July 29, 2008 — The National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter at University of Virginia was named a First Book Hero for being one of the top four chapters across the country to raise money for First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing books and literacy to underprivileged children across the country.

The fundraiser culminated with a July 19 check presentation to First Book at the National Society of Collegiate Scholars Convention 2008 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 

In total, society members raised enough funds to purchase more than 5,600 books for the organization after a matching donation from the society's national office.

The NSCS chapter at University of Virginia shares the title of First Book Hero with chapters at Ball State University, California State University-Northridge and the University of California at San Diego.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation's only interdisciplinary honors organization to invite first- and second-year college students. Membership is by invitation only, based on grade-point average and class standing. The society offers members access to scholarships, career resources, leadership and networking opportunities. It has more than 650,000 lifetime members and 230 chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars members and friends can still donate to the cause; visit www.firstbook.org/nscs.