2014 Ohio Wesleyan Graduate Receives Mortar Board Fellowship
Marissa Alfano ’14
DELAWARE, Ohio – The Mortar Board National Foundation has awarded 2014 Ohio Wesleyan University graduate Marissa Alfano one of eight 2014-2015 Mortar Board Fellowships to support her graduate school studies.
Alfano received her Mortar Board Fellowship in honor of Diane Selby. A 2014 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, Alfano majored in journalism and politics and government. Currently, she is enrolled at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law with plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate, specializing in public policy.
Alfano said her career aspirations were shaped by a summer internship in Washington, D.C., working for the Speaker of the House.
“I discovered that I love not only our legal system, but also the legislative branch of our government,” Alfano said. “Now I hope to combine the two by working to impact public policy.”
At Ohio Wesleyan, Alfano also served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Transcript, and earned several prestigious news writing awards. In addition, she participated in a 10-day Travel-Learning Course in London, “Fallout on Fleet Street: Effects of Rupert Murdoch Scandal on British Press.”
In awarding the latest fellowships, Mortar Board National Foundation President Denise Rode, Ed.D., said: “With these fellowships, the Mortar Board National Foundation plays a significant role in the development of eight members who possess undeniable talent and drive; they will make a difference in their spheres of influence. Mortar Board is proud to contribute to their success.”
Since the establishment of the fellowship program in 1941, more than $720,000 has been granted to help members pursue graduate or professional school. Fellowship recipients are selected based on a demonstrated record of academic excellence, strong recommendation, scholarship promise, and Mortar Board involvement.
About Mortar Board
Mortar Board is the premier national honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service. Since its founding in 1918, more than a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 231 chartered chapters across the nation. Learn more about Mortar Board at www.mortarboard.org.
About Ohio Wesleyan
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers 86 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Ohio Wesleyan combines a challenging, internationally focused curriculum with off-campus learning and leadership opportunities to connect classroom theory with real-world experience. OWU’s 1,750 students represent 46 U.S. states and territories and 43 countries. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the latest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.