Skip to main content

Blue Key (Fraternity). Brigham Young University Chapter

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1932 - 2009

Administrative History

The Blue Key National Honor Fraternity Brigham Young University Chapter (1932-2009) was an academic and service organization comprised of both men and women who ranked in the top of the class.

In 1925, the university petitioned the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity for the installation of a local chapter at BYU. In 1932, the national organization contacted BYU with news that it could begin a chapter. Clyde Sandgren was appointed chairman of an investigation and organization committee, and ten men were appointed as officers and charter members. With a motto of "Serving, I live," the early days of the organization brought sponsorship of the Freshmen Treck, homecoming day, various hikes, and a trophy case in the library. The blue key symbol was adopted in 1936 and a chapter emblem was created in 1939 for maroon sweaters. As the organization continued, its responsibilities and projects expanded to include campus tours, sponsorship of the College Bowl, institution of the written Honor Code, beginning of Insight: A Journal of Student Thought, and the creation of the wagon-wheel rivalry between BYU and USU. In 1953, the club undertook the project of remounting the Y-Bell. Blue Key also awarded professor of the month and year awards, and carried out numerous honor banquets and formals. The organization reached its termination in 2009, and Larry Peer served as its last faculty advisor.

Citation:
Brigham Young University Chapter records, 1932-2001 (Blue Key, Brigham Young University Chapter; est. 1932; academic and service organization; men and women in top of class; 1925 petitioned for local chapter, granted 1932; Clyde Sandren chairman of investigation and organization committee, ten men as officers and charter members; motto "Serving, I live"; sponsored Freshmen Treck, homecoming day, various hikes, trophy case in library; blue key symbol 1936, chapter emblem 1939; members wore maroon sweaters; involved with campus tours, College Bowl, written Honor Code; produced Insight: A Journal of Student Thought; participated in wagon-wheel rivalry, BYU v. USU, 1953 Y-Bell remounting, professor of the month and year, banquets)

Email from Larry Peer, April 3, 2012 (ended 2009, Larry Peer last faculty advisor)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Brigham Young University Chapter award recognitions, 1975-2001

 Series — Box 1: Series 1; Series 2; Series 3; Series 4; Series 5 [Barcode: 31197233598686], Folder: 5
Identifier: UA 5597 Series 3
Scope and Contents Contains records relating to the Professor of the Month and Professor of the Year awards given by the Blue Key Society. Includes the award certificates, explanations of the meaning of the award, letters to the nominees and the eventual recipient, transcripts of the award ceremonies, and newsclippings. The professor selected to receive the awards was asked to give a one-hour presentation on a topic of his/her choice, and the fliers and public communication notices announcing these lectures...
Dates: 1975-2001
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 5597, Brigham Young University Chapter records

Filtered By

  • Subject: College teachers -- Utah -- Provo X

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.