This semester, senior Kristen Brock is juggling not only schoolwork and community service, but also her duties as chapter president of Towson’s Golden Key Society.

Though Golden Key International Honour Society is the world’s largest collegiate honor society, Towson’s chapter struggles with campus presence, Brock said.

Membership to the Golden Key is by invitation only to the top 15 percent of college university sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as top-performing graduate students, based solely on their academic achievements. At Towson that’s a GPA of 3.55-3.6 out of 4.0, Brock said.

Students may submit to have their credentials reviewed if they feel that they have met the requirements but did not receive an invitation.

Towson’s chapter currently has 420 members, Brock said, but they are unable to hold weekly meetings or events because a lack of participation. Some members are currently working to become more visible on campus, Brock said.

“One way we are trying to boost participation this year is by having a raffle for $75 and a T-shirt for participating in one event during the fall and spring semesters,” Brock said.

This year in April, they are planning to hold a fundraiser at Bill Bateman’s as well as participate in a tree-planting event hosted by the TU Tree Club. They also hold an induction ceremony called the New Member Recognition Event (NMRE) and participate in Homecoming Week events each year.

Brock feels that from being a part of Golden Key she has gained leadership skills that will benefit her in her future career and has gained an appreciation for working with different types of people.

“I joined Golden Key because of the membership benefits, to get involved on campus in a leadership position and add to my resume,” Brock said.

Originally founded by a group of undergraduate students and faculty members at Georgia State University in 1977, the Golden Key International Honour Society was intended to provide a community of like-minded honor students to encourage their academic achievements.

“As president, working with other students to build a community where high achieving students can be recognized on campus, socialize and give back to the Towson community,” Brock said.