At an early age, CU-Boulder student Zachary Leins discovered he wanted to be a leader.
During high school he served as president of Key Club International, an organization dedicated to fostering leadership and altruism in students. After graduating from high school, Leins pursued a CU Cancer Research Summer Fellowship at Anschutz Medical Campus to study the toxicity of chemicals in cigarettes. The founder of an anti-tobacco advocacy group called Tar Wars spoke to Leins and others at the campus and inspired him to become more active in promoting health in the community.
His urge to make a difference remained with him in college, where he began leading the Chapter at CU-Boulder. Now in his second semester as president of the club, which is the world's largest collegiate honor society, he continues to develop relationships with philanthropic organizations throughout Boulder.
Under Leins' leadership, the club visits the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless every month to cook meals for the underprivileged. The group also plans to work with Tar Wars by visiting elementary schools to educate students about the benefits of living a tobacco-free lifestyle, according to听Leins, who resonates with the group鈥檚 message.听An integrative physiology major, Leins plans to pursue a career in medicine, and being able to work on his leadership skills at the university and through Golden Key have been an important part of his time at CU.
"CU-Boulder has provided me with an immense opportunity to create my own path through college," Leins said.
Leins' devotion to philanthropy strengthened after this year鈥檚 Annual Golden Key International Summit in Boston, where he met several inspirational figures. One speaker at the conference was a health care professional who voluntarily responded to the bombing during the Boston Marathon in 2013.
鈥淭hat really opened my eyes that we can really make such a big difference鈥ven just by the little things we do,鈥� said Leins, who wants service to be at the heart of the Golden Key Chapter.
His list of ideas are endless. He wants to team up with Habitat for Humanity as well as help support a student run non-profit group, Technology Bridges, which builds relationships with seniors by teaching them how to utilize advanced technology. The group also hopes to volunteer with the听听to recycle trash left after football games.
鈥淥ur mission is to help our members realize their potential,鈥� Leins said.
The group is hosting a member recognition event for students who have recently registered under the Golden Key international website. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov 15, at 6 p.m. and include a formal dinner.
Information about membership requirements, club meetings and volunteer opportunities can be found on the group鈥檚 .听
For more information about other leadership opportunities at CU-Boulder, visit the website. CU-Boulder also offers a that is open to undergraduate students from all colleges and majors across campus.