History

The Kansas State University Blue Key chapter was chartered on February 27, 1934. The organization was primarily in charge of running the university's homecoming festivities. In 1965 Blue Key was the first student organization to create an endowment fund for a scholarship program, and later in 1991 created the Presidential Lecture Series allowing faculty members to travel across the state to speak to high schools. Over the past two decades Blue Key has focused heavily on personal development and mentorship for underclassmen through two signature programs, Catalyst, a personal development class (2002) and Quest Freshman Honorary (2004).

Timeline of key events

1934	Chapter 34A of the Blue Key Honor Society is established at K-State. Thirteen men are selected for membership and Joe Knappenberger serves as the first president.
1938	Blue Key sponsors the first issue of Click, a magazine of candid photography.
1945	Blue Key chapter goes dormant due to World War II.
1947	The chapter is reestablished after being dormant during World War II.
1960	Stanis Panagides becomes the first international student to join the chapter.
1966	John C. Williams, Jr. is the first black chapter member.
1973	The first Royal Couple is elected as part of Homecoming coordinated by Blue Key.
1977	Blue Key becomes a coed organization when Grace Hwang is the first female inducted into membership. Blue Key introduces the K-State Student Ambassador Program.
1980	Julie Bunch is the first female member elected chapter president.
1988	The first High School Leadership Conference is hosted at K-State.
1991	Blue Key members begin teaching freshmen small groups for the Introduction to Leadership Concepts course.
2002	Members introduce the Blue Key Self-Development program (Catalyst). Thirty-nine students participate in the pilot program.
2003	K-State is named the Blue Key Outstanding Chapter of the Year.
2004	The Quest Freshman Honorary inducts its first class and welcomes 26 members.
2008	Blue Key hosts the first USpeak Conference for high school juniors and seniors. Ninety-eight students participate.
2009	Blue Key hosts a 75^th anniversary celebration. Part of the history displayed at this event include the origination of the sweater vest and #BKL
2014	Blue Key hosts the first DiscoverU Conference for high school students in the AVID program. 130 students participate.
2018	Blue Key hosts the first Strengths in Action, a educational series focused on Clifton-Strengths.
2019	Blue Key hosts the first Habitudes in Action, a speaking competition within Catalyst for a scholarship.
2022	Blue Key hosts the first Evening of Etiqutte, an interactive presentation on carrying oneself professionally.
2023	Blue Key hosts the first Night of Networking, an interactive event for students to learn the art of networking.