The Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award

The Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award is the premier scholarship the Golden Key International Honour Society offers. It is designed to support post-baccalaureate study at accredited universities globally. This scholarship recognizes its members’ exceptional accomplishments and potential, providing them with the resources to further their education and impact.

Ather Sharif’s Journey and Vision

Ather Sharif’s journey is one of perseverance and passion. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Ather moved to the United States to pursue higher education. He has since made Philadelphia his home, where he continues to push the boundaries of research in digital accessibility for disabled individuals. His work aims to create a more inclusive digital environment, reflecting his belief that accessibility is a fundamental right.

In his personal statement upon receiving the award, Ather expressed profound gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose:

“Receiving this award is not just a recognition of my passion and hard work in aspiring to make this world a better place for disabled people but also a recognition of how crucial this goal is. It is reassuring and encouraging to see organizations such as the Golden Key Honour Society demonstrate their commitment to fostering opportunities to build a more inclusive global society.”

Acknowledging Mentors and Inspirations

Ather’s success is not solely his own; it is also a testament to the invaluable support and guidance he has received from his mentors. He specifically thanked his advisor, Jacob Wobbrock, and mentor, Richard Ladner, for their unwavering encouragement and support:

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude toward my advisor, Jacob Wobbrock, and mentor, Richard Ladner, both of whom have consistently pushed me to achieve academic excellence and use my knowledge and platform to make a difference in this world—a core value of the Golden Key Honour Society.”

Their mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping Ather’s academic journey and his mission to enhance digital access for disabled people.

A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration

Ather’s recognition by the Golden Key International Honour Society inspires many, particularly international graduate students and those with disabilities. His story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, one can overcome obstacles and achieve great things:

“This award serves as a beacon of hope for international graduate students, particularly those with disabilities, to continue pursuing their higher education goals with the comfort that organizations, such as the Golden Key Honour Society, are there to support them in their journey.”

Looking Forward

With the Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award, Ather Sharif is poised to further his research and advocacy work. This scholarship will enable him to break barriers and create a more accessible world. Ather’s dedication to his cause exemplifies the core values of the Golden Key Honour Society, and his achievements underscore the importance of fostering inclusivity in all aspects of society.

Ather Sharif’s receipt of the 2023 Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award is a testament to his hard work, vision, and impactful contributions toward a more inclusive digital landscape. As he continues his journey, we look forward to seeing the positive changes he will undoubtedly bring to the world.

About the Undergraduate Achievement Award

The Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award celebrates the excellence of Golden Key members in their academic and extracurricular endeavors. This award opens doors to new opportunities, providing recipients with resources to further their education and professional aspirations. Applications for the 2024 award are now open until June 15th.

Meet Logan Thornton

Logan Thornton hails from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and has made remarkable strides at Ole Miss. Winning the Golden Key Scholarship marks a significant milestone in Logan’s journey, empowering him to delve deeper into his passion for sports management and advance his career goals.

“Winning the Golden Key Scholarship opens doors to invaluable opportunities, empowering me to pursue my passion and advance my knowledge in sports management. With this scholarship, I am poised to make significant strides toward achieving my career goals and making a lasting impact in the sports industry,” Logan shares.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Logan’s time at Ole Miss has been marked by active participation in several key organizations:

• Ole Miss Women’s Council: As an ambassador for the past three years, Logan has mentored first-year students, providing guidance on involvement opportunities, internships, and fostering friendships.
• RebelTHON: Dedicated to raising funds for Mississippi’s only Children’s Hospital, Logan has been a Miracle Family Committee member for all four years. This role allowed him to interact closely with the children and their families, profoundly shaping his perspective on life and service.
• The Columns Society: Logan has volunteered at significant university events through this prestigious society, further honing his leadership and service skills.

Academic Achievements

Logan’s dedication extends beyond extracurricular activities. His academic excellence is evident in the numerous awards and honors he has received:

• Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Top High School Volunteer for Mississippi
• Sparky Reardon Class of 2008 Scholarship
• Elks Legacy Scholar
• Ole Miss Women’s Council Scholar
• Ole Miss 1848 Scholarship
• Chancellor’s Leadership Class
• Phi Beta Phi Honors Society
• Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
• Lambda Sigma Honor Society
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• J. Gordon McMurray Top Undergraduate Achievement Award
• The University of Mississippi Who’s Who

Looking Ahead

Logan Thornton exemplifies the values and mission of the Golden Key International Honour Society. His commitment to excellence, leadership, and service sets all members’ standards. As he continues his journey, we look forward to seeing the impact he will make in sports management and beyond.

Join the Legacy

Inspired by Logan’s story? The 2024 Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award applications are now open until June 15th. Take your chance to be recognized for excellence and take your academic and professional journey to new heights.

About Michael Shamblin

Michael is an incredible educator who’s super passionate about teaching kids. He’s truly an inspiration and his win reflects not only his hard work but also the amazing support from his family and mentors throughout his journey. During his time at Cleveland State University, Michael played a key role in Golden Key, helping the society grow and thrive.

Michael said, “This award honors not just me but all those who have supported me on this journey.” He’s all about setting new goals and pushing for excellence in education.

More About Golden Key International Honour Society

Golden Key is the largest college honor society in the world! With chapters in over 400 universities globally, it connects top students, graduates, and alumni, offering tons of exclusive scholarships, professional development, and networking chances.

If you’re in the top 15% of your class, you can join this awesome network that really values integrity, innovation, and diversity. Golden Key isn’t just about recognizing academic achievements; it’s also about leadership and giving back.

Cool Stuff Golden Key Offers

• Golden Key Academy: A super helpful online platform with tons of resources for career and personal growth.
• Scholarships: Exclusive financial aid for both educational and professional pursuits.
• Networking: Meet other members worldwide through events and our Discord community.
• Leadership Development: Take on leadership roles in local chapters and at international summits.
• Career Advancement: Get access to job opportunities, internships, and career fairs.

Join the Community

Joining Golden Key means you’re starting a journey filled with opportunities to grow and excel. We invite all eligible students to join this vibrant community, boost their academic and professional lives, and make a positive impact.

Connect and Share

Let’s celebrate this achievement together! Share the news with #yesGK and keep up with all the great stuff happening at Golden Key.

Michael’s achievement is a powerful reminder of how education, community, and hard work can lead to incredible success. It’s a call to all Golden Key members to keep striving for greatness in everything they do. Go, Michael!

Real-Time Interaction
Discord provides a platform for immediate communication with fellow Golden Key members around the world. This real-time interaction facility allows for sharing academic insights, career advice, and even casual conversations through text, voice, and video chats, making it easier than ever to connect.

Engage in Leadership and Service
The server isn’t just about communication—it’s a place to actively engage in leadership and service. Here, you can lead or participate in digital international service events, or even take up roles such as server moderators or event organizers, helping you build your leadership portfolio.

Tailored Resources and Live Updates
Gain access to exclusive resources like webinars and workshops that are specially curated for Golden Key members. The Discord server serves as a central point for the latest announcements and updates on events and initiatives, ensuring you stay informed and involved.

A Community of Support
More than just a networking platform, our Discord community is a supportive ecosystem where you can receive mentorship and guidance from peers and alumni. It’s a place to celebrate your achievements and navigate challenges with support from others who understand your journey.

Easy Access
Joining the Golden Key Discord server is straightforward. As a member, you’ll receive an invite with simple instructions to follow. Just a few clicks and you’re part of a vibrant online community.

Integrating into the Golden Key Discord community means more than just enhancing your membership; it means maximizing the potential benefits Golden Key has to offer. It’s a space where achievers meet to foster opportunities, share successes, and inspire one another. Don’t miss the chance to expand your horizons and accelerate your growth. Join our Discord server today and tap into the collective potential of Golden Key’s global network.

Discover more about how you can engage, learn, and lead with us. For additional details, check out this link. Join the conversation with #yesGK and step into a global community dedicated to excellence.

Empowering Through Education
At the heart of the Golden Key Academy is a commitment to providing unparalleled educational resources to its members. The platform offers a vast library of videos, articles, and free weekly webinars covering various topics. These resources are crafted to enhance members’ knowledge and equip them with the practical skills necessary for success both in and out of the workplace.

Career Development Opportunities
One of the most impactful aspects of the Academy is its focus on career development. In today’s job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. Golden Key Academy provides members exclusive access to career advice, resume-building workshops, interview preparation sessions, and networking strategies crucial for career advancement. Additionally, the Academy often features insights from industry leaders, offering members direct access to expert advice and trends.

Building a Global Network
Networking is vital in building a successful career, and the Golden Key Academy fosters this by connecting members with a global community of like-minded professionals. Through the Academy’s platform, members can interact with other high achievers worldwide, sharing experiences, collaborating on projects, and forming lifelong professional relationships. This global network enhances professional opportunities and enriches members’ cultural perspectives and international understanding.

Scholarships
Further enhancing the value of the Golden Key Academy are the numerous scholarships and grants exclusively available to its members. These financial supports are designed to relieve some economic pressures associated with higher education and continuing professional development. By investing in its members’ education, the Academy helps them focus more on their studies and professional growth without financial constraints.

Leadership and Service
Leadership development is another cornerstone of the Golden Key Academy. The platform encourages members to take on leadership roles within the society, whether organizing events, leading projects or representing their chapters in various capacities. These opportunities bolster members’ resumes and help develop essential leadership skills such as strategic thinking, public speaking, and team management.

Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning
The Golden Key Academy promotes lifelong learning, encouraging members to continually seek knowledge and personal growth. With resources that support everything from mental health to financial literacy, the Academy provides a holistic approach to personal development. This commitment ensures that members are well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their professions and lead fulfilling lives.

The Golden Key Academy is more than an educational platform—it’s a life-changing experience. By providing education, career support, networking opportunities, financial aid, and leadership development, the Academy plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of its members. For anyone serious about making significant personal and professional advancements, the Golden Key Academy is a golden opportunity to unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. In the academic and professional development landscape, the Golden Key Academy is truly a game-changer, empowering members to meet and exceed their aspirations.

The Essence of Membership

Membership in Golden Key is an honor bestowed upon students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. However, society extends its value far beyond academic recognition. It serves as a personal and professional development platform, offering members access to many opportunities designed to support their educational and career journeys. From scholarships and grants to leadership development programs and service projects, Golden Key empowers its members to realize their potential and strive for even greater heights.

A Global Community of Leaders

Golden Key’s global presence, with chapters in over 400 colleges and universities across eight countries, creates a vast network of high-caliber students, graduates, and alums. This network provides a unique opportunity for members to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, share experiences, and learn from each other. Such interactions enrich the members’ personal growth and enhance their understanding of global issues, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect.

Service at Its Core

Service is a cornerstone of the Golden Key philosophy. The society encourages its members to give back to their communities through various service projects, embodying the principle that true success comes from personal achievement and contributing to the greater good. Whether through local chapter initiatives or the society’s global service initiative, SPARK a Change, Golden Key members are at the forefront of efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, especially those at risk.

Unlocking Opportunities

The benefits of Golden Key membership are vast and varied. Members have exclusive access to the Golden Key Academy. This online learning platform offers resources and webinars on career development, workplace skills, and personal growth. Additionally, the society awards numerous scholarships and grants exclusively to its members, providing financial support for their studies and research projects. Networking events, both in-person and digital, open doors to professional opportunities, while leadership roles within the society help members develop essential skills highly valued in the workplace.

Recognition and Pride

Membership in Golden Key is a prestigious accolade that members can proudly display. The society offers graduation regalia, such as honor cords and medallions, allowing members to celebrate their achievements and Golden Key affiliation during commencement ceremonies. This visible recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence that Golden Key members embody.

A Lifelong Journey

Golden Key’s commitment to its members continues after graduation. Alum members continue to enjoy benefits, including scholarship opportunities for graduate studies and access to career resources. The society remains a lifelong partner in its members’ personal and professional development journeys, offering continued support and opportunities for engagement.

Joining Golden Key

Becoming a member of Golden Key is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. It signifies not only their academic prowess but also their potential for leadership and commitment to service. By joining Golden Key, students step into a world of opportunity where they can connect with a global community of achievers, access resources to fuel their ambitions, and contribute to making a positive impact.

In essence, being a Golden Key International Honour Society member means being part of an esteemed community that values excellence, leadership, and service. It’s about embracing opportunities, making a difference, and striving for a brighter future for oneself and the global community. #yesGK is more than a hashtag; it’s a call to action for students worldwide to unlock their potential and open the door to a world of opportunities.

1. Dive into the Golden Key Academy for Personal and Professional Development
   Golden Key Academy is a treasure trove of resources to bolster your career and personal development. With an expansive library of videos and articles and the opportunity to participate in free weekly webinars, the Academy is your go-to for enhancing workplace skills, leadership abilities, and personal growth. Engage actively in these learning opportunities to stand out in the competitive job market and further your career ambitions.
2. Unlock Scholarships and Grants for Academic and Professional Advancement
   Golden Key prides itself on offering an array of scholarships and grants exclusively available to its members. These financial aids support your academic journey, career aspirations, and personal projects. Apply for these scholarships to alleviate financial burdens and focus on achieving your dreams. Remember, these opportunities are a unique benefit of your membership, so make the most of them.
3. Expand Your Global Network and Forge Valuable Connections
   Networking is a crucial aspect of professional success, and Golden Key provides ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals across the globe. Attend international and local summits, join the society’s Discord platform, and participate in service events to meet fellow members. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, mentorship opportunities, and career prospects. Use the hashtag #yesGK on social media to engage with the community and share your Golden Key experiences.
4. Step into Leadership Roles and Develop Your Potential
   Golden Key encourages its members to take on societal leadership roles, offering numerous avenues to hone their leadership skills. Whether becoming a chapter leader, planning and running events, or moderating discussions on Discord, each role is a chance to grow personally and professionally. Embrace these opportunities to lead, inspire, and significantly impact your community and beyond.
5. Celebrate Your Achievements with Golden Key Graduation Regalia
   Mark your graduation and celebrate your Golden Key membership with exclusive and popular graduation regalia. Wearing honor cords, stoles, medallions, and pins signifies your academic achievements and your affiliation with a global community of high achievers. It’s a proud testament to your dedication and hard work and a beautiful way to stand out during your graduation ceremony.

Your Golden Key membership is more than just an academic accolade; it’s a gateway to many opportunities designed to enrich your educational journey, career path, and personal growth. By actively participating in the Golden Key Academy, applying for scholarships, expanding your network, taking on leadership roles, and celebrating your membership, you’re setting the stage for a future filled with success and fulfillment. Remember, the value of your Golden Key membership is not just in what it offers but in how you utilize these offerings to achieve your dreams and aspirations. Embrace these opportunities, and watch as doors open to a bright and promising future.

There are a lot of benefits to hiring graduates, such as their enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and connection to a different generation. So, competition is fierce between companies wanting to snap up the best talent.

Here are some ways your business can connect and engage with top talent in today’s market:

1. Communicate your purpose and values
   • Many people these days have shifted their values and priorities post-Covid and want to work for purpose-led businesses. This is a crucial factor many graduates seek out when deciding where they want to work.
   • Whether you’re broadcasting commitments to sustainability, investments in the community, or research, this lets prospective students know what you stand for and your beliefs and that they’re welcome and supported.
   • At Golden Key, we clearly articulate to our members that our purpose is to give them a world of opportunity, enabling them to further their education and training to achieve their professional goals. Our members clearly understand the value we provide by creating a global online community that supports and encourages them through our commitment to training, development, and career opportunities.
2. Engage early and provide training opportunities
   • Alarming data from the July 2022 Women Rising report showed that 74% of respondents would leave their organization if their current employer did not invest in their career development.
   • At Golden Key, we constantly have feedback from our graduate members wanting help with integrating into the workforce and adapting to office environments after several years spent engaging purely online. In response, we developed specific themed training modules for these students to assist them in transitioning from study to the workforce.
   • Training and development are enormous priorities for employees, so look at ways to engage with students, offering them training that will benefit them when they join the workforce, such as developing soft skills, communication skills, and goal setting.
3. Employee referrals and testimonials
   • Word of mouth is one of the most potent forms of marketing and is trusted by many. Students are very accustomed to using online reviews to help them make decisions. A previous State of Gen Z report showed that 68% of Gen Z read at least 3 reviews before making a first-time purchase decision. Students rely on reviews and recommendations from family and friends to help them form opinions and decisions rather than simply trusting what a brand tells them.

So, use your employees to help recruit new graduates to the business through a referral rewards program, meaningful testimonials, ideally in video format, inviting recent grads to speak at information sessions, and encouraging employees to endorse your business online, such as on their Linked In profiles.

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Golden Key is one of the world’s oldest honors societies, with over 2.4 million members globally. Our members have all finished in the top 15% of their degrees and belong to an engaged online community continually looking for ways to grow their skills and seeking new opportunities to develop professionally and personally. www.goldenkey.org

The current president of Texas Southern University’s Golden Key chapter has four degrees under her belt, maintains an excellent GPA, and has attended three different colleges. Since Golden Key members need to be within the top 15 percent of their class, the president of a chapter having such an outstanding educational back story may not be surprising. However, what may be surprising is her journey before her current success.

Renata Givens, also known as Precious to her friends and family, was born in New Orleans, LA, but lived in the state of Texas most of her life. In 2005, when she 24-years-old, Givens had just found out that she was pregnant with her first child. During this time, she lived in New Orleans, LA. While the news of her first pregnancy was exciting, a storm was (literally) brewing that would change Given’s life forever.

Hurricane Katrina landed in New Orleans, LA, and Givens had to fight to survive. Givens said, “I cannot swim, and I was pregnant, trying to stay afloat above the water.” She had to wear the same clothes for a week before being rescued and evacuated to Corpus Christi, TX.

After surviving the biggest ordeal in her life thus far, Givens was offered a full scholarship to Del Mar College in Texas and intended to pursue nursing. Unfortunately, this was when the father of Given’s unborn child became abusive and she went into premature labor and gave birth to her stillborn child at home.

It took Givens another two years before she had the strength to leave, but her loss caused her so much grief and mental turmoil that she had to drop out of Del Mar College. “I had no support and no family. I had nobody,” said Givens.

Givens still had her job but no longer had a place to live. She spent nights sleeping on church benches, steps, and even under bridges. “I never asked anybody for anything,” said Givens. She continued to work and fight for herself until she was back on her feet again. In 2008 Givens moved from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, TX, where she got a new job with McDonald’s. At this time in her life, givens felt on top of the world. “[I was] doing great, [and] I finally allowed myself to get closure from my firstborn.”

However, an unfortunate side effect of homelessness is exposure and addiction. Like many, Givens was not immune to this aspect, and her addiction cost her more than anyone should ever have to pay. “I went through another loss with my second child,” said Givens, who was then hospitalized for her mental health.

Still, through all of the obstacles she faced, Givens never gave up on her dreams and maintained her kind heart.

After hitting yet more obstacles, Givens was able to turn her life around for the better. Still, the specific moment that spring-boarded her positive trajectory was a man who showed her human kindness in June 2017 during her lowest moment. “I did not know him, and he did not know me,” said Givens. “He gave me his blanket so that I could sleep for the night.” The very next day, Givens enrolled herself in Houston Community College.

Despite facing ongoing homelessness, Givens never lost her ambition and drive. She persisted through her courses at Houston Community and earned her first associate degree in 2019. That same year, she enrolled at Texas Southern University, becoming a concurrently enrolled student.

Despite early challenges in her college career, she not only made it through her first semester at TSU, but she excelled with a 3.66 GPA. Givens said, “It showed me just how strong I really am.” She’s now a college graduate with four degrees. She’s the current president of TSU’s Golden Key chapter and plans to pursue her nursing degree and ultimately work in pediatric orthopedic oncology.

Indeed, Given’s story is the personification of the proverb, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” She continued pushing forward even when it seemed the world was against her. “I never gave up on my goals, I fought through things, whereas other students would have dropped out by now, but I didn’t.”

Loris Durrant has been the senior staff accountant for Golden Key for over 15 years. Durrant said what drew her to Golden Key were the society’s values centered around helping students excel. “In 2006, my family and I relocated from Florida to Georgia, where I found an opportunity to join this great team,” said Durrant.

She believes that the best benefits of Golden Key are the scholarships, networking, workshops, and the excitement of building a community together. She said what made her proud to be a part of Golden Key this past year was how flexible they became with allowing everyone to work from home.

Durrant explained that Golden Key put a lot of effort into ensuring that everyone worked in a stress-free environment, and the executive team has been very approachable. “This type of environment allows others and me to grow and feel secure in the place we are working for,” said Durrant.

She believes a great leader must have strong listening and communication skills. “I also believe one of the greatest skills to have in life are warmth and relatability,” said Durrant. “My inspiration comes from the golden rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Durrant said her longtime best friend was the best person she had ever worked with. “We socialized and traveled together, always looking out for one another,” she said.

She said the best career advice she has ever received was, “Whatever you are doing, do the best until you leave, and don’t burn any bridges.” The top advice Durrant would give new members is to network and take advantage of personal development opportunities.

“If I could recommend one thing to watch or listen to, it would be good reggae music from Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, and many more,” said Durrant. “It will get you through any rough patches, chores included!”