Student Elected Vice-President for National Board of Cardinal Key

Libby Hurley has been elected the vice-president for the national chapter of Cardinal Key.

At a college that prides itself on service, Libby Hurley’s name has become part of the repeating soundtrack of student names associated with making the region a better place to live.

As her dedication to service grows, the senior from East Bend, N.C. has added a national position with a prestigious honor society to her ever evolving resume. At the Nov. 5 conference of the Cardinal Key Honor Society in Phoenix, Ariz., Hurley was elected by her peers to serve as the group’s national vice-president. She currently serves as president for the E&H chapter.

Cardinal Key is open to all students of at least junior status in American colleges and universities with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, between 61 and 90 credit hours, and demonstrated scholastic achievement and leadership in the college community. Cardinal Key aims to honors these ideals, inspire leadership in others, and utilize leadership capabilities in an active program of service to school, community and country.

Among other service activities, the E&H chapter of Cardinal Key particpates in the annual St. Jude's fundraiser, Up 'til Dawn, in support of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Hurley’s primary responsibility over the two-year appointment will be organizing the biennial Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk held in conjunction with the national conference. On average more than 20,000 people participate in the walk that raises millions of dollars for research to find the cure for type I diabetes and its complications. 

“I was very drawn to the position because of my love for non-profits and children,” Hurley said.

The purpose of Cardinal Key is to recognize achievement in scholarship and extracurricular activities and to advance personal growth, patriotism and service by affording training for leadership in the college community.

Hurley hopes that her selection as vice-president can help shine the national spotlight on the college she loves. “I hope to use my position to help Emory & Henry partner with other colleges to make a bigger difference in the world,” Hurley said.

The E&H chapter of Cardinal Key has a long tradition of being an active and effective group. The group's advisor, Dr. Jack Roper, is confident that Hurley’s position will help the group better serve those in need. “Libby will not only help the many chapters in the U.S., but she will teach us much about how to run the local chapter better." Roper said.

Hurley is double majoring in theatre and history. She serves as the executive director for the local chapter of Up ‘til Dawn, chapter president for Cardinal Key, resident advisor for Elm Hall, and secretary for the Greek Council. After graduation in May of 2012, Hurley hopes to work for St. Jude’s or some other philanthropy.