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High achieving students recognised

October 23, 2006

Golden Key membersAbout 60 high achieving students have been inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society at the University of New England. The society – which has chapters all over the world and counts Bill Clinton and Ian Thorpe among its honorary members – was founded in 1977 to recognise academic achievement among college and university students in all disciplines. Only students in the top 15 per cent of their discipline are invited to join.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor David Rich gave the occasional address at the induction ceremony. Professor Rich said he was delighted to be able to attend “because of its [Golden Key's] close association with, and promotion of, scholastic achievement and excellence and its encouragement of high standards in education”.

“The Golden Key values and objectives correspond very closely with this university’s mission and purpose,” Professor Rich said. “As with Golden Key, excellence and academic achievement are continuing themes; they are what we are trying to offer.”

The treasurer of Golden Key's UNE chapter, Lex Henderson, said the event had been highly successful. “We had great support from the academic staff and the speeches were really inspiring,” Ms Henderson said.

She said the society's purpose was to reward students and recognise the effort they put into their studies. “It's one way of saying look, you have done a fantastic job. We would be honoured if you would join our society.”

She said membership offered the chance to participate in exciting and worthwhile endeavours, such as charity fundraisers and local and international conferences. Ms Henderson recently returned from Scottsdale, Arizona, where she represented UNE at a Golden Key conference.

“They not only help you develop skills for the society, but also personal development and leadership skills,” she said. “They want you to be the best you can be academically and as a person.”

Ms Henderson said international companies including Boeing and Ford were sponsors of the society and that many opportunities, including generous scholarships, were open to those members willing to reach for them.

For more information contact Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at October 23, 2006 02:45 PM