Four honorary members, including Flinders Chancellor Mr Stephen Gerlach, were inducted at the Flinders University Golden Key International Honour Society annual reception at the Matthew Flinders Theatre this month.
The student-run Flinders University chapter is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with more than 6000 members, including 364 new members who have joining this year.
More than 150 new members received their certificates at the 7 May reception while four honorary members were also inducted: Flinders Chancellor Mr Stephen Gerlach, Blackwood GP Dr Eleanor Evans, Lifeline supervisor Ms Heather Maynard along with the keynote speaker on the night, Mr Kym Winter-Dewhirst, who is chief executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Golden Key is the world’s largest academic honour society, a not-for-profit academic organisation which recognises and encourages scholastic achievement and leadership potential among students.
Golden Key honorary members are recognised for their contributions to the community and for upholding the three pillars of the Golden Key society – Academics, Leadership and Service.
Professor Don DeBats, Head of American Studies at the School of International Studies, was presented with the Chapter Advisor Tenure Award for his 20 years as Flinders chapter adviser.
“It’s been a pleasure to see the society succeed at Flinders University,” Professor DeBats said. “We have seen thousands of our leading students benefit from their involvement with networking opportunities with industry and academic leaders, and contribute to community and other initiatives through the Flinders chapter of Golden Key, while maintaining their academic excellence.”
Flinders lecturer Dr Prudence Flowers is the co-adviser of the Flinders chapter and honours student Monica Detweiler is president.
Mr Joshua Ang, Director, and Ms Amelia Yip, University Relations Officer, represented the Asia-Pacific Golden Key International Honour Society headquarters at the 7 May Flinders event.
After the Flinders chapter formed in 1995, the University of Adelaide and UniSA chapters started in 1998. There are now 40 Golden Key chapters in the Asia-Pacific region, with about 30 in Australia. Globally, there are more than 400 chapters in more than 10 countries.