The Cardinal Key Honor Society was established in 1926 to recognize those at Iowa State University who exemplify outstanding leadership, scholarship, character, and service. This collection contains correspondence, reports, nomination forms, rosters, news clippings, and constitution and by-laws. The records include information regarding membership selection process, the tapping ceremony, and Leadership Day.

The Cardinal Key Honor Society was established in 1926 to recognize those at Iowa State University who exemplify outstanding leadership, scholarship, character, and service. Membership in the society was limited to men until 1975 when the charter was changed to allow women to become members.

To be eligible for membership, a student must be a junior or senior and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The applicants' leadership, character, service, and scholarship are assessed and verbal interviews are used to make the final decision regarding membership. Less than 1 percent of Iowa State's juniors and seniors are selected. Faculty and Staff may also be considered for membership. A Cardinal Key member must nominate the faculty or staff member, he/she is then selected based upon his/her leadership, character, service, and scholarship activities, and the written nomination by the Cardinal Key nominator.

The collection (1926-[ongoing]) contains correspondence, reports, nomination forms, rosters, news clippings, and constitution and by-laws. The records include information regarding membership selection process, the tapping ceremony, and Leadership Day.

The collection is arranged in chronological order.