South Graduate Wins National Mortar Board Fellowship
Posted on June 30, 2025
Recent University of South Alabama graduate Anita Nguyen was selected as one of nine recipients nationwide for the 2025-2026 Mortar Board Honor Society fellowships and received a $5,000 award for the upcoming academic year.
“I was so astonished,” Nguyen said. “With the thrill of banquets, award ceremonies and graduation, the news of this fellowship quite literally snuck up on me making my month of May a touch sweeter.”
Mortar Board is a national honor society of college seniors. Its mission is to foster an elevated college experience for others. Many of the members serve as tutors, but Nguyen says the goal is much broader.
“It’s about accomplishing a degree in the pursuit of higher education and building a life that one can be proud of,” she said.
Nguyen received her Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences last month and will begin dental school in the fall. In 2024, she won a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad and was also awarded the 2024 Marion B. Sewers Distinguished Scholarship for Undergraduates given to students who demonstrate an interest in biochemistry and molecular biology.
“This is a special honor for Anita, since the recipients are selected from the best Mortar Board members in the nation, who have been chosen for outstanding contributions to scholarship, leadership and service on their campuses,” said Dr. Sally Steadman, Mortar Board faculty advisor.
South’s Mortar Board chapter has a history of exemplary achievements. Nguyen now joins Abby Mock, Annie Mascia, Ivy Nguyen, Hanna Giannini and Hannah Bobinger who have earned national honors in the past four years.
