Omicron Delta Kappa honor society recently initiated 21 new members.
"Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes students, faculty, alumni and honoris causa individuals for their academic achievements and high level of involvement in the community," said John Herbst, director of student activities and faculty secretary for ODK.
ODK was founded in 1914 at Washington Lee University and began in 1925 on UK's campus. ODK's mission is twofold: It recognizes people and places responsibility on them to be leaders.
"I think it's a wonderful society because it brings together leaders of various fields," electrical engineering graduate student Uday Deshpande said.
"It's exciting to see what others bring into the organization, and it makes you a well-rounded person."
On Wednesday evening, ODK initiated 18 students and three faculty members. New initiates who met the criteria academically and through leadership activities were selected for membership.
"I became a part of ODK because it's a leadership honor society, and I like to be a part of a group like that," nursing junior Gannon Green said. "I'm really excited, and it's an honor."
Students who are juniors, seniors and graduates in the top 35 percent of their college and have shown extensive leadership in one out of five areas are eligible to become members of ODK.
"It's a great honor to be considered to be one of the people of such a high caliber," Deshpande said.
Faculty members are recognized by ODK for going above and beyond their leadership contributions to higher education.
Guest speaker Lee T. Todd Jr. from DataBeam Corporation addressed ODK members at the banquet that followed the initiation ceremony.
"Todd was chosen to be our guest speaker because of the leadership he has shown in Kentucky," Herbst said.
This year's initiates include Michael Collins, Brian Dausman, Deshpande, Gregory Eckert, Green, Matthew Grunkemeyer, Gwen Harring, Saiyid Hasan, Catherine Hurt, Jo-Anne Jayasiri, Katherine Lindgren, Jennifer Miller, Shawn Peden, Stacey Porter, Corrie Smith, Jon Thomas, Mark Warren and Mandy Wilson.
Faculty initiates are Ed Carter, Arthur Graham and Carrie Peirce-Jones.
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