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Callen Woodard of Andalusia was inducted into several honor societies at The University of Alabama’s during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony on April 9.

Woodard was inducted into Mortar Board, Rho Lambda, Order of Omega, Elliot Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key and the Anderson Society.

The Anderson Society is a leadership honorary that recognizes students who have made significant contributions to The University of Alabama. Twenty-four students are accepted each year, and honorary memberships are awarded to faculty, staff and graduating seniors.

While these contributions often take many forms, there are certain qualities of members of the Anderson Society that are prominently and ubiquitously found — an immersion into some sort of community service, passion for improving the university community through both explicit and implicit means and persistent effort to attain excellence in some sphere of university life.

Once an Anderson initiate, members are expected to continue to devote themselves to service, some directly under the auspices of the Anderson Society, but much more individually.

Blue Key was, with Omicron Delta Kappa and the Jasons, one of the first three honor societies at The University of Alabama. During the Great Depression, Blue Key ceased operating on the campus, but it returned in 1987. Blue Key members are selected during spring semester of the junior year and must represent high scholastic ideals, leadership and diversity of background. Selection is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on rising seniors.

Mortar Board, a national honor society for men and women, is based on leadership, scholarship and service. It is one of the highest honors that can be granted to seniors. Members must display outstanding dedication to service and leadership.

The purpose of Omicron Delta Kappa is to recognize those students who have attained high standards in collegiate activities, to inspire others to strive for similar attainments, and to bring together students in all areas of college life: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service; social and religious activities; campus government; journalism, speech and mass media; and creative and performing arts.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.