A new chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society has been chartered at Ashford University and its first members will be inducted on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in room A342 of St. Clare Hall. An information session will precede the induction ceremony at 4 p.m., also in room A342. Anyone planning to attend either event should RSVP by Oct. 7 to Assistant Professor William Woods, chapter co-advisor, at 563.242.4023, ext. 7899 or william.woods@ashford.edu. 

According to the organization’s website, “Golden Key is the world’s premier collegiate honor society, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and connecting high-achieving individuals locally, regionally and globally with lifetime opportunity, reward and success.” The honor society has nearly two million members from more than 190 countries and more than 375 chapters at colleges and universities.  

Membership is by invitation only and Woods said members must have a minimum grade point average of 3.7 and have at least sophomore status. Student Affairs Specialist Vanessa Schoenherr is the group’s primary advisor. 

Founded in 1977, the academic honor society recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence among college and university students from all academic disciplines.  

“In an effort to reflect the Society's diversity and international presence, Golden Key uses the globally accepted spelling of ‘honour’ in its name,” its website says. “The Society offers its members over $600,000 (USD) annually through numerous scholarship and award programs. Members are also connected to exclusive career opportunities and assistance through Golden Key's partnerships with major corporations and graduate programs.”

For more information on the Ashford University chapter, go to http://www.goldenkey.org/goldenkey/gkfrms/chapters/editchap.aspx?Id=468.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.