W&L Alumni Receive Omicron Delta Kappa Scholarships Three Washington and Lee University graduates received scholarships from the National Leadership Honor Society to support graduate and professional study.

By Emily Innes
September 19, 2024

Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) recently announced the scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year, including three alumni who are members of Washington and Lee University’s Alpha Circle. Each year, ODK awards scholarships and fellowships to more than 45 collegiate members who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership abilities to continue their educations through graduate and professional study.

This year’s W&L recipients include:

• Anna Bosking ’24, currently pursuing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Colombia.
• Carter Chandler ’23, currently enrolled at the Georgetown University Law Center.
• Annie Thomas ’24, currently pursuing a master’s degree at Portland State University.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of our Alpha Circle alumni and grateful for the support from ODK toward their ongoing development as scholars and leaders,” said Elizabeth Knapp, director of the Johnson Program at W&L, professor of earth and environmental geoscience, and Circle Coordinator for the Alpha Circle. “Anna, Annie and Carter have embodied exemplary scholarship and leadership on campus and in the community, and we are excited to see their continued upholding of the values of ODK in their graduate and professional lives.”

Bosking received the Kenneth P. Ruscio Scholarship, awarded to the top applicant from the Alpha Circle and named after Kenneth Ruscio ’76, W&L president emeritus and ODK’s national president from 2002-2006. Bosking majored in global politics with minors in Latin American and Caribbean studies and poverty and human capability studies and is currently completing a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Colombia. At W&L, Bosking served as chair of the Contact Committee, vice president of the Alpha Circle of ODK, the in- and after-school tutoring coordinator for English Speakers of Other Languages, and a Leading Edge program leader with the Volunteer Venture service experience. Following the completion of her Fulbright program, Bosking plans to attend law school and pursue a career in international or immigration law.

Chandler received the John R. Alford Scholarship in Law, awarded to the top applicant who is an initiate of W&L’s Alpha Circle and attending law school. Chandler double majored in cognitive and behavioral science and philosophy at W&L, where he also worked as a tutor in the Writing Center. He is currently working toward his J.D. at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Thomas received the Sally K. Albrecht Scholarship in Arts, awarded to the top applicant who demonstrates leadership in the arts. Thomas, a music and English double major at W&L, was named a Beinecke Scholar during her junior year and, in addition to her piano studies, was a member of W&L’s choral conducting mentorship program and participated in all three W&L choirs. She was also a member of the Campus Kitchen leadership team, a student intern in the Campus Garden, and worked as a peer counselor. Thomas is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at Portland State University.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded in 1914 at W&L by 15 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 the basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness. Omicron Delta Kappa was the first college honor society of a national scope to honor meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities, and to encourage the development of general campus citizenship.

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