ODK commemorates 10 years of leadership

The Georgia College circle of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society celebrated its 10 year anniversary March 15 with the induction of 48 new members.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded in 1914 and is the nation’s oldest leadership and scholarship society said Paul Jahr, the faculty secretary of ODK and associate vice president for student affairs.

“(ODK) was created to bring together leaders of the campus for information sharing items with neutral concern,” Jahr said.

Approximately 400 circles exist at universities across the United States Jahr said.

During the ceremony, ODK honored their inductees, all of whom are leaders on campus. These inductees included students, faculty, staff and men and women not affiliated with the institution who the society determined make significant contributions to the institution.

“This year we tapped in the fall and earlier this spring,” Jahr said.

Junior management major Elizabeth Bryant was one of those students initiated March 15.

“I was humbled to be tapped into ODK and am excited to see what opportunities come up from being a part of the circle,” Bryant said.

In order to be tapped, there are a number of requirements the candidates must satisfy.

The society differs on each campus across the United States. On some campuses, one can automatically be offered a membership in ODK with a certain grade point average, Jahr said.

However, at Georgia College there are other stipulations for the candidates.

“You have to be nominated by someone in the honors society,” said Javier Becerra, Georgia College’s circle president.

In addition, after nomination, a student must still apply for acceptance.

“It’s pretty prestigious, you have to have a 3.3 (cumulative) GPA, and basically show overall leadership in five areas,” Becerra said.

The five areas are community service, athletics, media and communication, performing arts and academics. Only juniors and seniors can be admitted.

“That’s the paper qualifications,” Jahr said. “You have to have a history (or) record of significant leadership contributions.”

Jahr said although typically a candidate is recognized by members, you can apply to seek a membership with ODK.

“I would definitely want to be nominated for acceptance into the organization and if I don’t I’m sure I will apply my junior year,” said Courtney Coile a sophomore mass communication major at Georgia College.

According to Jahr, the circle provides its inductees with a myriad of resources and connections.

“Once one is inducted into ODK, you are a member for life. I was inducted in 1971 as a student and I have remained active since then,” Jahr said.

Some of the founding circle from Georgia College still remain active in the organization including Ginger Carter Miller, Heather Davis, Bruce Harshbarger and Paul Jahr.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of an organization that includes so many wonderful people on our campus,” Bryant said.

Posted by Steffi Beigh on Apr 2 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.