Omicron Delta Kappa

Contact:  John W. Bowen, Coordinator of Leadership Programs john.bowen@gcsu.edu

Center for Engaged Learning

Campus Box 101

202 N. Clarke Street, Room 101

478-445-1227

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded December 3, 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia by fifteen student and faculty leaders.  The founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors and that outstanding students, faculty and administrators should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.  ΟΔΚ® was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage development of general campus citizenship. Since its founding, Omicron Delta Kappa has initiated over 300,000 members.

The Georgia College Circle of ODK was installed on April 25, 2001.  Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa is awarded to undergraduate junior and senior students, to students of graduate and professional schools and colleges of the institution, to members of the faculty and administration, and to alumni.

The Purpose of The Omicron Delta Kappa Society is Threefold:

• First, to recognize those who have attained a high standard of efficiency in collegiate activities and to inspire others to strive for conspicuous attainments along similar lines;

• Second, to bring together the most representative students in all phases of collegiate life and thus to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate interest;

• Third, to bring together members of the faculty and student body of the institution, as well as other Omicron Delta Kappa members, on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.

Five Major Phases of Campus Life: Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes and encourages achievement in:

• scholarship;

• athletics;

• campus or community service, social and religious activities, and campus government;

• journalism, speech, and the mass media;

• creative and performing arts.

Five Indispensable Qualifications for Membership:

• Exemplary character;

• responsible leadership and service in campus or community life;

• superior scholarship;

• genuine fellowship;

• consecration to democratic ideals.

To learn more, visit  www.gcsu.edu/odk, www.odk.org or contact John Bowen, Coordinator of Leadership Programs, at john.bowen@gcsu.edu or 445-1227.