Seeking a Few Good Seniors
Deadline for Scarlet Key Society nominations approaching
For nearly 70 years, Boston University’s Scarlet Key Society has been honoring graduating seniors who have demonstrated both exceptional leadership in student activities and high academic standing. Students must be nominated by faculty or staff members. The deadline for this year’s nominations is February 25.
Criteria for selection to the society are: scholarship, participation in university activities and organizations, and a student’s commitment to school or college. There are more than 1,500 Scarlet Key alumni.
“We look to honor students who are successful in the classroom, as well as performing community service, starting a student organization, or mentoring fellow students,” says Katherine Hasenauer Cornetta, assistant to the dean of students, who aids in the review process.
The number of inductees varies from year to year, based on how involved the graduating class is, says Cornetta. “Last year, we were close to the 60-inductee range, while other years we can drop to 30.” She anticipates that this year’s inductees will number close to 60 because of the class of 2011’s demonstrated record of service.
Among the questions faculty and staff are asked to consider before nominating a student are whether the student has started or developed a program or tradition while at BU; whether their work as a leader has enhanced campus life; whether the student has served the external community as a representative of BU; and how the student stands out as a leader compared to others. Nomination letters should be no more than one typewritten page and must be received by Friday, February 25.
Once nominated, the students are contacted by a representative of the Dean of Students Office and asked to submit a résumé and supporting application, which is due prior to spring break, March 11. New members will be officially inducted into the Scarlet Key Society during a formal “tapping” ceremony on May 19 at the George Sherman Union.
Nominations for the Honorary Scarlet Key Award, which is presented to faculty, staff, alumni, and other community members who have made notable contributions to the University, are also due February 25. Any member of the BU community is eligible to submit nominations for that award.
A completed nomination form must be submitted by Friday, February 25, to the Office of the Dean of Students for both awards. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@bu.edu or 617-353-4126 for more information.
Tom Vellner can be reached at tvellner@bu.edu.
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