Today@Sam Article

Orange Keys Celebrate 65 Years of Service

Nov. 19, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

By Jaidin Shaw

In 1959, a service organization for women called the Orange Keys was founded at Sam Houston State University. The intent was to create a prestigious organization on campus that allowed distinguished individuals to serve as hosts at events and ambassadors for the university. 65 years later, the organization now includes both men and women who represent the most recognizable group of students on campus.

“We just celebrated our 65th anniversary, which highlights how long the Orange Keys have upheld such excellent service for the university and how long we have maintained our prestigious name,” said Orange Keys President Tre’Vanni Bass, who hosted the Sept. 20 celebration.  

Bass first welcomed attendees, which led to a history of the Orange Keys by Vice President of Programming Connor Brett.

“The name Orange Keys was chosen because a key is known to unlock doors and open the gate to opportunity,” Brett said. “The Orange Keys motto was, ‘unlocking the potential in the leaders of tomorrow,’ which served as a testament that members of this elite organization will go on to do great things.”

SHSU President Alissa White also offered remarks, congratulating the organization on 65 years of service.

“The legacy of service never stops,” said White. “It never goes out of style, and it is more relevant now than ever. Thank you for defining what it means to be a better Bearkat.”

After lunch and a slideshow displaying organizational highlights and memories, Bass introduced Jenna Zibton, an Orange Keys alumna from 2007, as the event’s keynote speaker.

Zibton is an Emmy award-winning journalist and morning anchor at WSLS in Roanoke, Virginia, with nearly 20 years of broadcasting experience under her belt. During her introduction, Bass touched on her investigative prowess and in-depth work across multiple platforms, such as raising awareness about human trafficking as well as policy changes at the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center after millions of dollars’ worth of equipment went missing.

“She also leads Solutionaries for WSLS, which focuses on solutions to the problems we’re facing across the country, like food insecurity, affordable housing and high crime,” Bass said.

Before graduating from Sam Houston State in 2007, Zibton was homecoming queen in 2005, President of Alpha Delta Pi, a freshman orientation leader for multiple summers, active on KSHU radio and TV and spent her four years giving back to her community through organizations like the Orange Keys.

“She is very proud of ‘30 Days of Hope’ and the awareness it brings to the success and challenges of foster care and adoption,” Bass said. “Every November since 2017, she has sponsored children who can be adopted across Virgina. She also tells stories about those children and families touched by the foster care system.”

Zibton truly personifies what it means to be an Orange Key alumna and how her time at Sam Houston shaped her to do wonderful things post-graduation.

Throughout the year, the organization keeps their promise to uphold excellent service for the university at a number of events, including the annual Fall Festival. In the springtime, they host the notable Raven’s Call event.

“Raven’s Call honors Bearkats that are no longer with us,” said Liv Hernandez, Vice President of Communications for the Orange Keys. “This includes faculty, staff, professors and students. We call out their names and give them a rose in honor of their memory. Their family members are invited, just to show that they were loved and valued for their time here on Earth.”

Being a member of the Orange Keys is no easy task. Members are constantly honing their skills and professionalism through retreats twice a year, maintaining a uniform as well as their academics, and being able to communicate with high-ranking individuals.

“The main thing we are looking for within Orange Keys are individuals who can uphold service while being a great student inside and outside of the classroom, while also being a student who can grow and get out of their comfort zones,” said Bass.

The organization stands as a reflection of SHSU, which is why it is important for their members to always look and act professional.

“You always see on our left side an Orange Key pin found on our suits and all of our clothing,” Bass said. “I feel like that pin is the most important thing we wear, because it signifies that we have earned prestige.”

When asked what the organization’s future will look like, current executive members Bass and Hernandez provided some insight into their vision.

“I hope we bring the passion and prestige to other universities around the Texas State University System,” Bass said. ”We want to make sure people say, ‘Hey, these Orange Keys are something we should implement at our school, because they are one of a kind at Sam Houston.’”

“I hope we can expand and allow more members to be Keys,” Hernandez said. “We’re supposed to have 20 seats, and we currently only have 15 filled. I am hoping, as time goes on, we have more and more Orange Keys.”

This anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the commitment to service, excellence and leadership at SHSU. As President White noted, the Orange Keys’ “legacy of service” never stops and will continue to inspire and lead with grace for years to come.

On Nov. 6, the Orange Keys hosted their annual Keys of Excellence award ceremony. For photos from the event, click here. 

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