Ohio University's Golden Key Honor Society to Host Regional Conference

Contact: Kevin Witham, (740) 593-4116 or Witham@www.admissions.ohiou.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (April 5, 2001) -- The Ohio University Golden Key International Honor Society will host the Great Lakes regional conference this weekend, April 6-8. More than 125 chapter members, officers and advisors from 20 universities will attend, according to Amy Lindsay, conference coordinator and Ohio University chapter president.

"The international headquarters staff in Atlanta along with corporate sponsors, such as the Ford Motor Company and the New York Times, will also attend the conference," Lindsay said. The weekend-long event serves as both a training ground for new members, officers and advisors,as well as a time to celebrate past year accomplishments according to Joy McVey, Great Lakes Regional Director.

Golden Key International Honor Society is an international, non-profit organization with 298 chapters at major colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, Malaysia and Canada. Golden Key membership is offered to the top 15 percent academically of juniors and seniors in all fields of study. Qualifying for Golden Key membership acknowledges exceptional ability to perform at a high academic level. The mission of the society is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement and excellence in all fields of study, to unite faculty and adminstrators in developing and maintaining high standards of education, provide economic assistance to outstanding members and to promote altruistic conduct through voluntary service.

The conference, with the Mardi Gras theme "Unmask the Key to Your Success," begins at 8 p.m. Friday night at the Ohio University Inn Ballroom with an introduction ceremony and performance by the Singing Men of Ohio Section 8 group. Saturday's activities will be held at Baker Center and begin with a breakfast and official welcome from Ohio University President Robert Glidden. The day will consist of workshops, motivational speakers, such as Harvey Alston, and presentations from members. Members can pick and choose to go to as many of the meetings as possible, according to OU Golden Key Advisor Kevin Witham, associate director of Admissions.

The conference will end with a "Parade of Excellence" award presentation banquet and Masquaerade Ball Saturday evening where many chapters and delegates will receive awards for their achievements.