W&L Student Attends ODK Conclave as Official University Delegate Delegates representing the more than 300 circles of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, to review and vote upon a new governance structure.
Teresa Aires de Sousa Rodrigues ’19 Teresa Aires de Sousa Rodrigues ’19 attended the National Omicron Delta Kappa Conclave on March 30 as the official delegate for Washington and Lee University.
Delegates representing the more than 300 circles of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, to review and vote upon a new governance structure. The delegates voted to merge the two legal entities that coordinate the membership, programming and philanthropic initiatives of the organization.
“People at national ODK events are always curious to meet the W&L delegate because ODK was founded here and we are the Alpha Circle,” said Linda Hooks, ODK national vice-president and professor of economics at W&L. “Teresa represented the university and the circle with dignity and friendliness. I am sure the other delegates are now back at their campuses telling their friends that they met someone from the original circle.”
The new legal entity is named the Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation, Inc. It will be governed by a board of trustees that includes three student representatives, three faculty/staff representatives, a national counsel, a national treasurer, a national conference chair, up to 18 at-large trustees and the president/CEO. Current executive director Tara Singer will have the title of president/CEO. The head of the new governing body will be identified as board chair. The transition is effective July 1, 2019.
“The conclave really felt like a historic moment for ODK’s progress,” said Hooks. “The delegates’ vote to move to a single governing board for the national organization brings ODK in line with best practices. It also positions ODK to move forward efficiently and boldly as they help to recognize and develop tomorrow’s leaders.”
Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded at Washington and Lee University on Dec. 3, 1914. A group of 15 students and faculty members established the society to recognize and encourage leadership at the collegiate level. The founders established the ODK Idea, the concept that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate with faculty and others to support the campus and community. ODK’s mission is to honor and develop leaders; encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff and alumni; and promote ODK’s ideals of scholarship, service, integrity, character and fellowship on college and university campuses throughout North America.
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