Olivia Beckett ‘28 recently received the Purdue University Barbara Cook Fellowship from Mortar Board National College Honor Society. She is one of just ten recipients nationwide in the organization’s 2026–2027 Fellowship Program.
“Receiving the Purdue University Barbara Cook Fellowship is an incredible honor because Mortar Board’s ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service have been such an important part of my life,” said Beckett. “Being selected for Mortar Board during my senior year of college was a meaningful way to cap my undergraduate experience, and the opportunity to continue serving the organization in various roles has been one of the highlights of my academic and professional journey.”
Beckett received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State and has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to public service. She participated in the Washington, D.C., Summer Program at Moritz and worked with the Children's Law Center. Beckett aspires to a career in public interest law, using legal advocacy and policy reform to expand educational opportunities.
“This fellowship will give me the opportunity and support to further explore my passion for public interest work while pursuing my legal education,” she said. “I hope to use this opportunity to continue developing as a lawyer, public servant, and leader, and to gain experiences that will help me better serve others throughout my career.”