Who We Are
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
- Mount Seminar Class
- 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
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.