Ather Sharif stands out as a beacon of dedication and innovation in a world where academic achievement and social impact often intersect. A distinguished Golden Key International Honour Society member, Ather has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award. This honor acknowledges […]
We are thrilled to announce Logan Thornton as the 2023 Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award recipient! This prestigious honor recognizes Logan’s outstanding accomplishments and dedication throughout his undergraduate career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). About the Undergraduate Achievement Award The Golden Key Undergraduate […]
We’re super excited to share some amazing news: Michael Shamblin has just been named the 2023 Golden Key Professional Development Award winner! This big win really highlights the awesome support Golden Key International Honour Society provides for lifelong learning and growth.
Michael is an incredible educator who’s super passionate about teaching kids. He’s truly an inspiration and his win reflects not only his hard work but also the amazing support from his family and mentors throughout his journey. During his time at Cleveland State University, Michael played a key role in Golden Key, helping the society grow and thrive.
Michael said, “This award honors not just me but all those who have supported me on this journey.” He’s all about setting new goals and pushing for excellence in education.
Golden Key is the largest college honor society in the world! With chapters in over 400 universities globally, it connects top students, graduates, and alumni, offering tons of exclusive scholarships, professional development, and networking chances.
If you’re in the top 15% of your class, you can join this awesome network that really values integrity, innovation, and diversity. Golden Key isn’t just about recognizing academic achievements; it’s also about leadership and giving back.
Joining Golden Key means you’re starting a journey filled with opportunities to grow and excel. We invite all eligible students to join this vibrant community, boost their academic and professional lives, and make a positive impact.
Let’s celebrate this achievement together! Share the news with #yesGK and keep up with all the great stuff happening at Golden Key.
Michael’s achievement is a powerful reminder of how education, community, and hard work can lead to incredible success. It’s a call to all Golden Key members to keep striving for greatness in everything they do. Go, Michael!
Golden Key International Honour Society, with its global reach across more than 400 university chapters and a network exceeding 2 million members, offers unique platforms for connection and growth. Among these, the Golden Key Discord server stands out as a crucial interactive hub. Here’s what […]
The Golden Key Academy is not just a platform; it’s a catalyst for transformation. As an integral part of the Golden Key International Honour Society, the Academy offers a unique blend of resources, programs, and opportunities designed to elevate its members’ personal and professional lives. […]
Being a Golden Key International Honour Society member is more than just a title or a line on a resume; it represents a commitment to excellence, a dedication to leadership, and a passion for service. As the world’s largest international collegiate honor society, Golden Key distinguishes itself by recognizing the top 15% of college and university students across multiple fields of study, fostering an environment where like-minded, high-achieving individuals can connect, grow, and significantly impact their communities and beyond.
The Essence of Membership
Membership in Golden Key is an honor bestowed upon students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. However, society extends its value far beyond academic recognition. It serves as a personal and professional development platform, offering members access to many opportunities designed to support their educational and career journeys. From scholarships and grants to leadership development programs and service projects, Golden Key empowers its members to realize their potential and strive for even greater heights.
A Global Community of Leaders
Golden Key’s global presence, with chapters in over 400 colleges and universities across eight countries, creates a vast network of high-caliber students, graduates, and alums. This network provides a unique opportunity for members to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, share experiences, and learn from each other. Such interactions enrich the members’ personal growth and enhance their understanding of global issues, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect.
Service at Its Core
Service is a cornerstone of the Golden Key philosophy. The society encourages its members to give back to their communities through various service projects, embodying the principle that true success comes from personal achievement and contributing to the greater good. Whether through local chapter initiatives or the society’s global service initiative, SPARK a Change, Golden Key members are at the forefront of efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, especially those at risk.
Unlocking Opportunities
The benefits of Golden Key membership are vast and varied. Members have exclusive access to the Golden Key Academy. This online learning platform offers resources and webinars on career development, workplace skills, and personal growth. Additionally, the society awards numerous scholarships and grants exclusively to its members, providing financial support for their studies and research projects. Networking events, both in-person and digital, open doors to professional opportunities, while leadership roles within the society help members develop essential skills highly valued in the workplace.
Recognition and Pride
Membership in Golden Key is a prestigious accolade that members can proudly display. The society offers graduation regalia, such as honor cords and medallions, allowing members to celebrate their achievements and Golden Key affiliation during commencement ceremonies. This visible recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence that Golden Key members embody.
A Lifelong Journey
Golden Key’s commitment to its members continues after graduation. Alum members continue to enjoy benefits, including scholarship opportunities for graduate studies and access to career resources. The society remains a lifelong partner in its members’ personal and professional development journeys, offering continued support and opportunities for engagement.
Joining Golden Key
Becoming a member of Golden Key is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. It signifies not only their academic prowess but also their potential for leadership and commitment to service. By joining Golden Key, students step into a world of opportunity where they can connect with a global community of achievers, access resources to fuel their ambitions, and contribute to making a positive impact.
In essence, being a Golden Key International Honour Society member means being part of an esteemed community that values excellence, leadership, and service. It’s about embracing opportunities, making a difference, and striving for a brighter future for oneself and the global community. #yesGK is more than a hashtag; it’s a call to action for students worldwide to unlock their potential and open the door to a world of opportunities.
Golden Key International Honour Society stands as a beacon of excellence in the academic world, offering its members unparalleled opportunities for growth, scholarship, and community engagement. Joining this prestigious community recognizes your hard work and academic success. It opens doors to a world of possibilities […]
There is no question that there has been a dynamic shift in the job market since 2020, with businesses quickly adapting to a new landscape. Many of the changes have been positive, but others have presented significant challenges, such as grads needing more soft skills […]
by Julia Brown
February 14, 2023
The current president of Texas Southern University’s Golden Key chapter has four degrees under her belt, maintains an excellent GPA, and has attended three different colleges. Since Golden Key members need to be within the top 15 percent of their class, the president of a chapter having such an outstanding educational back story may not be surprising. However, what may be surprising is her journey before her current success.
Renata Givens, also known as Precious to her friends and family, was born in New Orleans, LA, but lived in the state of Texas most of her life. In 2005, when she 24-years-old, Givens had just found out that she was pregnant with her first child. During this time, she lived in New Orleans, LA. While the news of her first pregnancy was exciting, a storm was (literally) brewing that would change Given’s life forever.
Hurricane Katrina landed in New Orleans, LA, and Givens had to fight to survive. Givens said, “I cannot swim, and I was pregnant, trying to stay afloat above the water.” She had to wear the same clothes for a week before being rescued and evacuated to Corpus Christi, TX.
After surviving the biggest ordeal in her life thus far, Givens was offered a full scholarship to Del Mar College in Texas and intended to pursue nursing. Unfortunately, this was when the father of Given’s unborn child became abusive and she went into premature labor and gave birth to her stillborn child at home.
It took Givens another two years before she had the strength to leave, but her loss caused her so much grief and mental turmoil that she had to drop out of Del Mar College. “I had no support and no family. I had nobody,” said Givens.
Givens still had her job but no longer had a place to live. She spent nights sleeping on church benches, steps, and even under bridges. “I never asked anybody for anything,” said Givens. She continued to work and fight for herself until she was back on her feet again. In 2008 Givens moved from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, TX, where she got a new job with McDonald’s. At this time in her life, givens felt on top of the world. “[I was] doing great, [and] I finally allowed myself to get closure from my firstborn.”
However, an unfortunate side effect of homelessness is exposure and addiction. Like many, Givens was not immune to this aspect, and her addiction cost her more than anyone should ever have to pay. “I went through another loss with my second child,” said Givens, who was then hospitalized for her mental health.
Still, through all of the obstacles she faced, Givens never gave up on her dreams and maintained her kind heart.
After hitting yet more obstacles, Givens was able to turn her life around for the better. Still, the specific moment that spring-boarded her positive trajectory was a man who showed her human kindness in June 2017 during her lowest moment. “I did not know him, and he did not know me,” said Givens. “He gave me his blanket so that I could sleep for the night.” The very next day, Givens enrolled herself in Houston Community College.
Despite facing ongoing homelessness, Givens never lost her ambition and drive. She persisted through her courses at Houston Community and earned her first associate degree in 2019. That same year, she enrolled at Texas Southern University, becoming a concurrently enrolled student.
Despite early challenges in her college career, she not only made it through her first semester at TSU, but she excelled with a 3.66 GPA. Givens said, “It showed me just how strong I really am.” She’s now a college graduate with four degrees. She’s the current president of TSU’s Golden Key chapter and plans to pursue her nursing degree and ultimately work in pediatric orthopedic oncology.
Indeed, Given’s story is the personification of the proverb, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” She continued pushing forward even when it seemed the world was against her. “I never gave up on my goals, I fought through things, whereas other students would have dropped out by now, but I didn’t.”
by Julia Brown February 13, 2023 Loris Durrant has been the senior staff accountant for Golden Key for over 15 years. Durrant said what drew her to Golden Key were the society’s values centered around helping students excel. “In 2006, my family and I relocated […]
GK SCHOLARSHIPS: Ather Sharif
GK Scholarships: Logan Thornton