Origin:
< L mēnsa table, symbolizing the original conception of the society, “a round table where no one has precedence.”

The word mensa means "table" in Latin; similarly, mens means "mind" and mensis means "month."  The name "Mensa" is reminiscent of "mind, table, month," which suggests a monthly meeting of great minds around a table.

NEWS:

September 13th, 2011 | Ellen Voie

Mensa Education & Research Foundation presents annual Distinguished Teacher Award

Each year the Mensa Education & Research Foundation selects a teacher (professor or instructor) for its annual, “Distinguished Teacher Award.”  The criteria for the award are that the recipient is an educator who, “has had an especially positive influence on the education or life of a Mensa member.

Mensa of Wisconsin/UP member Melinda Mastel nominated this year’s recipient, Patrick Coffey.  Melinda was a student in Mr. Coffey’s International Relations class last year and nominated him because of her appreciation for the way, “he motivates me to go out and make a difference in the world.”

Because of Mr. Coffey’s inspiration, Melinda is considering a career in International Relations.   While registering for volunteer hours through a local organization, Melinda chose to accept an additional shift in order to share her skills as a Spanish translator. 

Mr. Coffey is an instructor at the Elmbrook School District in Wisconsin and was honored at a school board meeting on September 13, 2011 at the Elmbrook central Administration Office.   Melinda nominated her instructor in the early part of 2011 and completed an essay, which described the impact Mr. Coffey had on her life.  Mensa members review the nominations and select the winning essay.  Melinda and her parents, Cheri and Larry Mastel, are all members of Mensa of Wisconsin/Upper MI.

It was an honor to represent the Mensa Education & Research Foundation to present the Distinguished Teacher Award to Mr. Patrick Coffey of the Elmbrook School District in Brookfield, Wisconsin.