History
The Kansas State University Blue Key chapter was chartered on February 27, 1934. The organization was primarily in charge of running the university's homecoming festivities. In 1965 Blue Key was the first student organization to create an endowment fund for a scholarship program, and later in 1991 created the Presidential Lecture Series allowing faculty members to travel across the state to speak to high schools. Over the past two decades Blue Key has focused heavily on personal development and mentorship for underclassmen through two signature programs, Catalyst, a personal development class (2002) and Quest Freshman Honorary (2004).
Timeline of key events
1934 | Chapter 34A of the Blue Key Honor Society is established at K-State. Thirteen men are selected for membership and Joe Knappenberger serves as the first president. |
1938 |
Blue Key sponsors the first issue of Click, a magazine of candid photography. |
1945 | Blue Key chapter goes dormant due to World War II. |
1947 |
The chapter is reestablished after being dormant during World War II. |
1960 | Stanis Panagides becomes the first international student to join the chapter. |
1966 |
John C. Williams, Jr. is the first black chapter member. |
1973 |
The first Royal Couple is elected as part of Homecoming coordinated by Blue Key. |
1977 |
Blue Key becomes a coed organization when Grace Hwang is the first female inducted into membership. Blue Key introduces the K-State Student Ambassador Program. |
1980 | Julie Bunch is the first female member elected chapter president. |
1988 |
The first High School Leadership Conference is hosted at K-State. |
1991 |
Blue Key members begin teaching freshmen small groups for the Introduction to Leadership Concepts course. |
2002 |
Members introduce the Blue Key Self-Development program (Catalyst). Thirty-nine students participate in the pilot program. |
2003 |
K-State is named the Blue Key Outstanding Chapter of the Year. |
2004 |
The Quest Freshman Honorary inducts its first class and welcomes 26 members. |
2008 |
Blue Key hosts the first USpeak Conference for high school juniors and seniors. Ninety-eight students participate. |
2009 | Blue Key hosts a 75th anniversary celebration. Part of the history displayed at this event include the origination of the sweater vest and #BKL |
2014 | Blue Key hosts the first DiscoverU Conference for high school students in the AVID program. 130 students participate. |
2018 |
Blue Key hosts the first Strengths in Action, a educational series focused on Clifton-Strengths. |
2019 |
Blue Key hosts the first Habitudes in Action, a speaking competition within Catalyst for a scholarship. |
2022 |
Blue Key hosts the first Evening of Etiqutte, an interactive presentation on carrying oneself professionally. |
2023 |
Blue Key hosts the first Night of Networking, an interactive event for students to learn the art of networking. |