Distinguished Service Key

Synonyms: DSK

(an award) The highest award in the fraternity. There are several varieties of DSKs, described below:

Chapter Distinguished Service Key (Chapter DSK): A black service key on a light blue ribbon presented to a person who has distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their chapter. Recipients have made an outstanding and unique contribution to the chapter as a whole; exemplify and demonstrate the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service; and made a sustained contribution in a leadership role over a period of time. Chapter DSKs are voted on by the chapter and are often presented at a chapter banquet or semiformal.
Sectional Distinguished Service Key (Section DSK): A green service key on a green ribbon presented to a brother who has distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their section. Recipients have made an outstanding and unique contribution to the section as a whole; exemplify and demonstrate the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service; and made a sustained contribution in a leadership role over a period of time. Section DSKs are voted on by the Section and are often presented at the Sectional Conference.
Regional Distinguished Service Key (Region DSK): A red service key on a red ribbon presented to a person who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their region. Recipients have made an outstanding and unique contribution to the region as a whole; exemplify and demonstrate the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service; and made a sustained contribution in a leadership role over a period of time. Region DSKs are voted on by the Region and are often presented at the Regional Conference or National Convention.
National Distinguished Service Key (National DSK): A blue service key with diamonds on a dark blue ribbon presented to a person who has distinguished themselves through outstanding service to the National Fraternity. Recipients have made an outstanding and unique contribution to the welfare of the entire fraternity on a national basis; exemplify and demonstrate the {cardinal principles} of leadership, friendship and service; and made a sustained contribution in a leadership role over a period of time. Selection is made a committee composed of past recipients appointed by the National President and are often presented at the National Convention.
National Alumni Distinguished Service Key (National Alumni DSK): A gold service key on a gold ribbon presented to alumni, honorary or advisory members who best exemplify the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. Recipients exemplify outstanding characteristics in the area of service to others. Outstanding service may be exhibited through, or to, the community, business, or educational affiliation and is not limited to Alpha Phi Omega activities. Candidates do not have to be involved in alumni activities of the fraternity. Nominations are accepted from recognized alumni associations, active brothers, advisory, or alumni members. Selection is made by the National Alumni Committee. National Alumni DSKs are often presented at a meeting of the recipient's peers (i.e., a corporate board meeting, church service, alumni association meeting, etc.).

(from the Region III Advisor's Guide)

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