Laurel Society | Honor Society for Juniors and Seniors

What is Laurel Society? 

The Laurel Society is an exclusive honor society for high achieving Juniors and Seniors at Lake Erie College. It was established in August 2021 and took the place of the previous Mortar Board Society. This organization provides students the unique opportunity to work with like minded individuals to develop a community service project while also participating in various professional development workshops throughout the year.

Mission of Laurel Society

The mission of Lake Erie College’s Laurel Society is to prepare high-achieving Juniors and Seniors to positively and constructively impact their world around them, both personally and professionally. By way of rigorous, intentional, and specific activities, students in the program will leverage their academic and co-curricular experiences to develop and demonstrate specific leadership and community engagement skills.

What are the benefits of joining? 

• Opportunity to work with like minded, service oriented peers during junior year to plan community service/engagement activity

• Invitation to exclusive leadership development opportunities (guest speakers, mentoring, and other programming)

• Annual dinner with the President and other leaders at the Manor House

• Priority registration for classes

• Notation on transcript and  recognition at graduation/honor convocation where members receive a medallion to wear for graduation 

• Networking with professionals, alumni, and community leaders

• Opportunity to work with professionals to develop a project plan to be executed during Senior year

Learning Objectives

• Students will develop and model exceptional leadership attributes

• Students will engage with the local community in significant and tangible ways

• Students will continuously demonstrate, uphold, and maintain high standards of academic success scholarship

Member Expectations

As a member of the Laurel Society, students are required to plan, execute and participate in a community service project that is referred to as a “Legacy Project”. At the beginning of each year, members are asked to collectively decide on a theme for their project, choosing between: environmental, poverty, mental and physical health, social justice or academics. 

Students are required to attend monthly meetings to remain in good standing. During these meetings, students will work together to plan their Legacy Projects while also participating in professional development opportunities including guest speakers, workshops, and more. 

Past Legacy Projects

The 2021-2022 class chose to focus on poverty and physical health in the greater Painesville area. They fundraised during the spring semester and raised enough money to purchase supplies to donate to community members in need.

Who Qualifies for Laurel Society?

Membership into the honor society is limited to twenty-five exceptional students who have gone above and beyond in both their academic work and leadership within the college. Membership is open to rising juniors and seniors. All members must have at least 60 credits earned by the fall after application. It is suggested that students apply the Spring of their sophomore year to ensure they are able to experience the full two years in the society and get the most of the experience. Applicants must demonstrate academic success by obtaining and maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above. The applicant must also demonstrate involvement on campus, service to the community and leadership to be a fit for Laurel Society. 

How To Apply for Laurel Society

Students can apply for membership by completing the fillable PDF application by the deadline provided to them during the application period.  The application has three sections that need to be completed in their entirety for consideration of membership. In addition to section one, student information, applicants must also attach a 500 word essay using the following prompts:

• Please explain why you think you would be a good fit for the Laurel Society and what you hope to gain from this experience

• Describe ways in which you have focused on academic excellence, service to the community, and leadership during your time at LEC.

Additionally, applicants must receive a faculty endorsement, or recommendation, to be considered for membership. 

All completed applications should be submitted to laurelsociety@lec.edu.

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