program updates, connections, and professional development. 
  • Content creation: Contribute written and video content to support the work of the Mortar Board Ambassador program and promote engagement and opportunities across the Society. 
  • Collaborative grant project: Work as a team to design and review a Chapter Grant Program that provides financial support for chapter visibility initiatives nationwide 
  • Active participation: Engage fully in the cohort by sharing your ideas, energy, and perspective to help shape and strengthen the future of Mortar Board. 

What to Expect in the Application

Applicant Information

Including name, contact information, college/university name, expected graduation date, current role in Mortar Board Chapter, current resume, and social media handles (optional)

Short Answer Questions

Answers for the questions in 200 words or less.

  1. Why is Mortar Board meaningful to you? How have the organization’s ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service influenced your collegiate experience? What motivates you to take on a larger role through the Bish Fellows Program?
  2. This year’s theme is visibility. In 200 words or less, share your ideas for how Mortar Board can increase its visibility—both on your campus and nationally. You might consider communications, partnerships, events, social media, or other creative approaches.

Mentorship Matching Information

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

What you current area of study, do you plan to attend graduate school? What career paths or industries are you interested in? What are your interests and hobbies, skillsets you’d like to develop? What do you hope for in a mentor?

Applications due November 1.

Apply Here!

The Bish Fellows Legacy

The Bish Fellows program was established through the generosity of Lucille “Ann” Bish, in honor of her mother, Vivian Townsend Bish.

Who is Vivian Townsend Bish?

Vivian attended The Ohio State University and was tapped into Mortar Board in the spring of 1919 as part of an 11-member class. Due to war implications, she was unable to complete her studies, but her legacy was honored a century later when she was named a posthumous Honorary Member in 2019.

A Family Affair

Her daughters carried forward that tradition of leadership and scholarship. Elizabeth “Betty” Bish was a member of Mortar Board at Ohio State in 1945, and Lucille “Ann” Bish followed in 1950 after earning her B.S. in Education. Ann went on to live in Schenectady, New York, and remained deeply committed to Mortar Board’s mission throughout her life.

The Generosity of the Bish Family

Upon Ann’s passing, she left a transformative estate gift of $250,000 - the largest one-time gift in Mortar Board’s history - establishing both the Vivian Townsend Bish Fellowship and the Bish Fellows Program. Ann’s extraordinary generosity ensures that her family’s legacy of dedication to Mortar Board and its mission of education, service, and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

Applications are due November 1.

Don't miss this opportunity to honor a legacy, while building the future of Mortar Board. Click the button below to start your applications!

Apply Here!