South Graduates Earn National Mortar Board Fellowships

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Posted on July 5, 2023

Logan Gatlin

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University of South Alabama graduates Annie Mascia, and Ivy Nguyen have been awarded national Mortar Board Fellowships for their post-baccalaureate studies. Both will continue their education at South. 

Each student, representing the Sally Steadman Azalea Chapter of Mortar Board at South, received more than $3,500 in scholarship money from their Mortar Board Fellowship. Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service. 

Ivy Nguyen graduated spring of 2023 and will pursue a medical degree from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at South. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and a minor in math.

“I was extremely happy when I read the email from the National Mortar Board Office that stated I was selected as a Fellow,” Nguyen said. “I immediately called my parents to notify them and emailed my professors to thank them for their encouragement and advice in the application process.”

Annie Mascia also graduated in the spring of 2023. She plans pursue a master's degree in South’s Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program and obtain her counseling license to serve children and adolescents. Mascia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in English.

“I was very honored to receive this fellowship,” Mascia said. “As president of our collegiate chapter of Mortar Board, I have seen how the organization has continually supported its members to grow into service-oriented professionals, and I am so glad they have chosen me to invest in.”

Nguyen and Mascia were able to celebrate the announcement of their fellowships together even though they were in different cities when the news arrived.  

“I had originally missed the email, but my friend and fellow recipient, Ivy, eagerly encouraged me to check my inbox,” Mascia said. “It was the week after graduation, so I was already back home in Birmingham, Alabama, so it was a special moment to share with Ivy, one of my closest college friends, since we were now miles away from one another.”

Dr. Sally Steadman, who serves as an advisor, noted the prestige of both students receiving a fellowship. 

"This is a significant accomplishment for the two of them since only eight fellowships are awarded nationally, and having two applicants from South Alabama is extraordinary," Steadman said.

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