by Kendra Germany
Staff writer
The Cardinal Key National Honors Society is set to kick off its 2012 recruitment process this month.
Dating back to 1937, Cardinal Key is one of the oldest organizations on Southeastern’s campus.
According to Cardinal Key President Kelsey Reding, Friday, Feb. 17 will be the first day of the 2012 Cardinal Key recruitment process.
“Southeastern’s Cardinal Key chapter is an all-female society for junior and senior women,” said Reding.
All female junior and senior Southeastern students who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply for membership.
“You must have a 3.0 GPA and be active in campus and community activities,” said Reding.
According to a mass email sent by the Southeastern Cardinal Key chapter to perspective members, each member is required to actively serve with the chapter. That includes attending meetings every other Wednesday at 5:15 p.m and several mandatory events each semester.
“Cardinal Key is very active within the Southeastern community, we host Big Man on Campus each year during Homecoming which supports our national philanthropy- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation,” said Reding. “We also assist in the annual Candlelighting Ceremony and Commencement exercises each semester.”
“These are our main service projects, but we also serve the university whenever we’re called upon by them,” said Reding.
Reding encourages students who are eligible to apply for membership in Cardinal Key. “Cardinal Key is also an excellent way to strengthen leadership skills and promote campus involvement,” said Reding. “We are a service-oriented honor society and strive to develop character by application of the cardinal virtues: faith, trust, fortitude, and wisdom.”
Applications for Cardinal Key are due on Friday, Feb. 17. Applications must be turned in with a mandatory $10 application fee to Sponsor Susie Fry in the Student Union Room 329 no later than 5 p.m. Applicants must attach a photograph of themselves to their application. This photograph will be used for facial recognition during the selection process.
Cardinal Key needs 13 new members to meet its quota.
“We currently have 12 members and are looking to add 13 more. We are allowed 25 members or 1 percent of female juniors and seniors. It is always more advantageous for us to use the 25 member rule,” said Reding.
According to the mass email, there will be several events held during the selection week.
Those who wish to join Cardinal Key are required to attend all events held during selection week to be considered for membership.
A social will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19 in Room 323 of the Student Union. If students want to be a part of Cardinal Key they must attend this event. The social is a dress attire event and pizza and drinks will be served to those in attendance.
On Monday, Feb. 20 there will be a tea party/game night at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Union Loft. This event is also dress attire.
Tuesday, Feb. 21 will be Service Night. Prospective members are to meet at the eastside stairs of the Student Union. From there they will go to the George Washington Elementary School building to assist with Families Feeding Families. This event is casual dress.
The Induction Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium Room 213 on Thursday, Feb 23. Students who are inducted must wear the all-black Cardinal Key attire. New members must also have the $50 membership fee payable at the time of induction. Friends and family are welcome to attend the ceremony.
For more information on Cardinal Key, email Reding at [email protected] or contact the Cardinal Key secretary Brittany Bradford at 513-0640.