Clara Bates, a senior animal science major from Racine, Wis., was named a 2025 inductee to Mortar Board on April 5.
The event, co-sponsored by Mortar Board and the Innocents Society, recognized outstanding contributions of students selected to serve in the two senior honorary organizations, as well as the achievements of current members and notable underclassmen and seniors.
The Innocents Society inducts 13 new members each spring, with selection based on leadership, academic achievement and service to the university and greater community. The Innocents Society was founded in 1903 to promote the spirit of the university and is the chancellor's senior honorary. It is uniquely Nebraskan.
New members of Mortar Board are tapped into the Black Masque Chapter each spring by Mortar Boarders wearing black masks and robes. The 25 new members were selected based on scholarship, leadership and service.
Bates has been the recipient of the numerous scholarships, including the Dr. Philip L. Kelly Nebraska Dairy Scholarship and the Inspiring Your Future Scholarship, and also works in the Loeffel Meat Lab.
