Keys to Success
Keys to Success
As one of the oldest service organizations on campus, the Orange Keys have grown greatly since inception.
Diane Holland
Remembering the original founder of SHSU's Orange Keys — Diane Holland.
Keys to Success
Orange Keys are one of the oldest service organizations at Sam Houston State University. Seen on campus greeting guests at SHSU events, members act as the official ambassadors of SHSU and serve as hosts for university functions such as banquets, luncheons, meetings, speakers, visitation days and career fairs.
Originally founded in 1959 as a leadership organization for women, Diane Holland, an education major and journalism minor from Tomball, Texas, created the group to utilize the many talents of the female students at SHSU. Holland believed that if members had the qualities needed to be an Orange Key, they would have them for life.
The name Orange Keys was chosen because a key is known to unlock doors and open the gate to opportunity. Their motto, “unlocking the potential in the leaders of tomorrow” serves as a testament that members of this elite organization will go on to do great things.
Men did not join Orange Keys until 1982 when they accepted five males into the group. The first male president, J. David Hall, a communications major from Lubbock, Texas, was elected in 1985.
Hall believes his time serving as president was a privilege and reflects on the great time in his life.
“I appreciated the opportunity to represent all students for Sam. Serving in the Orange Keys was an honor and a wonderful opportunity to act as an ambassador of Sam Houston State University, regardless of one’s gender,” Hall said. “The Orange Keys members, while I was president, were a diverse, outgoing and engaging group. I look back fondly on those student ambassadors of our university, remembering a lively group who were always ready to jump into action for service, friendship and fun.”
Today, Orange Keys is composed of 18 upperclass students and selection to this prestigious group is recognized as one of the highest honors a student can achieve at SHSU. Service, leadership and academic excellence are the foundations of this elite organization.
“While the Orange Keys is an organization led by the Dean of Students’ Office, they are an integral part of the Office of the President’s University Events team,” Charlene McWilliams, director of university events said. “They are at every presidential event that we host throughout the year and provide assistance with greeting guests, applying name tags, seating assistance, driving golf carts and often help with set-up and tear down of the event. They also have the opportunity to mingle with our guests, join in the conversations at the dining tables and make connections with alumni that allow them to build relationships that could help them in the workforce, and in life, long after they graduate from SHSU. I enjoy having the opportunity to be able to work with the Orange Keys regularly throughout the school year. They are so professional and always willing to lend a helping hand and that is how we are able to be so successful with our events.”
Remembering Diane N. Holland
Diane N. Holland (’60) was a woman of many talents and abilities. During her time at Sam Houston State University, she was active in numerous organizations including being the original founder of Orange Keys and a cheerleader.
Holland later served the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce as its president from 1973 to 1993 and participated in leadership roles as a member and official of countless city non-profit organizations. Holland even coined the city’s slogan, “Tomball, Hometown With A Heart” which is still in use today.
After retiring from the Tomball Chamber, she later returned to work for Klein Bank from 2000 to 2004, and then as Project Manager in Community Relations for Lone Star College from 2004 to 2007. Holland also worked as President of the Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2012 and served for eight years as an elected City Council member for the City of Tomball.
“Diane was a creative genius and she possessed a charm that attracted people to her fun, friendly and can-do personality,” Bruce Hillegeist, current president of the Greater Tomball Area’s Chamber of Commerce said. “Diane was the go-to person. She knew everyone and everyone knew Diane. She was quick-witted, decisive, extremely thoughtful, appreciative and wise. Diane was a ball of energy. She had an enormous love for people and a passion for her beloved Tomball.”