MU Sinclair School of Nursing

Faculty Members Tapped

For Outstanding Service

May 8, 2008

COLUMBIA , Mo. – Only a bright yellow line was visible from under the long, dark hood of the cape she was wearing – a path that her feet shuffled along amid the pomp and circumstance of the day. Emotions swelled in the auditorium as names were read and new initiates were tapped by current members of the honorary.

The 81st Tap Day anniversary has seen numerous students recognized for their service to the University of Missouri , six nursing students were tapped last year. In 2008, two nursing faculty members were inducted into two of the University's seven secret societies.

Donna Otto, nursing instructor and director of alumni relations, was honor tapped into the Mystical Seven.

“Becoming a member of the Mystical Seven is truly an honor at this stage of my career,” Otto said. “During my college days, I didn't know much about Tap Day and the organizations associated with it. To be tapped now is a humbling experience and quite an honor.”

For 101 years, the Mystical Seven annually honor seven men and women of Mizzou who have displayed selfless leadership and exemplary character. Their members have given freely of their time and demonstrated, by their actions, their commitment to serve others. In addition to the seven new members, Otto and one other MU faculty member was inducted this year.

Where the Mystical Seven is committed to service to the MU community, Mortar Board expands that service to the community as a whole. Last year, four nursing students were inducted into this society; this year, nursing instructor Beth Traudes' name was added to the membership list.

“Four nursing students pitched Traudes' name to the society for consideration,” said Dan Imhoff, senior nursing student and Mortar Board member, “and because her reputation is known beyond the nursing school she was tapped. She gets a lot of praise and she deserves it because she's incredible.”

The Friars Chapter of Mortar Board was established in 1918 at Mizzou and recognizes seniors who demonstrate a multifaceted commitment to scholarship, leadership and service. This organization provides opportunities for continued leadership development, while promoting service to the University and encouraging lifelong contributions to the global community.

“The greatest honor is that this is a campus-wide distinction,” Traudes said. “The simple fact that non-nursing students knew who I was and what I stood for means everything to me as an instructor. The four students who nominated me are an incredible group and I am humbled to stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this organization.”

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