Named after Ruth Weimer Mount, the Mount Leadership Society focuses on students committed to leadership and service. Students further develop their skills by participating in a wide variety of leadership and service projects. It is an honor to be a Mount Scholar. Only 100 students are selected each year to be part of the program.

The Mount Leadership Society is guided by five "essentials" for leadership and service: Honor of Integrity, Being Prepared and Following Through, Creating and Nurturing Relationships, Valuing Individuals, and Willingness to Teach Others. Residence hall students live together their first year in program as well. Halloran House, and commuter students are part of the program as well.

Components of the Mount Leadership Society:

• Mentoring by university staff and faculty
• Leadership training
  

  "Mount has defied all of my expectations: giving me endless opportunities to better myself and by helping make a home for myself at The Ohio State University."
  ~ Matt Deptola, Aurora, Ohio

  
  
• Service projects
• Year of Service project (2nd year)
• Opportunity to interact with alumni, faculty, and staff
• Special Orientation Program
  
• Early Arrival Program
  

  "I never thought transitioning to college could be this easy, but being in Mount and having people around you every step of the way really makes a difference. We surely are Together For Good."
  ~ Eric Seger, Tipp City, Ohio

  
  
• Classes with other Mount Scholars
• Retreats
• Socials
  

  "Choosing the Mount Leadership Society was honestly the best decision I have ever made. Mount has allowed me to create lifelong friends, take part in unique opportunities, and it has truly made The Ohio State University my home away from home"
  ~ Alyssa Grolle, Circleville, Ohio

  
  
• Celebration Ceremony

Honoring Ruth Weimer Mount

“Without Ruth Weimer Mount, I would not have had any of the great memories, experiences, and friendships that have helped make me into the person that I am today.”
~ Edwin Jones, Columbus, Ohio

The Mount Leadership Society is named in honor of the late Ruth Weimer Mount. Ruth joined Ohio State as the Assistant Dean of Women in 1953. Later after holding other numerous positions she was named the first Dean of Students in 1968. During her career, Ruth also served as President of National Mortar Board Inc., the Association of College Honor Societies, and the National Association of Women Deans, Administrators and Counselors. After stepping down as Dean, Ruth continued her work in various volunteer roles for Ohio State and the community, including involvement with the OSU Hospitals Service and Executive Boards, the Alumni Association, the University’s Women’s Clubs, Planned Parenthood, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and Franklin County Children’s Services. Of Ruth’s life and legacy, one friend said, “Ruth Weimer Mount was the consummate volunteer. All that she did was directed at improving the quality of life for others, particularly young people.” Another stated, “Ruth Mount was a unique mentor. Her guidance, grace, and leadership will serve as an example for the rest of my life.”

After Ruth’s death in 1997, the university wanted to honor her extraordinary commitment to leadership and service. While many options were considered, the university decided it would be most fitting to create a living, learning community of students to carry on her legacy of leadership and service. The Mount Leadership Society is an appropriate and fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated herself to The Ohio State University, public service, and student development throughout her extraordinary life and career. The Mount Leadership Society was piloted with 52 students in the first class of 1999. Students were selected based on their interest in leadership and service. They were paired with a university mentor, engaged in service projects, and enhanced their leadership skills.

Based on the success of the first year, the size of the class was doubled, and now, 100 Mount Scholars are selected each year. Specialized components have been added to the program: orientation, Mount Legacy Week, Year of Service, a trip to Washington D.C., Mount Committees, and the Celebration Ceremony, just to name a few. In addition, former students and colleagues of Ruth Weimer Mount provide support and scholarships for Mount Scholars.

Program Goals

What We Stand For

What does it mean to be a good leader? What does it mean to have an ethic of service? The following five competencies, drawn from Ruth Weimer Mount's personal talents and gifts, are essential to being a leader of quality. These five Mount Essentials make up the foundation of the Mount Leadership Society.

Honor of Integrity

• Being proud to model integrity
• Striving to create and maintain a reputation for being ethical, honest and fair
• Sense of self-awareness
• Acknowledgement of your own imperfections
• Genuineness

Being Prepared and Following Through

• Coming prepared
• Not waiting until the last minute
• Say what you do, do what you say
• Fulfilling responsibilities
• Sense of duty

Creating and Nurturing Relationships

• Seeking commonalities
• Valuing and maintaining relationships
• Inviting others to make meaningful contributions
• Involving others

Valuing Individuals

• Respect and appreciation for abilities and limitations of others
• Promoting diversity
• Seeing the good in others
• Acting with compassion and empathy
• Benevolence

Willingness to Teach Others

• Handing down your knowledge and experience to others
• Caring about a better tomorrow
• Making time for others
• Serving as a role model

Do Great Things

“Since my graduation from Mount, I have been thinking about all the amazing people that I have met in college and it always comes back to Mount. The friends that I have made are constantly doing great things, things that they are passionate about, things that are important to them.”
~ Catie Gmeiner, Kettering, Ohio

As the reputation of the Mount Leadership Society has grown,Mount Scholars are sought out for their dedication to service and leadership skills. Past classes of Mount Scholars have produced many noteworthy student leaders on campus. Naturally, we assume future classes will continue this level of excellence!

Ben Anthony Undergraduate Student Government President	Susan Parks Raised $12,000 for Unverferth House	Neesi Hathi Studied abroad in France
Kate Bennett Serving in the Peace Corps	Sarah Ho Alpha Gamma Delta Philanthropy Coordinator	Rico Peña Student Leadership Advocates
Logan Broadbent World Boomerang Champion	Charles Thomas Served with the Armed Forces in Iraq	Monika Percic Slovenian Buckeye Society

Leadership

“The unique thing about Mount and being charged to lead within the organization is that there are leaders leading leaders.”
~ Courtney Nichols, Cleveland, Ohio

Leadership is the cornerstone of the Mount Leadership Society. Mount Scholars enhance their leadership skills through regular leadership training workshops and overnight leadership retreats. Leadership Month, held in January, focuses on a series of events and activities that center on leadership at Ohio State. In addition to these events, Mount Scholars have the opportunity to discuss current event questions with former Congressman John Kasich, and travel to Washington DC to visit our nation’s capitol city.

Mount Scholars may be interested in pursuing the University’s Leadership Studies minor. Check out http://go.osu.edu/leadershipminor for more info.

Leadership Training

“Mount represents leadership from our involvement in Greek life to the military, from student government to residence life. Everywhere you go on campus and in our community we are able to see Mount represented through the hard work of individuals who are making the lives of those around us better one day at a time. Mount is service, leadership and action!”
~ Jonathon Glick, Orinda, California

First year Mount Scholars gather together two or three times a month for leadership training workshops. Held on Monday nights, these workshops cover a wide range of topics, including diversity, ethics, public speaking, leadership styles, and goal setting. These sessions are often led by faculty, staff, and community leaders. Scholars are asked to reserve Monday nights for Mount functions.

Leadership Month

In January, Mount Scholars have the special opportunity to take their leadership skills to another level. During Leadership Month, Scholars are presented with opportunities to meet university leaders, faculty, and staff to learn about the leadership at our university.

• Ride along with OSU Police
• Trip to the Rifle Range
• Dinner at the home of an Assistant Vice President
• Behind the scenes tour of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center
• Lunch in President's Suite in Press Box of Ohio Stadium
• Résumé writing workshop

Retreats

“During the retreat, I was able to ask others questions that I never thought I would ask. I think most people left feeling more like a family.”
~ Kelsi Schwall, Gahanna, Ohio

Often regarded as the most fun part of being in the Mount Leadership Society, both first and second year Scholars attend leadership retreats.

Held in the fall, the retreat for first year Scholars is a great chance for new students to learn about each other. The retreat focuses on:

• Decision making skills
• Diversity
• Problem solving skills
• Teamwork
• Midnight skits!

The second year retreat is held in the spring and asks Scholars to reflect on their accomplishments and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

Current Events Question

Created by former Congressman John Kasich, the Current Events Question is an opportunity for first year Mount Scholars to develop their critical thinking skills by responding to current events questions generated by public servants. Scholars then gather to discuss their responses with University leaders.

Washington, D.C.

“The chance to build relationships, tour the Pentagon and Capitol buildings, see the monuments, meet congressmen and lobbyists, and to be in the quick-paced atmosphere of Washington DC was a great experience.”
~ Dana Hazen, Alliance, Ohio

Each year, a select group of first year Mount Scholars travel to Washington DC over spring break to learn about leadership in our nation’s capitol. The trip allows for a unique opportunity to shadow a congressional office.

• Senator Mike DeWine
• Congresswoman Deborah Pryce
• Congressman Pat Tiberi

Along with the shadowing experience, Mount Scholars have also:

• Dined with lobbyists
• Received a behind-the-scenes tour of the United States Capitol Building
• Met with the Executive Editor of The Washington Post
• Toured Arlington National Cemetery
• Networked with Mount Alums in the D.C. area

This trip provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore the nation’s capitol and further the Scholars’ leadership skills.

Service

“Whether it is helping someone in need or just having a good time with others, Mount means that as long as you are willing to have someone’s back, they will always have yours.”
~ Dan Cunningham, Richfield, Ohio

Mount Scholars participate in a wide variety of community service projects focusing on social justice issues. First year Mount Scholars volunteer on a monthly basis to benefit the Ohio State society.

• Fall Harvest Jamboree
• Empty Bowls Hunger Project
• Habitat for Humanity
• Mentoring Fun Day with Big Brothers, Big Sisters
• WOSU pledge drive

In addition, first year Scholars form teams and create and implement service projects for Mount Legacy Week. Second year Mount Scholars complete the Year of Service by volunteering 75 hours or more toward a service project of their choosing.

Year of Service

“Mount brought me closer to the Columbus community with the second year ‘Year of Service’.”
~ Rachel Koepsel, Cleveland, Ohio

Second years focus on citizenship and what it means to be a good citizen.  In addition, scholars devote their year to serving their community. Scholars spend a minimum of 75 hours working with a service agency of their choosing, centered on a specific social justice issue. Scholars can also serve as Committee Chairs for the Mount Leadership Society as their Year of Service. Scholars incorporate the Mount Essentials as well as key concepts learned through a service-learning course,
Ed P&L 271, into their service project.

Example Year of Service Projects:

• Creating and hosting “Bucks for Hearts” Silent Auction, raising over $12,000
• Serving as a Best Buddy for a challenged younger student
• Coaching high school basketball
• Building houses with Habitat for Humanity

In addition, the Year of Service is a great opportunity for scholars to grow as leaders and as people, to take advantage of new educational grant opportunities, and to carry on the legacy of Ruth Weimer Mount. Furthermore, the Year of Service allows second year Mount Scholars to serve as guides and role models to the class of first year Scholars.

Spring Break Service Trip

A small group of upper-class Mount Scholars travels to Huntington, West Virginia over spring break to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. The group stays in a local church and learns valuable hands-on skills. Ohio State is one of several colleges and universities that send groups of students to work on a house during the month of March. Hard work and manual labor pay off in progress on the house! Our inaugural trip to Huntington was so successful that we have made it an annual option for Mount Scholars.

Connections

“Mount helped me form relationships that have lasted throughout my four years of college. It was a strange feeling to find myself feeling more at home at college than in the house where I grew up.”
~ Anthony DiPietro, Wintersville, Ohio

Mount is all about relationships. Scholars learn to seek commonalities amongst each other while learning to respect and value differences. Mount Scholars are given the opportunity to make connections with Ohio State faculty and staff. In addition, upper-class Mount Scholars provide insight on the Mount experience and are encouraged to pave the way for the next class of Scholars.

Being a Family

“It sounded cheesy when I first heard it, but after joining the Mount Leadership Society I found that just as a family would be (and I cannot emphasize the word family enough here), we so evidently were ‘Together for Good’.”
~ Jesse Ondera, Jackson, Ohio

The Mount Leadership Society values connections. This program was designed to maximize the time that Mount Scholars spend with each other and to promote lasting relationships. Ruth Weimer Mount believed in creating and nurturing relationships.

Every second spent with each other is valued. They believe in handing down their knowledge to the next class of Scholars and paving their way for a better tomorrow.

Plain and simple. . . Mount Scholars care about one another. This is evident in their words and deeds. Mount Scholars are family.

Diversity

“One great thing about Mount is that it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, each of our differences is what make the program so wonderful!”
~ Ashleigh Hohenbrink, Leipsic, Ohio

The Mount Leadership Society believes in valuing individuals and developing leaders for a diverse society. This program is designed to provide a plethora of experiences for students to maximize their exposure to diversity. Mount Scholars come from all different backgrounds; we believe that diversity is more than “how we look.” Diversity encompasses our cultures, our beliefs, our ethnicities, who we love, and what we value.

Mount Scholars learn about diversity through leadership training sessions at retreats, classroom discussions, and intentional conversations. Mount Scholars are encouraged to take part in OSU’s Diversity Leadership Transcript Program.

Everyone is welcome in the Mount Leadership Society.

Mega-Mini Program

“Your mega will always be a resource for you and they will help you during launch week by showing you around to your classes and giving you some advice that you may have missed at orientation.”
~ Mike Salone, Hudson, Ohio

The Mega-Mini program is offered by Mount to pair upper-class Mount Scholars (Megas) with incoming first year Scholars (Minis).

The Megas serve as mentors to help the younger Scholars navigate the transition between high school and college. Megas are the Minis first “family members” in Mount and serve as great resources for the Minis as they begin to make Ohio State their new home.

Post Mounts

“I have come to realize that Mount produces students as well as alumni who whole-heartedly care about our school, city and nation. That makes me smile and it also makes me proud to be part of this program.”
~ Kaitlyn Mikola, Hilliard, OH

The Mount Leadership Society was constructed as a two-year program, knowing that Mount Scholars will continue to utilize their leadership skills to take on leadership positions within the university; however, “once a Mount Scholar, always a Mount Scholar.” Many upper-class Mount Scholars stay connected with the program after their graduation from Mount. Those second years who graduate from the program are considered “Post Mounts”, while “Mount Alums” are Mount Scholars who have graduated from OSU.

Post Mounts take on a number of functions for the Mount Leadership Society including:

•  Serving as Committee Chairs
•  Reviewing scholar applications
•  Facilitating workshops
•  Advising Mount Legacy Week teams
•  Serving as drivers for our trips

In addition, Post Mounts plan service projects, socials, and events just for third and fourth year Mount Scholars.

Post Mounts are a vital part of the Mount Leadership Society!

Mount Alumni

“A great thing about Mount is that it lives in you forever. Mount is more than a program you go through, it's something that becomes a part of you.”
~ Natalie Benson, Van Buren, Ohio

The Mount Leadership Society started in the fall of 1999. To stay in touch with Mount Scholars who have graduated Ohio State, the Mount Alumni organization was formed. The Mount Alumni organization serves as a networking tool, both for graduates and current students. Mount alums receive newsletter updates, attend semi-annual Mount Alumni events on campus, participate in service projects, and give back to the current Mount program.

We recognize the Outstanding Mount Alum at our Celebration Ceremony each year. We look forward to staying connected with all Mount Alums and hearing of their many successes. If you are a Mount Alumnus and would like more information on Mount Alumni activities, contact Kathy Krajnak at Krajnak.2@osu.edu.

More About Mount

“I would like to start by saying that applying to the Mount Leadership Society was one of the best choices I made coming into college. It has opened so many doors and made the transition to college not only easy, but fun as well.”
~ Rico Pena, Bluffton, Ohio

Mount Scholars are continuously building on the connections and relationships formed within the Mount Leadership Society. Additional programs are implemented to help first year Mount Scholars with the transition of moving to Ohio State. In the summer, Mount Scholars entering into their first year attend a specific orientation with other Mount Scholars. The Mount Leadership Society hosts an early arrival program known as Mount Launch Week, which  allows first years to move into the residence hall early to get a better understanding of what the Mount Leadership Society is all about. When classes begin, Mount Scholars are given the opportunity to take classes with fellow Mount Scholars. Because Mount relies on the participation of its Scholars, Mounties are encouraged to join one of the many committees to help plan and organize Mount events throughout the year.

"Coming from a small town, I was really nervous to attend such a big college. Mount helped everything feel much smaller, and it is the main reason why I now call Ohio State my home. I couldn't imagine being a Buckeye without the relationships and experiences I have gotten out of Mount. It sounds cheesy, but we genuinely are ‘together for good!’ "
~ Kirsti Zickefoose, Greenfield, Ohio

"Mount is your home away from home. It is your campus family and your best friends for life."
~ Zach Kelley, Peebles, Ohio

Orientation

“Arriving at OSU for orientation, not knowing a single person in the state of Ohio, I should have been nervous. Once I met the other Mounties, I knew that I had found a group of exciting, intelligent, hard-working students that would become my close friends.”
~ Sharon Aling, Chicago, Illinois

First year Mount Scholars attend university orientation in late June. At orientation, Mount Scholars spend a day and a half together learning about Ohio State, scheduling classes, and learning all about the Mount Leadership Society. The Program Coordinator meets with the Scholars and parents, introducing them to the Mount program and all of its components. Upper-class Mount Scholars host a social during orientation to begin to get to know the new class of Mount Scholars.

Mount Launch Week

“As an out of state student, I came to Ohio State not knowing anyone. Mount provided me with a family and support group in college. I am so thankful I was able to come to OSU a week early and make new relationships during Launch Week.”
~ Lauren O’Donnell, Green Bay, Wisconsin

First year Mount Scholars arrive on campus four days before other students. During this time, Mount Scholars experience an intensive teambuilding program, learn about the Mount Essentials, and become acclimated to campus. Planned by upper class Mount Scholars, Mount Launch Week is highly rated by the new Scholars.

"Mount has really enriched my college experience from the very beginning. Meeting everyone in the group during Launch Week made me feel comfortable with the large campus because I already had a group of friends to depend on and hang out with."
~ Stephanie Jasper, Solon, Ohio

 

Clustered Classes

“The clustered English classes fall quarter and the Mount retreat helped me to engage in activities and jump right in.  I valued the diversity within my class and developed as a leader through numerous Mount meetings.”
~ Elizabeth Shoup, Orrville, Ohio

Mount Scholars have the opportunity to take classes with other Mount Scholars throughout their two years. These classes include, but are not limited to:

• English 110 (First-Year English Composition), required
• Education Policy & Leadership 271 (Leadership in Service), required
• Comparative Studies 367 (2nd level writing course)

Some quarters, other clustered classes are arranged.

Clustered classes allow Mount Scholars to be in the same classroom with other Mount Scholars. Having another scholar, sometimes your roommate, to lean on for help is certainly a "perk" of the Mount Leadership Society!

Committees

Committees play a major role in the working of the Mount Leadership Society. Committees, chaired by upper-class Scholars, begin in October. Scholars are welcome to join the committee of their choice.

Service

• Plans monthly service projects for Scholars, including Empty Bowls, Fall Harvest Jamboree, and Mentoring Fun Day
• Ensures there is an educational and reflection component for each monthly project
• Coordinates Mount’s Adopt-A-Street program – clean-up and literature drop on Norwich monthly

Member Development

• Coordinates Mega-Mini Program
• Plans all Mount picnics and Mount formal
• Develops the Mount Homecoming float
• Creates ways to help Mount Scholars develop a sense of community

Historian

• Takes pictures at designated Mount events; provides photo collections for Media Manager
• Assembles and maintains the Mount Leadership Society scrapbooks
• Develops and preserves Mount Leadership Society historical files

Leadership Training

• Plans and implements designated leadership training events at Monday meetings
• Assists with Leadership Month planning
• Coordinates Leadership Breakfasts and Academic Breakfasts
• Plans the Legacy Week Celebration Dinner

Post Mount (open only to Post Mounts)

• Organizes and implements two or more Post Mount events each quarter
• Hosts the Celebration Ceremony
• Keeps Post Mounts informed of Mount happenings; disseminates monthly newsletters

Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships
Due to generous donations from friends of the program, the Mount Leadership Society is able to award scholarships and grants to a number of Scholars. These scholarships include the:

• Reginald Morse Scholarship for Mount Scholars in the College of Engineering
• Richard D. Johnson Leadership Scholarship recognizing Mount Scholars who have excelled in leadership and been inducted into a junior or senior class honorary
• James F. and Barbara Young Sipp Scholarship for a Mount Scholar who best emulates the Mount Essentials
• Jamie Kelleher Scholarship for 2 Mount Scholars studying in the health science fields.
• Peggy O’Brien Kratzer Memorial Scholarship, a need based scholarship for an incoming Mount Scholar.

Grants
Mount Scholars also have the chance to apply for a grant to:

• Study Abroad
• Attend a regional or national conference on leadership and/or service

Grant applications are due in the fall.

Friends of Ruth Weimer Mount who are interested in contributing to scholarships or funding for the Mount Leadership Society may contact Alain Hunter, Development Office at hunter.334@osu.edu or (614)688-4962.