The Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa Fall 2018

fa l l

2018

Perspectives of young

leaders

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TrendingNow The Circle® is a publication of Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Inc., and it has been published since 1923.

How to contact The Circle: The Circle, Omicron Delta Kappa 224 McLaughlin Street Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-5344, katy@odk.org www.odk.org

How to update your name or address: Please visit the O∆K website, odk.org, click on the members tab and submit your updated address. You can also email odknhdq@odk.org.

A note to parents: Your son or daughter’s magazine is being mailed to their home address while they are in college. If your child has graduated or is no longer living at home, please send us their updated address, as indicated above.

How to receive The Circle: When you become a member of O∆K, a digital subscription to The Circle is included in your membership. If you are no longer receiving The Circle and wish to do so, please contact odknhdq@odk.org.

Where to send a notice of a death: Please contact Eve Mergenthaler, eve@odk.org, with the news of a recent death of any member of O∆K.

Publisher Tara S. Singer, Ed.D., O∆K Executive Director University of Louisville

If I Were President Catherine Stier, a 2015 initiate of the University of Texas at San Antonio Circle, has written a book entitled “If I Were President” which has been promoted by the Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP). The book explores the responsibilities of the presidency. With the support of the Hess Foundation and the Rice Family Foundation, Rutgers sent a free copy to women legislators across the country including governors, state senators and representatives, and all women in Congress. The women legislators who received this picture book have been asked to share it with children in their districts and then donate it to an organization or school in their community.

Catherine, who was named the 2014-15 Outstanding Member of the Year for the UTSA Circle, has written several other children’s books. Her books have received honors from the International Reading Association, the Bank Street College of Education, and others.

Editor in Chief Katy Datz, O∆K Associate Executive Director Roanoke College

Creative Director Amy A. Newman, PUSH Design LLC University of Louisville

Contributors Allison Baier, Lindsey Cline, Matthew Hibdon, Timothy Reed Matthew Clifford, Ed.D., National President Davidson College

The Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Inc., the National Leadership Honor Society for college students, recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. O∆K® was founded December 3, 1914, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. by 15 student and faculty leaders. Omicron Delta Kappa was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities; membership in Omicron Delta Kappa continues to be a mark of highest distinction and honor. The Society is now present on the campuses of more than 300 colleges and universities around the country.

The University of Mississippi Circle Last fall, the University of Mississippi Circle co-hosted a Free Speech Forum to discuss the reactions to controversial speakers on campuses across the country. Members of the circle felt it important to take the lead and help continue the discussion around student rights and misconceptions that surround the First Amendment. The circle collaborated with other campus groups to discuss various issues that students feel are affecting them regarding speech.

Questions focused on the role of free speech in media as well as panelists’ perspectives on how colleges and universities are responding to issues related to hate speech. Campus issues that were discussed included the removal of the Mississippi state flag as well as mascot changes that have occurred at the university over the years. Students also discussed social media’s role in free speech as well as external organizations and some of the experiences of institutions that had invited controversial speakers to campus.

The Circle Fall 2018 | 3

inside

Contents Departments 06

Member News

23

Campus News

24

Society News

Sally Albrecht becomes president of the Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation Sally Albrecht became the president of the Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation in January 2018. She is a popular choral composer, conductor, and clinician, especially known for her work with choral movement. She was initiated into O∆K at Rollins College where she earned her undergraduate degree and was active with Phi Mu, Chapel Choir, and many theatre productions. She went on to earn masters degrees in drama and accompanying from the University of Miami. Sally has served Omicron Delta Kappa as the chair of the Foundation Scholarships Selection Committee, Vice President, and she was the recipient of the O∆K Foundation’s Pillar of Leadership Award in Creative and Performing Arts in 2014.

O∆K collegiate members enjoying the 50th National Convention and Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

On the Cover Clockwise from the right: Nicky Sampogna, Brea Neri, Elise Stefanik, Shinjini Das, and Eric Motley in the middle.

All are O∆K members who lead each and every day.

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Tambria Schroeder takes O∆K values abroad

Meet our newest circles

Learn about post-graduate career opportunities for O∆K members

Features

12

A New Generation of Leadership

16

A Lifetime of Collaborative Leadership

20

Full-Court Leaership

26

Elise Stefanik leads in Congress

Eric Motley’s Leadership and Gratitude

Coach Dawn Staley is the 2018 recipient of the O∆K Foundation’s Pillars of Leadership Award in Athletics.

In Every Issue Serving O∆K: A Message from the Past National Student Vice President

president’s letter

Worthy Undertakings A message from the National President Dear fellow members, As national president of Omicron Delta Kappa, one of the things I am frequently asked is how does our Society impact the development of today’s collegiate leaders and facilitate their journeys in becoming the community leaders of tomorrow. O∆K accomplishes this in various ways.

First, our circles provide opportunities for collegiate members to collaborate on projects unique to the needs of their campuses. The mission of Omicron Delta Kappa has always been to bring together members to work together on “worthy undertakings.”

Circles coordinate annual leadership conferences, facilitate campus conversations on challenging topics, and provide advice to the senior administrations of their institutions about policy and practice.

Second, we also support our collegiate members through our career development initiatives. During this year, we sponsored two webinars– one was specifically focused on helping our members better understand how to tell their own stories in their cover letters. O∆K also offers online career resources including a jobs board and resume bank.

Third, with our emphasis on service, our collegiate members are involved in their communities. These service initiatives help our members develop a greater sense of community needs and an awareness of local challenges. Each year, many of our circles coordinate activities to address food insecurity in their regions.

The 2018 Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference was our 50th and our last biennial convention. I am pleased to share that the Society Board of Directors recently voted to move to an annual conference beginning in 2020.

This change is a significant new direction for our collegiate members, providing a regular opportunity for attendees to hear great speakers and discover strategies for enhancing circles.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank Ally Baier, past national student vice president, and Andrew Brown and Tambria Schroeder, student-at-large members of the Society Board of Directors, for their service. It is critical to the direction of our Society to understand perspectives of current students in discussions of O∆K’s governance. It has been my pleasure to work with Ally, Andrew, and Tambria, and they have represented the concerns of the collegiate membership in charting the direction of the Society. They have been insightful, thoughtful, and instructional in advocating on behalf of their peers.

I know that we can continue to expect great things from each.

Yours in O∆K,

Matthew W. Clifford, Ed.D. O∆K National President

Fourth, through programming such as our signature Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference, members have the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers providing a wide-range of perspectives on leadership. They participate in conversations about the future of leadership in our country and explore strategies for enhancing not only their own leadership development but also that of their classmates.

The Circle Fall 2018 | 5

O∆K member

News

O∆K Values Travel When You Travel with Them By: Tambria Schroeder, The College at Brockport Circle As we craft the chapters of our life, we have a responsibility not to lose sight of the commitments that we have made on earlier pages. For all of us, this includes the promise that we made to Omicron Delta Kappa to uphold the Society’s ideals of scholarship, service, integrity, character, and fellowship in all that we do. It’s important to keep this commitment present in our lives and, through my work at the United States Department of State, I’ve found no shortage of opportunities to share our values around the world.

When I started traveling for work, I decided that it would be fun to also take O∆K with me, both literally and figuratively. I started bringing an O∆K baseball hat with me on all of my trips, and every time I put it on, it reminded me of the state of mind I should be in: to engage in scholarship and service, to promote and foster fellowship, to maintain integrity, and to build character.

Fortunately, the work I do is considered a form of public service, but I’m very intentional about the ways I engage in this service. I focus on being open, honest, and dedicated to making meaningful connections that support and advance my agency’s commitment to promoting and protecting freedom, democracy, and human rights. As part of this, I also believe that it’s my responsibility to educate myself as I learn new things and perspectives. Whether it’s learning about the differences between the various ethnic and religious minorities in one country, the complex political situation in another, or how to engage women more purposefully in national security issues around the world, I take it upon myself to do the research and deepen my understanding.

Fellowship goes a bit deeper than only making connections with people; it is about camaraderie and mutual support. I have had the pleasure of finding this in many people through my travels and also watching as it blossoms between groups of strangers that we bring together to tackle common issues they’re facing. The significance of fellowship cannot be understated, especially in the times that we are living. To put it simply, though, when we cultivate relationships with others, particularly those that may see things differently from us, we remember that we are all human, and we can find common ground in our most basic needs and inherent dignity.

A friend from France said, “Traveling inspires you to open yourself to new cultures and perspectives, build character, and develop respect for differences,” and I could not agree more. Looking at every country as an opportunity to refine my character and sense of integrity has made me a better person and helped me feel a deeper connection to the people and places I visit. I hope, at the very least, that by sharing my stories of literally taking O∆K and its values on the road with me, it will inspire you to do the same.

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member news

O∆K members in Higher Education Constance “Connie” Ledoux Book, former provost of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and former Elon University faculty member and administrative leader, started this past fall as the new president of Elon University. She was instrumental in helping establish the circle at The Citadel in 2017.

North Georgia Circle donates recycling receptacles to the university In April 2018, the University of North Georgia Circle donated 23 recycling receptacles for placement at designated locations on the university’s campus in Dahlonega.

Circle officers Brittaney N. Dyer, Christie L. Taylor, and Barry D. Friedman, arranged for the donation in consultation with Justin S. Ellis, director of the university’s Environmental Leadership Center. Ellis heads the university’s sustainability initiative, an effort to protect the university’s tree and plant life and to reduce waste and landfill deposits.

“Our goal is to inspire student leadership in sustainability,” said Ellis. “The national leadership honor society on our campus stepped forward in a powerful way, saying, ‘We want to be the sustainability trend-setters and implement what we think will have the biggest impact.’ This [leadership] shows other students that change is possible, and they can help make it happen.”

Craig T. Cobane, executive director of the Mahurin Honors College at Western Kentucky University, was named as an American Council on Education fellow for the 2018-19 academic year. He was inducted as a member of the WKU Circle in 2006. The ACE Fellows program is the top college and university administrative leadership development initiative which is designed to prepare senior leaders to serve American institutions of higher learning.

The Linfield College Board of Trustees recently selected Miles K. Davis to become the college’s 20th president.

He will be the first African-American president in the institution’s 160-year history. Davis, former dean of Shenandoah University’s Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business in Winchester, Va., began his new appointment July 1. He is an initiate of the Shenandoah University Circle.

Elizabeth Kiss, outgoing president of Agnes Scott College, became the new warden of Rhodes House this summer.

An initiate of the Davidson College Circle, Kiss will be the global chief executive officer of the Rhodes Trust and the Rhodes Scholarship. She was Davidson’s first female Rhodes Scholar and earned her Bachelor of Philosophy (a two-year taught graduate degree) and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford.

The circle’s donation of the recycling receptacles is a facet of its “Project Green” initiative dating to 2010 -11. The circle’s first sustainability donation occurred in 2012 when it dedicated the “Omicron Delta Kappa Nature Refuge,” which features a bench surrounded by five Princeton elm trees on a campus lawn.

This spring, the university’s Student Involvement Office and Student Government Association for the Dahlonega campus presented the Blue & Gold Award for the outstanding service project to the campus/community to UNG’s circle for the donation of the recycling receptacles.

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 7

Q&A

Andrew Brown,

an initiate of the Grand Valley State University Circle, led his circle as president for two years before graduating. Andrew currently serves on the Society Board of Directors and the Student Advisory Board. Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science degree from GVSU with a double major in psychology and philosophy. Currently, Andrew is a full-time graduate student in the counseling psychology doctoral program at Purdue University, and he is serving as the 2018-20 National Student Vice President.

students more opportunities to have the experience with O∆K that I have had, which means taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible to grow and improve our Society.

What have you learned about leadership in college?

The main thing I’ve learned about leadership since high school is how to listen and collaborate. I had leadership positions in high school, but I operated from the assumption that leaders were the loudest person in front of a group who made things happen. That works in some situations, but collaborative leadership is more effective and better for followers. Now that I’m in a counseling psychology Ph.D. program, I’ve learned to better listen and strive to use those skills beyond my role as a counselor. Actively listening to others makes them feel heard, and people who feel listened to are more likely to be dedicated to the group’s mission.

The best ideas and plans arise from groups collaborating.

What is your philosophy of leadership?

The most important part of being a leader is being a good follower. Looking at the most efficient leaders throughout history, the best were those who treated their followers as leaders and worked as if they were followers. Leaders have to listen to and hear their followers because no one person can accomplish great things alone. By listening, leaders are better able to understand others, meaning they can better utilize diversity in perspectives and strengths and maximize the unique contributions of each person. If a leader can do that, they will find themselves able to inspire others and create change, together with other people, not for them.

How has O∆K influenced your leadership and how have you affected O∆K as a leader?

O∆K serves as a constant source of inspiration because I find myself surrounded by amazing people every time I’m around our members. I’ve been to two drive-in workshops, two national conventions, three board meetings, several induction ceremonies, two chartering ceremonies, and I’m never more inspired and humbled than when I’m working with other O∆K members. That inspiration and humility motivates me to continue to be involved with O∆K and to give the Society my best. It only seems fair to me that I continue to dedicate myself to the mission of giving 8 | odk.org

Cody Sain, a

microbiology major at the University of Tennessee, worked in university housing as a resident assistant, the honors and scholars programs as a student office assistant, and as a campus tutor.

He participated in the Haslam Scholars Program, the Provost Student Advisory Council, and served as UTK circle president. He volunteered in local Knoxville schools and organized public health fairs and enrolled in medical school in the fall of 2018.

Who is a leader you admire and why?

Although a radical figure on the surface, I regard Malcolm X as one of the most influential leaders whom I admire.

Malcolm was a forerunner of the civil rights movement who utilized his experiences to spur a movement that fought for equality through grassroots efforts that aimed to

Q&A

lift communities from the inside. He showed his strength as a leader as he evolved his views over time to be more inclusive of additional houses of thought.

How has O∆K influenced your leadership and how have you affected O∆K as a leader?

O∆K has encouraged me to think more broadly regarding what I want an organization to be able to accomplish. O∆K helped me understand that leadership encompasses more than merely planning events. It has made me think critically about making sure the organization has components that encourage its longevity. Conversely, I think I have left an impact on O∆K by establishing a strong sense of dedication for the organization’s purpose. I have sought to create robust personal connections which has helped to make the work within O∆K more enjoyable.

What have you learned about leadership in college?

As an undergraduate, I have learned that leadership and the experiences you gain as a leader will be different for every individual. Most importantly, I have come to understand that leadership is not necessarily attached to a position or an organization but more to the investment one puts into working toward a goal. Typically, the person who is the most invested will rise and develop as a leader because they are committed to making ideas and possibilities a reality. In all, I realized that leadership naturally follows those that are passionate about a goal. A leader can inspire others to actualize their drive and passion for transforming goals into triumphs.

How has O∆K influenced your leadership and how have you affected O∆K as a leader?

Omicron Delta Kappa influenced me by providing confidence and teaching me to push forward. Starting a new circle can be a daunting task. I felt honored that the founding members elected me as president; I was also nervous. I learned how to trust my instincts because of the people who believe in me. I have influenced O∆K by always being honest and staying positive. I hope to leave a solid foundation to the O∆K circle so that it continues to grow.

Who is a leader you admire and why?

I admire leaders who stand true to their values and spread positivity and happiness to everyone they meet. I admire Ellen DeGeneres as she gives back every day on her television show. She speaks her mind and tells the truth, even though someone may not agree. She supports many charities and causes including animal rights, LGBT rights, bullying prevention, and public school education. I hope I am as kind, brave, and giving as she is.

What have you learned about leadership in college?

Catherine Iszard, a recent graduate at the

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was a business administration major. She is a member of the American Marketing Association and completed the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Leadership Challenge. She was a charter member of the O∆K circle at UNG and served as its president. In addition, she is active with the Association of American University Women. Catherine graduated in spring 2018, with full honors, after completing her capstone project focused on social media analytics in higher education.

I have grown immensely in my short four years of college.

The most valuable lesson I learned was to believe in myself.

People say you must love yourself before loving someone else, and I never truly understood that. I was always happy with and found meaning in helping others. When I was given opportunities to be a leader as an underclassman because others saw potential and believed in me, something was sparked in me. I gave 100% to every task and started to believe in myself. I traveled around, learned about the world, and let go of unnecessary drama; that is when I developed my leadership style. I am confident in myself; I believe I am a leader who empowers, motivates, and appreciates others and that is a huge accomplishment for me.

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 9

O∆K MEMBERS

WITH COMMUNICATIONS CAREERS DISCUSS

Networking

NICKY SAMPOGNA

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CIRCLE, 2009 Senior Social Media Manager, World Wrestling Entertainment In a way, networking is my career. As the social media manager for WWE, I interact with a myriad of characters – literally.

Through my travels around the world, working with different athletes, celebrities, managers, agents, and the like, I’ve found two things to be true: 1.

The world isn’t all that big;

2.

Nothing makes a better impression than a good work ethic and attention to the work that people are doing.

In a world where so much of what we do is online, it is necessary to connect (both digitally and in-person) with people in your sphere of work or education and, most importantly, see what and how their experiences shape their worldview.

Remember, everyone has a different story, and it is up to YOU to connect with people on as many levels as possible.

For many, networking is limited to their success. “How will this help me? When can I use this connection.” Stop thinking about people that way. Immediately. A network is only useful when

BREA NERI JUNIATA COLLEGE CIRCLE, 2013 Senior Manager, Communications, Junior Acheivement of Greater Washington “It’s not about what you know; it’s about who you know.”

We’ve all heard this saying at one point or another in our professional lives. I’m not going to spend time debating the credibility or relevance of this statement because, on one hand, 10 | odk.org

you are constantly thinking about how to connect everyone in it; therefore it’s far better to think about others and how you can assist them. Inconsequential or not, being known as the person who “knows who to go to” can be an incredibly valuable asset to you as you grow in your professional career.

I pride myself on assisting those who ask for help and do my best to accommodate it. Why? Because I know when someone is looking for a person on whom they can rely on to get the best possible solution to their problem, they’ll look to me. No one has all the answers, so if you know the best way to find the answer, you become that much more valuable.

Finally, you’re never too young to start building a network that can work for you. Classmates, colleagues, the guy you buy flowers from or the barista down the street--you can help all these people and, in turn, they can all help you. We refer to ourselves as a circle, a group that is inclusive of others; men and women who work to make their campuses a better place.

Continue to help that circle grow. ●

I do agree that professional connections are essential to upward mobility in most careers. However, I would not go so far as to say that they are the only or most important factor in career growth.

To me, the value of networking is more about what you know because of who you know. I’ll explain.

Simply forging professional connections, exchanging business cards, or extending a LinkedIn invitation, is not enough.

Engaging with those connections in meaningful ways, in hopes of learning as much as possible is where I feel the value of networking lies.

communications

SHINJINI DAS GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CIRCLE, 2014 Founder and CEO, The Das Media Group Networking is a polarizing word. Some people love networking. Others abhor networking with an intense passion. As a media professional, I am always curious about why people are so passionate about topics they have seen covered extensively in the media,

Professionally, I am continually trying to seek out opportunities for self-improvement and growth. And what better way to learn than to connect with and absorb the knowledge of those who came before you. Every person you engage with has completely different circumstances and experiences that have shaped their journey. There is so much to learn from others’ stories, trials and tribulations, and accomplishments.

Furthermore, I’ve found that often you might learn a lot from a connection that doesn’t initially seem like he or she may have much to offer you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in conversation with someone only to find that his or her sister-in-law, son, or neighbor would be an excellent connection for me to make. And if you genuinely invest in and engage with every professional you encounter, they are often more than happy to make those crucial introductions for you.

Networking can undoubtedly be a challenge at times.

It can be intimidating, awkward, and nerve-racking.

I try to approach every networking opportunity with an open mind and desire to connect and learn. I feel that with this approach, subconsciously, a great deal of pressure is removed and one can forge more authentic and valuable connections. For that reason, I’d encourage every professional to adopt this approach to reap the most benefits from their networking endeavors. ●

networking being one of them.

In my conversations with Uber drivers, stay-at-home moms who want to get back into the workforce, small business owners, and soon to be college graduates, the one recurring theme is that networking is a chore. Each time I hear this, I say that networking is not a chore but a series of 1:1 conversations. I think that if we shift our perspectives around what networking is and how much networking can transform our lives, we will invest with love.

I have a deep relationship with networking. Upon graduating as an O∆K member and industrial engineer from Georgia Tech in 2014, I knew several successful people who were eager to help me get started in my career. There was only one issue, and this issue was that I did not know a single person in the media industry who could have helped me. So, I did what I knew how to do, through some years of experience in O∆K. I started connecting with many different people 1:1, and I fell in love with connecting with people. At 22, I realized that I would probably have to connect with people a lot, considering that I ultimately wanted to transition from technology consulting to the media and entertainment industries, quite a high jump, and critically, not a jump that many have made successfully.

Along my journey, I leveraged digital media platforms to reach out to people who have helped me navigate the shark waters of media. You must understand that I started in this industry with no connections and no prior experience, which is why “networking” is how I have survived. I do credit O∆K as the launchpad to develop my ability to connect with people. As a senior at Georgia Tech, I co-led O∆K’s Georgia Tech Leadership Conference, inviting the executive vice president of the Harlem Globetrotters, whom I connected with at an event in New York, as the keynote speaker. She was the first conference keynote speaker at the time who was not a Georgia Tech alumna.

I promise that if you consider networking as a series of 1:1 conversations wherein you learn about how people think, who they are, and what they want, you too will fall in love with humanity and grow with multi-dimensional perspectives in your careers just as I have. ●

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 11

ELISE STEFANIK ★ A NEW GENERATION OF ★

Leadership

C

by Lindsey Cline

ongresswoman Elise Stefanik, an honoris causa initiate of the SUNY Plattsburg Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in United States history. In 2013, Stefanik declared her candidacy for the House of Representatives, running on a platform of new ideas, new leadership, lower taxes, support for small businesses, and energy. She represents New York's 21st District in the House of Representatives and is currently in her second term.

Running for Congress was something of an adventure. Stefanik put more than 100,000 miles on her family’s truck, a Ford F-150, visiting with businesses, local officials, and residents while running for office for the first time. Since then, she has been appointed to notable congressional committees and introduced important legislation. Stefanik is a member of the Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“I ran for Congress in 2014,” Stefanik says, “because I believe our country needed and still needs a new generation of leadership. Our generation – the millennial generation – is now

the largest generation in the workforce and will soon be a plurality of voters in the country. It’s critical that we step up to have a seat at the table for the major discussions going on in our country – from national defense to the economy to healthcare. It also was critically important to me that our region in northern New York is considered a place where young families and entrepreneurs can thrive.”

Stefanik grew up in New York where her parents own a plywood business near Albany. Reflecting on her upbringing, she says, “I admire my mother and my father as leaders. They have built a successful small business and have always, always been encouraging of my aspirations. Whether it was working hard to apply to Harvard, or running for Congress, I have been blessed with encouragement from my parents who have never once insinuated that those dreams might have been too big. Instead, they said ‘Why not?! Of course you can do it!’”

She graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in government. Stefanik was the first person in her family to graduate from college. While at Harvard, she worked closely with Ted Sorensen, President John F. Kennedy’s famed speechwriter, and she earned the

service

“

I believe our country needed and still needs a new generation of leadership. Our generation – the millennial generation – is now the largest generation in the workforce and will soon be a plurality of voters in the country. It’s critical that we step up to have a seat at the table for the major discussions going on in our country – from national defense to the economy to healthcare.

”

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 13

“

You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in that ratio.

I was given this advice early as a candidate, which highlights the importance of listening.

”

Congresswoman Stefanik visiting with school children. Photos provided by the Office of Congresswoman Stefanik.

Women’s Leadership Award. After college, she joined George W. Bush’s administration as a staff member on the Domestic Policy Council, and she later served in the White House Chief of Staff’s office. She later joined Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty’s staff as policy director.

met over the course of running for and serving in Congress. The best way to combat these challenges is to lead by example and deliver results. I am proud to have significant constituent services and legislative results that I've been able to deliver back home to the hardworking families I represent.”

Before running for Congress, Stefanik was on Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wisc.) debate preparation team when he ran for vice president.

She then briefly returned to New York following the November 2012 elections.

One of her largest constituent groups includes soldiers and members of the military. Fort Drum, a U.S. Army military reservation, is based in her district. Fort Drum plans and supports the mobilization and training of almost 80,000 troops annually. As such, Stefanik is highly involved in the Armed Services Committee as well as legislation affecting soldiers and the military.

As the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and one of less than 90 female representatives, Stefanik received some early criticism. She shares, “Unfortunately, there are unique challenges that young women candidates and elected officials face. For example, I have been called ‘little girl,’ ‘a gofer,’ ‘a child,’ and my work experience has been denigrated as not having worked ‘with my hands.’ These comments are not representative of the vast majority of respectful and encouraging people that I have 14 | odk.org

“As the proud home of Fort Drum and the Navy Nuclear Site at Kesselring,” Stefanik says, “my district is home to countless military families who make enormous sacrifices on behalf of our nation. In Congress, I’ve been pleased to have two bills signed into law to ease the burdens our military families face when having to move due to their service members’ change of station.

★

★

“This is great news for our district, but we must continue working in support of our servicemen, women, and their spouses. In my conversations with military families, one common concern is the impact that relocation and changes of station have on military spouses searching for employment. Because of the burdens created by constant relocation, researchers estimate that up to 25 percent of military spouses are unemployed; an additional 25 percent are underemployed or working underpaying jobs that don’t utilize their skill set or education.”

“In February, Congressman Donald McEachin (D-Va.) and I introduced the Military Spouse Employment Act to address this frustrating issue that has impacted military families for too long. Military spouses serve, too, and it’s critical we work together to ensure our country’s military spouses have the jobs they need and deserve.”

Stefanik has also taken up the health care challenge. She explains, “Our district is a very rural district that has many unique healthcare needs and challenges. I was pleased to lead the fight to reauthorize Community Health Center funding because these important centers provide medical services to over 95,000 patients in my district. These centers provide services that are not always covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, including cancer screenings, preventive care, mental health and substance abuse services, transportation, and in-home visits.

“When their funding was at risk of lapsing, I wrote legislation to reauthorize it that garnered over 200 co-sponsors and helped push this issue into the forefront of debate in Congress. I was pleased to see a two-year extension of this funding signed into law this February due to our efforts.”

Of the 435 members of the House of Representatives, Stefanik ranks 31st as the most bipartisan member according to the index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy. She recently told North Country Public Radio that many “media outlets, particularly network news, focus on the controversies and whatever's loudest at the time. What's missed is that eighty percent of the bills we've passed have been bipartisan." Still, it’s hard to ignore the fighting in Washington.

When asked how Congress can do a better job of collaborating, Stefanik responded, “I believe this is a generational issue. We should look to the younger members on both sides of the aisle as examples of focusing on bipartisanship. Younger members like Will Hurd (R-Texas), Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), and Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) are leading the way in Congress by focusing on results for their constituents instead of partisan fights.”

★

★

★

How does Stefanik balance both sides of a contentious debate? She noted that there has been much discussion about Second Amendment rights, school safety, and gun control in Washington since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. However, she stressed the importance of bipartisanship in these conversations.

She says, “I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on bipartisan solutions to help end these tragic incidents of gun violence in schools. I have previously cosponsored legislation to ban bump stocks, voted to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and helped pass legislation that was signed into law to reform our federal mental health system. I have also cosponsored legislation to specifically address school violence and recently helped the House pass the STOP School Violence Act – legislation I cosponsored to provide grant funding for evidence-based training to prevent school violence. I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to end gun violence in our schools and keep our children safe.”

Her balanced approach to politics and strong leadership has paid off. Stefanik won re-election in 2016 by more than 30 points. Stefanik will face a Democratic challenger and a Green Party candidate in the fall.

Regardless of politics, one can appreciate Stefanik’s view on leadership. She says, “You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in that ratio. I was given this advice early as a candidate, which highlights the importance of listening. This advice has proven helpful while in office because many of my best legislative ideas come directly from constituents who come to my office with concerns or challenges working in government, and we work to solve them.”

On advice that Stefanik would give to current students, she says, “I learned many leadership skills as a student leader in high school and on my college campus. In high school, I served on Student Council and was elected President my senior year. In college, I served as a leader on the Student Advisory Committee at Harvard's Institute of Politics - the largest political organization on campus. I learned the importance of bringing together different perspectives and political beliefs and how to be respectful and civil as we discussed issues we are passionate about.”

Based on Stefanik’s desire to listen to her constituents, find balanced solutions, and dedicate herself fully to creating change, we expect to see more of Elise Stefanik in years to come. ● The Circle • Fall 2018 | 15

A LIFETIME OF

collaborative leadership

A

ll human beings are a product of collaboration. In basic terms, two humans join together – sometimes with the assistance of modern medicine – to make a child. In some families, collaboration ends at the moment a child is created. In the lives of other individuals, collaborations continue throughout a lifetime.

Eric Motley’s (Samford University, 1995) entire life has been the embodiment of the wonders of collaboration. He grew up in Madison Park, in Montgomery, Alabama - in a community that was established in the late 1800s by freed slaves. Born to a single mother and raised by her adopted parents, Eric was supported and invested in by the members of his community.

In his 2017 book, Madison Park: A Place of Hope (Harper Collins Publishers, 2017), he shared the story of how he became the DUK, the “designated university kid.”

When he was falling behind in reading ability as a first-grader, “Aunt Shine”, a retired teacher and local citizen of the community, announced from the church’s pulpit that young Eric needed access to all of the reading material that was available in Madison Park. Members of the community brought old newspapers, magazines, books, and even one encyclopedia so that he could further develop his reading skills. When he was in junior high, a teacher of his took an interest in his development and drove him nearly 16 | odk.org

every Saturday during the school year to seventh and eighthgrade speech competitions to enhance and improve his public speaking skills. As Eric sought to learn more, his adoptive grandfather who raised him, drove him to and from Montgomery on a regular basis so that he could have access to the wealth of knowl- edge contained in the city’s public library. And when it was time for Eric to head off to college in 1992, his junior year English teacher lobbied the then president of Samford University, Dr. Thomas Corts (Samford University, 2001), for Eric’s admittance with the provision of a full presidential scholarship. Eric said, “I accepted without hesitation.”

In reflecting upon the individuals who helped him succeed as a child and student before college, Eric wrote, “A backward glance over my personal odyssey to that point shows that I had stood on the shoulders of a great number of people. Theirs was a collective act of grace.

Together they formed a gigantic accountability circle, helping me focus on higher things, such as the liberation that an education could afford and the guiding principles that would keep me true to my course.”

As a student at Samford University, Eric had further experiences with individuals who would help form and refine his intellectual pursuits. In addition to President Corts, who personally supported Eric’s junior-year study abroad experience, Dean Rod

scholarship Davis (Samford University, 1956) introduced him to books, National Public Radio, and periodicals which expanded his appreciation for the written and spoken word. Professor Steve Epley (Samford University, 1997) facilitated an increased awareness of different authors for whom Eric would be influenced by through the years.

In writing about his teachers in Madison Park, Eric acknowledged, “Someone once said that good teachers are with us for a lifetime; certainly the lessons they teach us are, and in some instances the teachers are as well.” He remains close to both Dean Davis and Dr. Epley.

“

A backward glance over my personal odyssey to that point shows that I had stood on the shoulders of a great number of people. Theirs was a collective act of grace. Together they formed a gigantic accountability circle, helping me focus on higher things, such as the liberation that an education could afford and the guiding principles that would keep me true to my course.

”

Eric notes that one of the more significant collaborations of his collegiate career involved his acceptance into membership of Sigma Chi Fraternity. While several of his close friends who were already members encouraged Eric to go through rush, there was resistance to the acceptance of an African-American member by a number of the other brothers in the fraternity.

However, ten senior members, well-respected brothers in the fraternity, joined Eric’s friends in making the case for his selection as a member. These senior members received angry calls from parents and some alumni, but they stood together and challenged the others who sought to ban Eric based on the color of his skin. Eric was eventually elected president of his pledge class. He said, “I’ve never regretted my decision to pledge. My fraternity brothers came to see me as more than a token of a minority group. We became true brothers.”

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 17

championed collaborations, partnerships, and alliances to address societal issues. Subsequent to his tenure at the White House, he served as the executive director of the Aspen InstituteRockefeller Foundation’s Commission to Reform the Federal Appointments Process. The work of this commission was an independent, nonpartisan effort to evaluate the Federal government’s vetting and clearance procedures.

Today, he is an executive vice president with the Aspen Institute.

Eric previously served as vice president and executive director of Aspen’s national programs, and before that, he served as vice president and managing director of the Henry Crown Fellowship Program. Prior to joining the Aspen Institute, he served as the director of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of International Visitors within the Bureau of Public Diplomacy.

As one who was keenly aware of the multiple efforts and individuals involved in working sometimes independently, sometimes collectively, to support and advance his leadership journey, Eric has long kept a journal including a list of those for whom he was thankful. His “gratitude list” includes those people who have been important in his life. He shares his prayer of appreciation in Madison Park.

Upon finishing his undergraduate degree at Samford, Eric went onto earn a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Later, he returned to the United States where additional collaborations helped him secure his first professional position. A long-time friend put him in touch with Temple Tutwiler who eventually connected Eric with Margaret Tutwiler, who served as a special counselor to President George W. Bush. She subsequently recommended him to the director of presidential personnel who called to schedule an interview. The night before the meeting about the job, Eric stayed with his friend from Samford, Brad Heifner, who even walked him to the Metro stop to make sure he got where he was going. By the end of the interview in 2001, he was offered the position of deputy associate director, Office of Presidential Personnel, in the White House.

As Eric moved to Washington, a friend drove the U-Haul containing a gift of a Queen Anne armchair from one of his mentors, and President Corts provided him with the suit that he would wear on the first day of work. As he walked through the gates of the White House, he carried the briefcase “lent’ to him by a former junior high teacher. Before the conclusion of President Bush’s administration, Eric was appointed to the position of special assistant to the president for presidential personnel, overseeing all boards and commissions appointments.

Throughout his early life, Eric Motley’s achievements were a collaborative effort, but as his career has progressed, he has 18 | odk.org

“Dear God, thank you for these people and those whose names I have forgotten. I’m here because of them. Bless them each and every one.”

Eric Motley is an executive vice president at the Aspen Institute, where he is responsible for institutional advancement and governance. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Samford University. As a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, he earned a Master of Letters in international relations and a doctorate as the John Steven Watson Scholar. ●

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY CIRCLE ENDOWED FUND The Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation is presently securing support for the Samford University Circle Endowed Fund. Once fully funded at $40,000 (it is currently at $17,615), the endowment will provide a post-baccalaureate scholarship for a member of the Samford Circle and programming funds for the circle. Through the philanthropic leadership of Linda and Jeff Stone, additional contributions of up to $12,500 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. To make a gift, contact Katy Datz, associate executive director for external relations, at katy@odk.org or (540) 458-5344.

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DAWN STALEY

FULL-COURT LEADERSHIP

by Matthew Hibdon

Dawn Staley is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she was a point guard and played for Coach Debbie Ryan. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and in 2004, she was elected by her fellow athletes to carry the United States flag at the opening ceremony. She was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Coach Staley, an initiate of the University of South Carolina — Columbia Circle, is the 2018 recipient of the O∆K Foundation’s Pillars of Leadership Award in Athletics.

Photos courtesy of South Carolina Athletics

D

awn Staley didn’t plan to be a basketball coach.

When Dave O’Brien, the then-athletic director at Temple University, first approached her about coaching the Lady Owls program, she declined.

She was playing in the WBNA and representing the United States as a member of the Olympic team. However, with much encouragement by O’Brien and his colleagues, she took over the Temple program in 2000, and by 2004, three of her teams had been invited to play in the NCAA tournament. Coaching at Temple was just the start of her success as a coach. In 2017, she coached the University of South Carolina Lady Gamecocks to the national championship. She’s the current coach for USA Basketball and will be in Tokyo in 2020 for the Summer Olympics.

Last fall, Staley was initiated into the University of South Carolina – Columbia Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and was the featured speaker at the ceremony. In addressing her fellow initiates, Staley stated, “As I reflect back on my evolution as a leader and qualities that experts say make a great leader, I've discovered that most leaders aren't born with leadership qualities and that everyone can lead, you just have to want to. My personality and industry dictated my leadership qualities, and yours should do the same.”

Although she certainly has had significant accomplishments as a player and coach, Staley’s leadership runs much deeper than a statistic or a sports reel. She has proven her leadership abilities by advocating for her communities, players, and profession.

COMMUNITIES Whether it is to her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or in the cities Staley played and coached in over the years, she continuously gives back. After winning her first Olympic gold medal in 1996, she established the Dawn Staley Foundation. Staley’s foundation was created to proactively offer at-risk children in Philadelphia the tools they need to become productive, responsible adults. The foundation accomplished this goal through after-school programs, summer basketball leagues, mentoring, and an annual community celebration called “Day in the Park.”

After becoming the coach at the University of South Carolina in 2008, Staley noticed a need in the region and created another non-profit called Innersole. The organization provides shoes to children in the region around the university. In 2015, Innersole made a significant impact by distributing numerous pairs of shoes to school children after the devastating floods which impacted many homes in Columbia. In describing the inspiration for Innersole, Staley said, “I grew up not caring what I looked like from my ankles up. As long as I had a new pair of sneakers on my feet, I felt like I could conquer the world. Kids that have a new pair of sneakers -- it changes their lives. That moment

athletics that they receive a box with a new pair of shoes in it that is a moment that is captured for a lifetime. Every time there’s a new pair of sneakers that they get, they relive that, and we want to be a part of it.”

PLAYERS A good coach cares about the game, a great coach cares about the players, but an excellent coach cares about both. Staley’s passion for the game is clear, and she has said, "Basketball is a tremendous sport. It is a sport that continues to grow, and I want to be someone who helps the sport grow because the sport has helped me grow and mature into the woman I am today.” At the University of South Carolina, her teams have had considerable success including winning four Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championships and four SEC tournaments. The Lady Gamecocks have been two Final Fours with Staley as the coach, and she’s been recognized at the SEC Coach of the Year three times and was the 2014 Basketball Times Coach of the Year in 2014.

Off the court, her teams have thrived in the classroom and served in the community. Staley noted that her team’s service efforts are rooted in her players’ deep commitment to helping others. She acknowledged that their community contributions are developed around the desire to offer hope to those who may think that their outlook and future are bleak. As for academics, every student-athlete who completed her eligibility on the team has graduated or is on track for graduation. With Staley’s emphasis on academic achievement, her teams have consistently had a team grade point average above a 3.0.

As a coach, Staley is a consistent supporter and advocate for her team, even when they experience setbacks. When the team missed a repeat victory in the 2018 women’s basketball tournament, Staley said, “Our team performed all year long under adversity; [I] couldn't be more proud of our players and the way that they have handled themselves ….”

PROFESSION Among the many notable things about Staley is that she is only the second African-American to coach the championship team in the NCAA women’s basketball tourna­ment. After USC’s win in 2017, Staley lobbied for her colleagues for more diversity and opportunities in intercollegiate athletics. In discussing her advocacy for more diversity in coaching, she said, “I think any time you're in this profession as an African-American woman… you have to be successful out the gate. If you're not successful, you have to go back, and fortunately for me, I didn't go through the ranks of being a grad assistant and assistant coach [to get] there. I was given an opportunity because somebody saw something in me…I hope my success is a beacon of hope for other black coaches.” ●

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 21

Singing Alone or Singing Along?

A message from the Foundation President Dear member, I grew up wanting to be a solo musician. I loved to perform and thought I was pretty good. I practiced daily, and I sang and played at all sorts of events in my hometown of Cleveland. However, when I arrived in college as a music major, I quickly realized quite a few things: 1. I needed to practice a lot more.

also stretch yourself by learning new procedures, techniques, and styles suggested by others.

Now I make a living guest conducting and writing music for choirs. Much of my life is spent alone at a piano and computer in my office (“the soloist”), but then I also have the joy and challenge of taking many voices and molding them into one fabulous, vibrant musical sound (“the choir”). I hope all of our members will have the opportunity to both successfully solo as well as be part of a fabulous choir.

2. I didn’t love spending hours alone in a practice room.

3. There were lots of people who could do what I could do, and many of them were better.

Then I joined the choir where I got to make music with so many other people. I was able to be a leader within the choir, but I also learned how and when to step back and blend.

My advice to young leaders and philanthropists as you plan your life’s journey is to consider your goals and determine the best road to take there.

• Do you want to be a “grand soloist,” working on your own, calling the shots, driving yourself, working whatever hours you want to (or need to)?

• Or would you rather be a “member of the choir,” working with a group of like-minded people although within that choir individuals will have different ideas, voices, and approaches. You may have to compromise, bargain, and deal, but you’ll probably

22 | odk.org

As individual donors, we each have the opportunity to support the Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation. Through modest, individual gifts, our collective contributions grow and advance the work of our organization in providing scholarships, underwriting leadership development programs, and offering career resources for our collegiate members.

On a personal note, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of serving on the Foundation Board of Trustees under the leadership of former Foundation President Russ Chambliss. He led the Foundation with a wonderful aura of strength, wit, and wisdom. We sincerely thank him for his many years of support and leadership.

Sincerely,

Sally K. Albrecht Foundation President

1

2017-18

Circle

Installations 1. Lees-McCrae College

2

Banner Elk, N.C. November 28, 2017 Installing Officer: Dr. Timothy A. Reed, Associate Executive Director for Business and Membership Services

2. Arizona State University

Tempe, Ariz.

March 21, 2018 Installing Officer: Dr. Tara Singer, Executive Director

3

3. Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, La. April 14, 2018 Installing Officer: Alex DeJarnett, Member, O∆K Society Board of Directors

4. Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Ky. April 25, 2018 Installing Officer: Dr. Tara Singer, Executive Director

5. East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tenn.

April 25, 2018 Installing Officer: Matthew Hibdon, Director of Leadership Programs

4 5 The Circle Fall 2018 | 23

Career Opportunities For more than five years, Omicron Delta Kappa has developed several strategic alliances and partnerships.

These programs, predominantly for currently enrolled members and recent graduates, provide individuals with opportunities to explore career options and further enhance their leadership development potential.

The Washington Internship Institute The Washington Internship Institute’s semester-long academic internship program is carefully designed to provide college sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students from the U.S. and abroad with practical, hands-on experience and academically rigorous courses emphasizing public service, leadership, and professional development. Members of Omicron Delta Kappa are eligible for a $500 scholarship. Program details may be found at www.wiidc.org.

Washington Scholars Fellowship Program A semester in the Washington Scholars Fellowship Program is an opportunity for politically minded students and recent graduates to earn internships in government agencies, media outlets, and non-governmental organizations. These positions offer a unique look at Washington and how the political process works from a hands-on point of view. Details about the program are located at https://www.washingtonscholars.org/.

Teach For America Teach For America is an organization devoted to growing the movement of leaders who work to ensure that children growing up in poverty get an excellent education. Since 2012, more than 200 OΔK members have served as teachers in communities across the United States. Learn more about the organization’s philosophical approach, review conversations about education, and read stories from classrooms across the nation on www.teachforamerica.org.

The Fund for American Studies The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) sponsors summer programs based in Washington, D.C. Each program includes academic credit through George Mason University, internship placement, furnished housing, guest lectures, and site briefings as well as professional development and networking events. O∆K has partnered with TFAS to offer three $3,000 scholarships to members accepted to the 2019 Summer Programs. Through the generosity of Robert Yellowlees, additional scholarship support is available to initiates of the University of Maryland, College Park and Georgia Institute of Technology circles. Scholarship applicants must be rising seniors (graduation date between December 2018 – August 2019). For more information, contact Mary Stankus, director of recruitment and admissions at TFAS, at mstankus@tfas.org.

24 | odk.org

leadership opportunities SVAcademy

SVAcademy is a 12-week online, part-time fellowship for seniors and recent college graduates. Upon completion of the fellowship, students will be placed in high-paying jobs in the Silicon Valley with an average starting full-time offer of $78,000. SVAcademy has forged strong relationships with leading companies in Silicon Valley and worked with top mentors in the industry to craft a program to accelerate career growth. Information about the program may be found at https://sv.academy/ODK.

National Collegiate Athletic Association

The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program annually provides on-the-job learning experiences at the national office in Indianapolis to college graduates who are passionate in their pursuit of a career in college sports administration. With a focus on ethnic minorities, women and former student-athletes, this year-long program gives insight into the inner workings of college sports from the national perspective. Information on this opportunity and other NCAA leadership development initiatives may be found at http://www.ncaa.org/about/ resources/leadership-development/.

Teach Tomorrow

Teach Tomorrow is an additional resource for leaders who are considering a career in teaching. It provides information on teaching degree programs and resources for teachers looking to continue their education. Additional information about Teach Tomorrow may be found at https://www.teachtomorrow.org/.

Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs

The Coro Fellows Program trains ethical, diverse, and civic leaders nationwide. Coro leaders develop skills; master tools needed to engage and empower communities; gain experience in government, business, labor and not-for-profit community organizations; and participate in community and political problem-solving processes. Waivers for application fees are available for O∆K members. Visit www.corofellows.org or email CoroSoCal@coro.org for more info.

Semester at Sea

Embark on the only study abroad program that brings you face-to-face with a diversity of world cultures and perspectives through the journey of a lifetime with Semester at Sea. Every spring and fall, Semester at Sea explores up to 12 developed and emerging countries on a 100-day voyage. Academic content is provided both through shipboard courses and facultydesigned field classes led by faculty known for their global scholarship. These experiences in port are designed to provide a deeper understanding of course content. Through in-country field programs and independent travel, students observe global issues firsthand while interacting with everyone from local citizens to world leaders. Curriculum and application information is located at https://www.semesteratsea.org/.

The Circle • Fall 2018 | 25

the view from HQ

Serving O∆K A message from the Past National Student Vice President Dear member, Collegiate members are the future of our Society and developing their leadership potential is, quite simply, the reason O∆K exists. I am personally very grateful for the Society’s role in my own life, beginning with my induction into the St. Lawrence University Kalon-Kixioc Circle as a second-year student with junior academic standing. Since that time, I have benefited immensely from membership and was honored with the Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year award that provided invaluable scholarship support for my doctoral studies.

I credit much of my development as an O∆K member to my attendance at the 2014 and 2016 conventions.

Historically held biennially, I am excited the Society has elected to move forward with annual conventions beginning in 2020 and strongly encourage all collegiate members to attend. Convention is a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills, collaborate with other circles, and network with other like-minded leaders representing all five O∆K phases from across the nation.

In my role as National Student Vice President on the Board of Directors, I had the privilege of leading the Student Advisory Board (SAB), an exceptional group of students who seek to understand and address the concerns of all collegiate members of the Society. For this biennium, the SAB chose to focus on engaging and fostering communication between the national organization and individual circles and has aptly drawn upon its diverse membership to think critically about the issues facing circles and the challenges of information dissemination. Our fruitful discussions will culminate in a video vignette filmed this summer at the 2018 convention.

In addition to planned filming, we solicited input from convention attendees about their thoughts and wishes for the Society.

26 | odk.org

The success of O∆K’s more than 300 circles represents the insightful leadership of our current and past Board of Directors and national staff, but we must continue to grow. Our Society has a responsibility to bring the substantial prospect of membership to students nationwide. Expanding to reach those students who don’t presently have the opportunity to benefit from O∆K membership will broaden our diversity, bring in new ideas, and ensure the Society’s future vitality.

We must also continue to broaden student and recent-graduate opportunities and encourage greater involvement in the Society beyond undergraduate years.

I implore you to think about how O∆K has influenced your leadership development, how we as a Society can improve upon what we offer our members, and how you can give back. I ask you to consider chartering a new circle at your graduate institution, running for a national position, volunteering your time with your alma mater’s circle, and donating to the O∆K Foundation. Together, these acts will strengthen our Society for future generations to come.

It has been an honor to serve on the Society Board of Directors alongside talented and dedicated leaders. My work has been steadfastly supported by the National Headquarters staff, and I am indebted to their support and the support of the Society and Foundation boards, National Advisory Council, SAB, and the students, faculty, and staff who dedicate their time to this wonderful organization. I look forward to continuing to support O∆K in the coming years and will follow our collective progress with keen interest and pride.

Yours in O∆K,

Allison Baier

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26 | odk.org

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Local Agent

|

1-888-231-4870

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Freeport, Ohio Permit No. 21 Omicron Delta Kappa National Headquarters 224 McLaughlin Street Lexington, VA 24450-2002

Young Professional Donors Cate Bruns is a 2015 initiate of the Concordia College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa.

Cate represented Concordia College at the 2016 and 2018 O∆K Biennial National Conventions as an official circle delegate and currently serves as a member of the National Advisory Council.

She recently completed a Master of Arts in communication and advocacy at James Madison University and previously served on O∆K’s Student Advisory Board. In addition to O∆K, Catherine is also a member of Pi Kappa Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha.

“

O∆K is a leadership organization like no other.

As a member, I’ve been provided opportunities to attend O∆K conferences and regional workshops, network with top-notch influencers, and access skill assessment tools that have enabled me to become a stronger, more effective leader. To honor O∆K, I give back whenever I can, including serving on the National Advisory Council, mentoring new members, and of course, contributing financially.

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to support the organization that has given me so much over the years.

”

Make a gift to support the mission of O∆K Gifts to the Omicron Delta Kappa Annual Fund may be used to support the future of O∆K through a variety of initiatives: • Scholarships • Convention • Leadership development programs To make a gift online, visit https://odk.org/donate/.