Website: http://www.k-state.edu/bluekey
News release prepared by: Reed Pankratz, rpank@k-state.edu

Monday, March 14, 2011

AWARD-WINNING QUEST: FRESHMAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM RECOGNIZED AS OUTSTANDING

MANHATTAN -- A freshman leadership and development program at Kansas State University has been recognized as one of the best.

K-State's Quest Freshman Honor Society received the Outstanding Feature Award at the recent 2011 Blue Key Honor Society national convention. The award recognizes a special feature or contribution to campus life that is observable and raises the awareness of Blue Key on campus. K-State's Blue Key chapter sponsors Quest.

"It's been a privilege getting to work with these outstanding freshmen. Blue Key has been excited to help Quest members grow in their leadership abilities. We're excited to see them become the future student leaders at K-State," said Anna Zeiger, senior in nutritional sciences and premedicine, Overland Park, and Quest coordinator for Blue Key.

Quest has 34 members for the 2010-2011 school year. Membership is based on leadership in high school, scholastic achievement and service to others and the community. All freshman students are eligible to apply for the honor society.

Quest members are paired with mentors from Blue Key, who help the freshmen find opportunities to get involved and grow their leadership skills on campus and in the community. Quest members get a behind-the-scenes look at K-State's programs, including athletics, campus government and the arts. They also have an all-access pass to meet and hang out with K-State's student and university leaders.

Quest activities this year have included a reception at the university president's residence; a roundtable with John Currie, director of athletics; tours of Fort Riley, the Vanier complex, Bramlage Coliseum and the Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research; and a road trip to watch the K-State men's basketball team play in Lincoln, Neb.

Blue Key is a premier honor society that recognizes college students at senior institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.