Florida Blue Key is a student leadership honor society at the University of Florida which was founded in 1923. History Founding and early years "Florida Blue Key was founded on November 1, 1923, several days prior to the University's Homecoming celebration. At the suggestion of President Albert E. Murphree, Bert C. Riley, dean of general extension, brought together a group of student leaders to form an organization which would recognize leadership and promote service to the university. Among the duties assigned to Florida Blue Key were playing host to campus visitors and to be at the call of the president of the university for any duty designated by him. In this respect, Blue Key was given the task of planning and executing Homecoming activities that year and has continued to lead this activity ever since. Also included in the 1923 Homecoming was Dad's Day, a time for parents to visit and acquaint themselves with campus life. Dad's Day and Homecoming were held concurrently until the 1930s. The organization quickly became so popular that Blue Key spread to colleges and universities across the country. Initially, membership in the organization was ex officio; a student automatically belonged to the organization if he held one of the major student organization positions on campus. In the 1920s, the University of Florida was the state's only institution of higher learning where a white male could continue his education. During the same time, the leadership of the state was male, predominantly those from Florida. If one of those leaders were college educated, it was most likely he went to the University of Florida and, to a large measure, it was consistent that student leaders at the University of Florida would likely remain in Florida and would assume roles of leadership within the professional, political, governmental, business, education cultural, religious, and social life of the state. The networking of those students with each other, and with other alumni of the institution, provided a powerful force and unique opportunity for service to the University of Florida. While Florida Blue Key membership offered many opportunities for service to the University, it also provided opportunities for personal enhancement and advancement. Many doors were opened to young college graduates whose resume included membership in Florida Blue Key. Separation with national chapters The concept of a group of student leaders pooling their talents and interests to plan and promote a major event