The Circle Winter 2017-18

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2017- 18

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14 Monica Pearson 16 Breaking Boundaries National 20 Convention Public Health Advocacy

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Contents Departments 07

National News Catch up with former scholarship recipients

13

Campus News Meet our newest circles

20

National News Join us in Nashville for the 50th Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference

Students engaging in a service project. The National Day of Service is April 12, 2018.

Features

Matthew Hibon joins O∆K as the director of leadership programs. He hails from Middle Tennessee State University, where he was a founding member of the circle.

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How a Stroke Taught Lessons in Leadership Cliff Yee shares what he learned from a medical emergency

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In Your Own Words O∆K members advocating for public health

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Breaking Boundaries Monica Pearson on her career, leadership, and health challenges

In Every Issue 22 23

Making a Difference The View from HQ

O∆K headquarters welcomes Anne Tyler McCabe to the team. Anne Tyler recently moved to Lexington, Va. and serves as the membership services coordinator.

SAVE THE DATE!

Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference May 31 - June 3, 2018 Nashville, Tenn.

On the Cover

Veteran Atlanta Newscaster and Philanthropist Monica Pearson The Circle Winter 2017 - 18 | 3

Connect with us!

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) 458-5348, Lindsey@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.

Managing Editor Lindsey Cline Sweet Briar College

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

Contributors Katy Datz, Timothy Reed Matthew Clifford, Ed.D., National President Davidson College

Editor in Chief

National Day of Giving and National Day of Service Thursday, April 12, 2018 O∆K’s Annual Day of Giving and Day of Service is opportunity to share your time, talent, and treasure with other O∆K members across the country. In its second century, O∆K is an organization that inspires, encourages, and celebrates leadership. This day celebrates our commitment to excellence, and most of all, service to our campuses and communities.

We encourage members around the country to celebrate leadership and give back specifically on this day in April. Many circles participate in service projects.

Ready to make a difference in one day?

Here’s how you can get involved: 1. Plan to participate! A gift of even $10 or $15 makes an impact on our scholarship program, supports circle projects, and underwrites collegiate member travel to the 2018 Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference.

2. Join us! Think about your experience with Omicron Delta Kappa and how leadership inspires and challenges you.

Volunteer in your community or connect with your circle to join or start a service project.

3. Spread the word. Tell your fellow O∆K members about the Day of Giving. Share your leadership journey, your experience with O∆K, or programs that are particularly meaningful to you.

If sharing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, use the hashtag #ODKGiving.

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

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.

4 | odk.org

Editor’s Note: We apologize for two errors in the fall Annual Report Issue. Please note the following corrections: Old Dominion University Circle President’s Society Anonymous University of South Carolina - Columbia Circle Key Club Madison Shepherd

president’s letter

Collegiate leadership advocating for health A message from the National President Dear fellow members, Each spring, Omicron Delta Kappa sponsors a National Day of Service when circles engage in a variety of activities in support of their campuses and communities. While this event takes place on the second Thursday of April each year, our circles also coordinate numerous other service projects throughout the year, and many of them are related to health.

Last year, our circles at Florida State University, Furman University, The College of Idaho, and SUNY Potsdam all participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This program raises money for cancer research, prevention, and support. These four circles generated more than $3,000 last year for this philanthropy.

The Texas Woman’s University Circle recently participated in the Denton Heart Walk. The members of the circle reported that the reason that they chose heart disease as their primary philanthropic cause was with more than 90% of the school’s enrollment being women, they are very aware that heart disease is the number one killer of women.

Several of our circles and their members support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Dance Marathon program which is devoted to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for 170 children’s hospitals in North America. The Fontbonne University Circle has formally adopted this initiative as its service priority, and the Florida International University Circle helped to secure more than $96,000 last year for this network of hospitals.

Through a year of planning for the marathon event, individuals involved with Dance Marathon enhance their leadership skills while securing support for a local pediatric hospital. The work of the volunteers is highlighted with a marathon event on each campus which also involves patients and their families. Melissa Cancio, who led the effort for the FIU marathon said,

“To be a leader, we need to show the reason behind what we do and share with those around us, so they are aware and desire to do the same. A leader is well rounded, takes initiative but also allows for individuals in their team to develop and share their thoughts, and is always willing to give their time and efforts to service.”

Miracle Network Dance Marathon operates on nearly 300 hundred campuses. The program also recognizes 20 graduating seniors with a Distinguished Leadership Award. The 2017 honorees included O∆K members Daniel Vorwerk (University of Northern Iowa), Kaiwei Hsu (University of Maryland, College Park), and Jacob Zawoysky (Georgia College). Daniel, Kaiwei, and Jacob, along with their fellow circle members and other students, raised more than $26 million through their involvement with the Miracle Network.

Throughout this issue of The Circle, you will have the opportunity to read much more about the efforts of other O∆K members who are health leaders as advocates for prevention, patients, and treatment. Their service benefits us all, and for their leadership, I am thankful.

Yours in O∆K,

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

member news

O∆K Member News

O∆K Members Selected as Rhodes Scholars Noah Barbieri (left), a senior at Millsaps College, is majoring in economics, mathematics, and philosophy. He plans on using his Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in economics at the University of Oxford, where he intends to research how to best address inequality.

Calvin Runnels (pictured right) will graduate in spring 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry after only three years at Georgia Tech. Next fall, he will begin postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in either evolutionary biology, medicinal chemistry, or biophysics.

O∆K Members in Higher Education Edward B. Montgomery, Ph.D., became the ninth president of Western Michigan University in September 2017. He previously served as dean and professor of economics at Georgetown University. A nationally known labor economist, Montgomery has enjoyed a long academic career and played major roles in both the Clinton and Obama administrations.

Marc M. Camille, Ed.D., was appointed Albertus Magnus College’s president this year. A nationally-recognized expert on enrollment management in higher education, Camille served as the vice president for enrollment management and communications at Loyola University Maryland before heading to Albertus Magnus.

A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., was recently named the 12th president and first lay leader of DePaul University, the nation’s largest Catholic university. Previously, Esteban served as president of Seton Hall University, where he implemented strategic initiatives to increase enrollment and transformed the academic profile of the university’s student population.

Tisa Mason, Ph.D. recently became the new president of Fort Hays State University.

Mason, a former vice president for student affairs at Fort Hays State, had been serving as president at Valley City State University in North Dakota. “I’m honored to accept the role of President at Fort Hays State University and once again join this outstanding community,” said Mason.

6 | odk.org

O∆K Welcomes Janis Hirsch to the Nashville National Convention Janis Hirsch will speak at the 50th Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn. this year. Janis has left an imprint on American situational comedy as a behind-the-scenes star writing for shows like “The Nanny,” “Bette,” and “Will & Grace.”

An initiate of the Rollins College Circle, Janis launched her writing career with the National Lampoon Magazine in the 1970’s after earning a degree in Theater Arts. She earned an Emmy nomination for her writing on “Frasier” in 1993.

When she asked what advice she would give her college-age self, she said, “I’d tell myself that ‘it gets better.’ I had never been in an environment where people didn’t know me so I wasn’t prepared for how ‘other’ I felt as a disabled person.

(I had polio as an infant and I use crutches.) I felt as if I had to try on a lot of personas before I found my way into the theater department, where ‘otherness’ was celebrated and where my heart truly lie. I had found my tribe.”

She describes her leadership as collaborative. She said, “In TV, you’re never the leader: there’s always a studio and then a network making the final decisions. My job is to listen to their notes and use them to make our script stronger and better. We ALL want to succeed.”

O∆K Foundation

Scholarships

O∆K

Every year, donors partner with the O∆K Foundation to award scholarships to more than 25 collegiate members to continue their educations through graduate and professional study. Recipients, including the students below, demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership abilities.

Brandon Cook

As vice president of the University of Cincinnati Circle, Brandon Cook hosted many events on campus. He also served as the president of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), a mentor for the Forever Bearcats program, and a member of the Men’s Varsity Track and Field Team. His academic passion for aerospace engineering led him to study the fuzzy logic concept which enables robots to make intelligent decisions by emulating human reasoning.

With the help of O∆K’s John D. Morgan Scholarship, Brandon is in his final year of a doctoral program at the University of Cincinnati in aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics.

His research focuses on developing an unmanned aerial vehicle traffic management system to help integrate drones into the national airspace. Brandon is an intern at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif. and will become a full-time aerospace research engineer with NASA upon graduation.

Fathima Mohamed

Fathima Mohamed graduated from Hamline University in 2017 with dual majors in biology and English, plus minors in French and Francophone studies. She is currently pursuing an M.D. and a Ph.D. to become a physician-scientist, which will allow her to clinically treat patients while also researching the underlying biological mechanisms of disease. Fathima won a grant to conduct neurobiology research at Harvard University for the past two summers, and while there, she also volunteered at the children’s hospital.

As a leader in the undergraduate honors program at Hamline, Fathima organized events and lectures, served in Hamline’s student congress, and coordinated several service projects for the circle, as well as leadership programs such as Speed Mentoring, a power brunch, and Walk for Water.

Foundation Scholarships Know a deserving collegiate member? Encourage students to apply for Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation Scholarships.

Applications are due March 1, 2018, and information is available on the O∆K website (odk.org).

Apply

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David Okun

David Okun graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and international affairs from the University of Georgia in 2012, where he was an active member of the Alpha Upsilon Circle. As an undergraduate, David partnered with other O∆K members to develop new campus programs and initiatives sponsored by the circle.

After completion of his undergraduate degree, David entered public service as a bilingual elementary school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas through Teach For America.

Following his teaching commitment and with the help of an O∆K Foundation Scholarship, David earned a Master of Arts in Latin American and hemispheric studies at George Washington University. In his research, he focused on the nexus of security and economic development in Latin America and specifically Colombia. David currently works at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of Children’s Issues, where he assists families in the aftermath of international child abductions.

The Circle • Winter 2017 - 18 | 7

Q&A Diana Mikula

2017 - 18 Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Diana Mikula, former Georgian Court University Circle president, developed a passion for physical therapy after she suffered several injuries while playing soccer. Through her more than 400 hours in a range of physical therapy settings, Diana has countless stories of her passion for patients.

Diana was a member of the soccer team for four years and was also an academic development peer tutor and a Healthy Campus peer educator.

She participated in the Soccer Arc Program for children with special needs, mentored young athletes through the Soccer Sister Program, and planned a Women in Sports Day. She coordinated Thanksgiving food drives, the induction ceremony, and many service events on behalf of O∆K. Diana is enrolled in the University of Scranton’s physical therapy program.

1. Why did you choose to attend graduate school?

Over the years, I have developed and grown such a passion for physical therapy because I know what it’s like to suffer from injuries as an athlete my entire life. I fell in love with the ability to improve people’s quality of life on a daily basis and because of the humbling feeling you get when patients reach “graduation day.” Thus, graduate school gives me to chance to pursue my goal of becoming a physical therapist.

2. How has athletics influenced your leadership and vice versa?

Athletics has molded me into a leader through discipline,

8 | odk.org

commitment, and learning how to work with others.

Soccer has taught me how to overcome adversity with injuries, to push myself in the classroom, and to never give up. The countless hours of practices, games, training, sweat, and tears all helped me grow as a leader.

3. If you could solve one problem with physical therapy in your career, what would it be?

If I could solve one problem with physical therapy, it would be helping those with chronic pain or with any pain in general. I want to be able to help patients get their life back. As an aide at one of my summer internships, a personal goal of mine was to make sure I could put at

Q&A

least one smile on every patient during their visit.

Ukrainian culture, and most importantly the church.

There was one especially memorable experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Regardless of the task, whether the patient was nervous or scared, I encouraged her with happy, encouraging eyes, warmth, and good cheer. When the patient was unsure of herself or was trying something scary, she always knew she could look up and meet my eyes. It was as if I was saying, “I am with you. I will catch you if you cannot do it.” Nevertheless, during one visit to the therapist, I played 1960’s music to encourage the patient to get through her obstacle course as she was truly feeling down that day.

As I saw the patient confidently and strongly maneuver through the obstacle course along with some dances moves and a smile, it brought tears to my eyes. It is the little differences we can make with compassion that will go a long way.

Additionally, as a student-athlete, beginning at age five and continuing throughout college, the experiences have allowed skills like time-management, leadership, and teamwork to develop naturally. I have always been used to a busy schedule, but having my little planner and a pen is always a big help.

4. You have participated in many service projects. Why did you feel it was important to get involved in service?

My parents have always raised me to be a well-rounded person (two truly amazing and loving individuals who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself).

They have continuously encouraged giving back to both the community and the church ever since I was a little girl. As Mahatma Gandhi humbly stated, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

5. You are a leader in all aspects of your life, from athletics to coursework and from service projects to honor societies, all while working in paid positions. How do you manage your time and goals?

At a very young age, I was raised to engage myself in various aspects of life; the community, sports, my

6. Who is a leader you admire and why?

A leader that I admire is my high school soccer coach, Doug Demarco. His passion and love for the game were both contagious and admirable. What made him stand out as a leader was his big heart that inspired players not only on the field but in life as well. Coach Demarco never gave up on me as a player, and it meant the world to me.

7. What is your personal philosophy of leadership?

Leadership is definitely learned through experience.

Most importantly and often overlooked, leadership is about listening to understand. Throughout my life, I have learned that it is important to recognize that every situation may entail a different type of leader. A leader who listened and comforted, a mentor who inspired young female athletes, a guide who helped the disabled with integrity and patience, or a captain who confidently led by example.

8. What do you think is the most important interpersonal skill for a successful and happy life and career?

Above all, I believe compassion is the most important interpersonal skill because our hearts are usually a pretty good indicator of our happiness. Being compassionate allows you to connect with others, to be kind, and to enjoy this one precious life.

The Circle • Winter 2017 - 18 | 9

HOW A STROKE TAUGHT LESSONS IN

LEADERSHIP

by Clifford Yee

O

n May 8, 2016, I had a stroke. I was 40 years old, recently married, and working in a very good job. It was Mother’s Day and, needless to say, spending Sunday and a good part of the next week in the ICU was not exactly what I had in mind. That day, I became one of the more than seven million stroke survivors in the U.S. However, in the course of my medical emergency and continuing recovery, I’ve been reminded of several leadership lessons as this experience changed my life and perspective.

During my rehabilitation and ongoing recovery, I have played an increasingly active role in leading for myself. Not only have I focused on the physical exercise, but I have also increased my knowledge of the latest practices and advancements in stroke recovery through reading and online self-education. I have also become an advocate for increased funding for stroke prevention and recovery as well as an educator for others about the warning signs, causes, and treatment of strokes.

Friday the 13th was just the beginning

Many times, the expression “Your network is your net worth” is used to describe how social capital can be used to build connections to enhance professional success and acquire wealth. In the course of my experience with my stroke, I came to realize how truly valuable one’s network could be.

Around 6:30 p.m. on that Sunday, I experienced a spontaneous carotid artery dissection that led to an ischemic cerebrovascular accident, commonly called a stroke. At the time my stroke took place, I was unaware of the diagnosis and severity. My wife had called 911 as she recognized the signs, and I was taken to the hospital where surgery was performed to restore blood flow to my brain.

While I spent the next 72 hours in the ICU following this emergency surgery that saved my life, I was discharged from the hospital later in the week on Friday the 13th. Little did I realize that leaving the hospital was just the beginning of my recovery. I immediately entered intensive, outpatient rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapy. Each day, I had to work to strengthen and regain skills that were impacted by the stroke. For me, this included overcoming paralysis in my upper left arm and hand; improving attention and memory; working on balance, motor control, and endurance; and preparing to return to work. I completed outpatient rehabilitation over the course of six months and returned to full-time work within nine months.

10 | odk.org

Your network is your net worth

I have been extremely fortunate to have had a network of supporters during my recovery. Certainly, the support from my family could be expected, but I was amazed to experience the amazing level of support provided by others whom I had developed truly authentic relationships with through the years.

With today’s technology (emails, Facebook, alumni networks, etc.), the news of my stroke was shared quickly and, equally as fast, we received offers of support. Not only were local neighbors and friends able to provide prepared meals, but friends from hundreds of miles away were able to coordinate food deliveries. The overwhelming generosity of co-workers, former colleagues, business clients, community leaders, college and MBA classmates, fellow O∆K members, and ΣΑΕ fraternity brothers was incredible. Aside from meals, support was given to help transport me to doctor and therapy appointments, provide my wife time to focus on herself (i.e., exercise, retail therapy), and just allow me time to reconnect with friends and rest.

leadership

Our extended network has also helped provide us specialized guidance on medical care and understanding medical jargon as well as referrals to top therapeutic specialists. In particular, we were fortunate to have two trusted emergency physician resources to counsel us – one being the husband of a local nonprofit executive I knew professionally and the other being the best man in our wedding.

Another instance that we were fortunate to benefit from via my network was in locating top occupational and cognitive therapists. The spouse of one of my wife’s colleagues happened to be a pediatric speech-language pathologist, and she connected us with a former professor for suggestions.

Somewhat surprisingly, we learned that her professor had

started the nonprofit Stroke Comeback Center (just 10 minutes from our home!), and she introduced me to several of the leading therapists in the area. Without question, the introduction to those therapists has been directly responsible for a significant part of my stroke recovery.

My net worth continues to be revealed through this experience, and I am thankful.

Empathetic, resilient, servant leadership Throughout my leadership journey, I have tried to embrace the John Wesley quote: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At

The Circle • Winter 2017 - 18 | 11

“

Many times, the expression “Your network is your net worth” is used to describe how social capital can be used to build connections to enhance professional success and acquire wealth. In the course of my experience with my stroke, I came to realize how truly valuable one’s network could be.

”

all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” In experiencing my stroke and subsequent recovery, I have been fortunate that all of my efforts to make a positive difference provided me with an authentic community of supporters. As a leader, I always recognized that to accomplish your goals, you need to assemble the best team possible with the right skills and expertise. This health experience has only reinforced that a great leader doesn’t always have to have all of the answers as long as that person is open to ideas and perspectives of those on the broader team.

And while I have generally subscribed to the idea of servant leadership throughout my education and career, my experience as a patient has also reinforced this notion of leadership as well as a deeper appreciation that leaders need to acknowledge their own vulnerability. Often, most people classify leadership based on a traditional viewpoint of increasingly more authoritative titles or position of responsibility; however, I think the concept of a patient as a servant leader reinforces the need for great leaders to exemplify empathy, listening, gratitude, awareness of priorities, and building community. My experience as a patient has also reminded me that leadership of one’s self and situational leadership are equally important aspects of leadership that we often fail to reflect on.

This experience has undoubtedly changed me and reinforced my perspectives on leadership – notably in two ways. First, I am more empathetic. I have a deeper understanding and appreciation that every individual has his or her own challenges to face on a daily basis. Some of these tribulations may be physical, some are mental, and some are emotional – and these issues may directly impact the person, a family member, or a close friend. As a leader, 12 | odk.org

we should always practice empathy for our fellow man and remind ourselves of our obligation to serve others. Second, I have become much more resilient as a leader through this experience. I have come to acknowledge that I won’t always have control of a situation and that my biggest growth will come through times of hardship. A resilient leader who can learn from his or her past experiences will be better prepared and a more effective in future situations. It is often easier to give up or do what has been done before you, but the resilient leader will be able to accept his or her vulnerabilities and be motivated to move forward time and time again.

Act FAST and show compassion Recently, I was asked, “What do you want your peers to know about helping a friend or colleague with a serious illness?” The biggest help that I believe someone can offer is to listen without judgment. We often struggle for the right words to say to comfort someone who has had a serious illness, but comfort and compassion can be easily shown by being present, attentive, and listening. Also, I encourage everyone to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and remember the acronym FAST by paying attention to a person’s face, arms, and speech, and remembering to act quickly and in time to prevent further damage. Lastly, find what fills you with purpose and happiness, and enjoy every day to its fullest as tomorrow is not always guaranteed.

Cliff Yee is a 1995 initiate of the Epsilon Circle at the University of Richmond where he was president of the circle.

He is currently the Managing Director for Corporate Social Responsibility Consulting with Raffa in Washington, D.C. Cliff served as Omicron Delta Kappa’s National Treasurer from 2010-12. ●

2017

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Dalton, Ga. September 8, 2017 Installing Officer: Dr. Tara Singer, Executive Director

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September 15, 2017 Installing Officer: Dr. Matthew Clifford, O∆K National President

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October 2, 2017 Installing Officer: Gene Vance, Past President, O∆K Foundation

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Jamestown, N.D. October 5, 2017 Installing Officer: Dr. Bruce Forbes, O∆K National Vice President

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The Circle Winter 2017 - 18 | 13

In Your Words Meet three O∆K members advocating for public health.

Terry Kungel, MBA Terry Kungel currently serves on O∆K’s Foundation Board of Trustees and is the chairman and CEO of the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer. In this role, he assists six prostate cancer network groups serving 250-500 active prostate cancer patients in Maine. Prior to his current position, Terry was the co-founder and CEO of a biotech company. He spent much of his career developing and managing new high tech companies.

Terry is an initiate of the Purdue University Circle and a graduate of the Harvard Business School.

John Robitscher, MPH

Gene Siegal, M.D., Ph.D.

John Robitscher is an initiate of the Emory University Circle and a current member of the O∆K Foundation Board of Trustee. John is the CEO of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. In this role, John, along with the volunteer leadership, provides direction and leadership to achieve NACDD’s mission to improve the health of the public by strengthening state-based leadership and expertise for chronic disease prevention and control.

Dr. Gene Siegal is a member of O∆K’s National Advisory Council and was initiated into the University of Louisville Circle during medical school.

Gene is the Robert W. Mowry Endowed Professor of Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Interim Chair of the Department of Genetics, and Vice Chair of the Deptartment of Pathology. Gene’s clinical research interests have centered on studies of bone tumors and related conditions, a field in which he is a recognized world authority.

1. What do you see as the top three public health challenges for the U.S.?

TK - Healthcare continues to generate much debate and partisan wrangling; while I am not optimistic about fixing “the system” each of us have huge opportunities to make our own changes. Obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are main issues each of us can do something about every day.

JR - First, we must more actively address the social determinants of health that result in needless suffering and $102 billion annual indirect medical costs. Second, we must view health and mental wellbeing as more 14 | odk.org

than just the absence of disease but as opportunities for people to achieve their potential. Third, climate change and the extreme weather events it causes must be abated to prevent thousands, if not millions, of unnecessary injuries, sickness, and deaths.

GS - First, we must understand why there is such diversity in health care outcomes among our citizens.

We know access and economic challenges account for part of the answer, but not all. For example, African American women with

breast cancer die at a greater rate because they often have types of invasive breast cancer. The tumor cells are different than those found in Caucasian women, which makes them unresponsive to many conventional therapies. Second, we need bipartisan support and compromise to create a health care system available to all Americans irrespective of financial means. Last, a long-term unwavering commitment

by Congress and the President for research is the key to finding the cure for many diseases.

We asked...

You answered

2. What can we do, as a society, to collectively assure the conditions in which people can be healthy?

TK - We need positive incentives for good behavior and penalties for bad behavior. Cigarette prices should cover all the downstream societal costs for health care. Why can’t YMCA membership costs be covered for anyone actively using them to get healthier? Why can’t the food industry be penalized for excess salt, fat, and sugar?

JR - Educate yourself about the social determinants of health, mental health, and well-being. Reach out to members of Congress to let them you know you care about these issues and that want to see positive change.

You also can choose to adopt a healthier lifestyle and find ways to protect the environment in your daily habits. Walking or biking to school or work, for example, is a great way to help protect the environment and improve your health.

GS - We need to demand that our leaders commit to fund research in all its forms by lobbying our representatives and funding candidates who support these positions. We need to educate ourselves on issues surrounding health and science.

3. Why are you an advocate for health? What would you like members of Omicron Delta Kappa to know about your area of expertise?

TK - My paternal grandfather and father both died from prostate cancer, and I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of this disease.

As a family member with 50+ years of lived experience, I have seen the enormous toll of this disease.

Unfortunately, too many men are not taking ownership for their health by avoiding testing for a range of medical conditions, which are manageable if caught early and generally fatal if caught late.

JR - I have spent more than 30 years working in public health. People are living longer, but preventable chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are giving us a poorer quality of life and shorter lifespan.

I’m an advocate for chronic disease prevention and control because I want to help reduce people’s risk factors for these painful and potentially fatal diseases. And we can do so by promoting physical activity, improving access to healthy, affordable foods, and expanding science-based ways to kick the tobacco habit.

GS - I serve on the public policy boards of two professional societies committees which advocate for research support and attempt to mold legislation favorable for expanded health and science support. I also travel to Washington to urge Congress to support research.

I’ve spent my life not only creating new scientific knowledge, but training the next several generations of physician scientists as a professor.

No one escapes this life without personally suffering from the ravages of disease, either personally or in family members and friends.

Everyone needs to be involved, and I encourage the entire O∆K family to join me in this pursuit.

In Your Words asks O∆K members to share their expertise on a current topic facing our nation. If you have an idea for In Your Words, please write to Lindsey Cline at lindsey@odk.org.

The Circle Winter 2017 - 18 | 15

MONICA PEARSON

BreakingBoundries

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by Lindsey S. Cline

hen Monica Pearson first stepped into the offices of WSB-TV Atlanta in 1975, there were few women behind evening news desks across the country. While she didn’t explicitly set out to change that reality, an unwavering dedication to excellence and overcoming obstacles led her to become one of Atlanta’s most prominent leaders. Among other accomplishments, Monica became the first woman and the first minority individual to anchor the daily 6 p.m. news.

She remembered her early days and said, “Failure meant closing the door for others. So, I wasn’t willing to allow that to happen. Although I made mistakes, I tried to honor those that were trailblazers before me and to be a trailblazer for others.”

By the time she landed at WSB-TV, Monica had worked in a few other industries. She explained, “I had to be a bank clerk because women were not allowed to be tellers. Can you imagine? So, I worked hard.” She was then selected to attend Columbia University’s summer program for minority groups at the Graduate School of Journalism. Following graduate school, she worked as a reporter for five years.

“I knew I wanted to work in television, but I needed a degree.

I was writing speeches, but I was not allowed to present the speeches. I knew that I wouldn’t be happy having men take credit for my work. So I found a way to go back to school.

I looked at the national trend and saw that television was opening to women and people of color.”

She graduated with an English degree from the University of Louisville and later earned a master’s degree from

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University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Monica was initiated into the Emory University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa in 1995.

The thing that strikes you the most when talking with Monica is a straight-forward, no-nonsense approach to life and work—a skill that seems sculpted from years of finding the truth in her stories. She has a genuine warmth and sincerity which cuts through to the simple realities of a topic in conversation.

She explains the challenges in her career: “I have always been honest with myself. When in doubt, I ask myself, ‘Why do you think you’re not cut out for this? What is holding you back?’ The answer may hurt your feelings. But, it is usually something you can fix. It may be that you’re still dressing like you’re in college. Or, that you’re writing for a newspaper, but now you’re in television. Growth is about constructive not destructive criticism. You must ask yourself ‘How can I get good at what I’m doing?’”

This desire to consistently improve her work has earned her 33 local and regional Emmys for reporting, anchoring, and Closeups— her segment of intimate interviews with national leaders. She has interviewed leaders from Dolly Parton to Hank Williams, Jr. and from Georgia Congressman John Lewis (who changed his presidential support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama during her interview with him) to Oprah.

Adding to the Emmys are awards like the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame, the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Presidential Vanguard award by her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, and countless others.

journalism

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BECOMING A STAR Maintaining a positive image for more than 30 years in the spotlight is no small feat. As a leader in the community and a public figure, how does Monica handle the world of social media, fake news, and celebrity personas?

She said simply, "Authenticity—to be real—is the only way to truly connect with people. My unique background made me stand out. I embraced what made me different.”

She goes on, “If you are a leader, you cannot always be a part of the pack. You have to know your strengths and be careful who you listen to about your weaknesses. If someone is not telling you how to do something better, it’s not worth listening to.”

Separating yourself from the pack can be an intimidating endeavor especially with the abundance of anonymous and often cruel online comments, or the tendency to reduce full stories to soundbites and click bait hiding a situation’s or person’s complexities. Cal Newport, Georgetown University professor argues in the New York Times that social media can damage one’s career ultimately by undermining the ability to concentrate and the ability to produce work that truly matters.

Monica, who maintains an active social media presence, shares her viewpoint on these platforms. She says, “Social media helps you extend your friends. It’s about sharing who you are and promoting the things that you are invested in. Also, I do not tolerate unkindness. I will block people in a minute if they share inappropriate comments or behavior.”

Even before people in Atlanta were following her, she had long-established the force that is Monica Pearson. Much of her drive and identity was developed under the watchful eye of her mother, Hattie Edmondson. Monica describes her as a “character” and a woman with a saying for everything. Her mother was the first person in her family to graduate from high school, and Monica is the first in her family to graduate from college.

Monica recalls, “I called the [sayings] Hattie-isms. She said, ‘Don’t make excuses— make work and all work is good work as long as it is honest work.’ ‘It doesn’t matter where you come from. God gives you everything that you need.’” Her favorite, however, is, “It’s what you do with what you have that makes you what you are.”

The ever-engaging journalist, Monica laughs and says, “did you notice it’s not who you are, but what you are.”

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“

It’s what you do with what you have that makes you what you are.

”

What she means is that you can be a good person on the inside, but if you don’t get to work developing your strengths and sticking to your commitments, you cannot achieve your dreams. Who you are might never change, but what you are? That is what one can develop.

Monica is heavily invested in the Atlanta community, and her service is endless. She has served on the board of Meals on Wheels Atlanta and Go Red for Women as well as supported organizations across the city, including the Girls Scouts, the YMCA, The Sisters of Promise of Susan G. Komen, and The Metropolitan United Way of Atlanta. William Finch Elementary School, where Monica has given books to children and volunteered for years, named a corner of their library after her.

As you try to build a career and be involved in your community, pick organizations that you are passionate about and set aside a reasonable amount of time for them.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS The television industry does not quite have the reputation for being the friendliest or easiest industry to work in, but Monica was strict about setting expectations in the office. She says, “Only allow people to see good things from you. People will pull you into all kinds of things. Stay focused and only engage in issues about your work that matter.”

Her biggest lesson about leadership over the years?

Recognize the leaders around you. Real leadership is about developing the talents within your network.

“You have to take responsibility for your decisions good or bad,” she says. “A leader is able to say, ‘I was wrong. I made a bad decision and here is what I learned.’ I always think good leaders give credit where credit is due. They also have a sense of ethics that they live by no matter what.”

Monica adds, “I know that I had a moral responsibility to do the right thing in my work. If it gives you a feeling in the pit of your stomach, you shouldn’t do it.”

She faced new challenges later in life and survived both breast and liver cancer. In 1998 when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, she, in typical Monica fashion, did two things: first, she refused to let the disease define her. She plowed through recovery and came out the other side. Second, she became involved in the support community and encouraged all women to get screened.

As passionate as she was about her career, she considers community involvement more important than her job. She has strived to define herself by what she does away from work.

She said, “I think it’s really important to have a network—a community family that is separate from your work family. You need to be able to share challenges and successes with people who care about you outside of your office.”

When asked how she determines how to devote her time considering the many needs in society, she said, “There are so many demands on your time. I chose how to be involved in my community based on two things: first, I always volunteered for something that I was passionate about.

Second, I choose community organizations that would allow me to meet other community leaders.

In 2015, her doctors found liver cancer during a routine checkup. She had surgery, and more than 50% of her liver was removed. She told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the time, “I don’t want flowers. You can pray for me. Prayer is always welcome. But the best thing people can do is go to the doctor and get checked. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. Don't be afraid.”

“I first started volunteering by reading to first grade students in elementary school with a project called Kids Connection.

I spent an hour a week volunteering and working with the kids. This also allowed me to be a role model in the community. As you try to build a career and be involved in your community, pick organizations that you are passionate about and set aside a reasonable amount of time for them.”

In 2014, she launched The Monica Pearson Show—a two-hour radio show of interviews and historical profiles. She also hosts A Seat at the Table, the first Georgia Public Broadcasting television show that gives voice to African-American women from their diverse experiences and perspectives. You can be sure that Monica will continue telling important stories and serving the Atlanta community in countless ways for years to come. ●

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celebrating

leadership in

MUSIC CITY ANNOUNCING 2018 SPEAKERS

TOM BOWEN Athletic Director, University of Memphis University of Memphis Circle

REGISTER NOW! odk2018.org 20 | odk.org

NANCY HUNTER DENNEY Executive Director, Lead 365 Grand Valley State University Circle

JANIS HIRSCH Comedy Writer and Producer Rollins College Circle

MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2018 | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 2018 marks the 50th Biennial National Convention and Leadership Conference. This gathering has had many names throughout the years, but it has always brought students, faculty, staff, and alumni together to share experiences, develop leaders, and build networks.

DR. COREY SEEMILLER

THE REV. DR. JAMIE WASHINGTON

Assistant Professor, Wright State University Author, Generation Z Goes to College Wright State University Circle

President and Founder, Washington Consulting Group Co-founder, Social Justice Training Institute University of Maryland, Baltimore County Circle

EXPERIENCE OΔK LEADERSHIP IN NASHVILLE! Enjoy the City Nashville is home to incredible music, entertainment, arts, history, and food. Attendees will have a chance to explore the city and all its culture. Buses will be available to transport attendees from Belmont University to downtown and back.

Educational Sessions With nearly 30 different educational sessions, the 2018 convention will have something for everyone. Sessions

will allow for multiple tracks including student and advisor tracks, newcomer and seasoned member tracks, and theme tracks that include O∆K member engagement, leadership development, career advancement, and circle programming.

Additional events include: A circle advisors’ appreciation social, plenary sessions, service projects, the circle showcase, OΔK awards dinner and dancing, tours of Belmont Mansion, and more.

The Circle • Winter 2017 - 2018 | 21

O∆K’s Finanical Health A message from the Foundation President Dear member, As I considered the topic of health as it has been presented in this issue, I decided to share a note about the financial health of Omicron Delta Kappa. I am pleased to share that the Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation is in good fiscal shape. In the previous issue of The Circle, we provided a financial report representing the income and expenditures of both the Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Inc. as well as the Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation, Inc. Both entities are 501(c)3 organizations. Given the interrelatedness of the Society and Foundation, we engage in a joint audit each year and produce consolidated financial statements. O∆K is a gold star organization on Guidestar, and you may access recent financial information by visiting our website.

In FY 2017, O∆K secured $713,964 in membership fees and $452,734 in charitable contributions. Of the charitable donations, $279,792 of that total represents pledges and donations for endowment gifts that will not be available until the funds are in-hand and the endowments reach the required minimum of $25,000 to be fully funded so that dollars may be distributed according to the Foundation’s investment-spending policy.

Other income includes registration fees from the 11 regional workshops which were held last year, royalty income from our affinity program partnership, merchandise income from graduation honor cords and stoles, affiliation fees from circles, and earnings generated from the endowment. The funds from the endowment are specifically restricted to scholarships and grants to circles to administer leadership 22 | odk.org

development programs. Last year, we distributed $65,838 in scholarships and grants directly to our collegiate members and circles.

Other unrestricted gifts support everything from staff visiting circles across the nation to help provide advice on programming and operations to those previously mentioned regional workshops. Annual fund contributions also underwrite production of three issues of The Circle, the national awards program, establishment of new circles, additional programming resources and staff support for 300 circles, career and leadership development resources for the nearly 15,000 currently active collegiate members, and preparations for the biennial national convention which will be held this summer in Nashville, Tenn.

Membership fees and other income also support these efforts.

While I am proud to report that our organization is in good financial health, we rely on the support of individuals and hope that you will continue to be a philanthropic partner of Omicron Delta Kappa.

Yours in O∆K,

Russell W. Chambliss, President Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation

the view from HQ

Difficult Conversations A message from the Executive Director Dear member, During the fall 2017 elections, it was reported that the most important domestic issue on the minds of voters was healthcare. This issue of The Circle is devoted to matters of health including the work of our circles in raising money for health-related charitable causes, members of our organization for whom health is a very significant concern, and O∆K leaders who are engaged in advocating for better health on a daily basis.

One thing which insurers, patients, and healthcare providers have in common is the experience of engaging in difficult conversations.

There is the hard talk when a physician has to tell a patient or family about a diagnosis without a lot of hope. There is the often frustrating conversation with an insurance provider about coverage. Hardly a day goes by where we see and hear our leaders in Congress debate about the role of government in healthcare.

While matters of health and healthcare are major concerns of many Americans, equally as unsettling is the inability of individuals to engage in discussions where different points of view are considered. The national leadership of Omicron Delta Kappa shares this concern.

As I noted in a previous column, O∆K’s very mission is to encourage members in developing an appreciation for civility, varying perspectives, and conflict resolution.

For this reason, a portion of the programming at the upcoming 2018 National Biennial Convention and Leadership Conference will be focused on helping circles develop strategies so that they may become leaders in facilitating difficult conversations on their campuses. A section of our online leadership hub,

O∆K Leadership Matters (odkleadershipmatters.org), is devoted to resources available to circles and members related to both collaboration and civility including: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s CoLab which promotes best practices in developing and sustaining collaborative efforts; The University of Arizona’s National Institute for Civil Discourse which advocates for the integration of research, policy, and practice for sustaining an engaged citizenry, a fair and accurate media, and elected officials who can work collaboratively and civilly with others; and The Pacific Educational Group’s Courageous Conversation™ protocol that helps institutions and individuals address and understand the disparities in achieving racial equity in education through engaging in cross-racial dialogue.

Our initiation ceremony acknowledges the role of Omicron Delta Kappa in “providing leadership in worthy undertakings and to be of service to others.” Finding the courage to engage in difficult conversations about all sorts of issues is most certainly worthy of the service provided by our circles. I hope many members will join our leadership in advancing O∆K’s initiatives in support of collaboration and civility.

Yours in O∆K,

Tara S. Singer, Ed.D. Executive Director The Circle Winter 2017 - 18 | 23

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

Donor Profile:

Diane and Tom Vukovich

Diane and Tom Vukovich, both initiates of the University of Akron Circle, have long been philanthropic and volunteer partners of Omicron Delta Kappa. When asked about their commitment to O∆K, they emphatically commented, “During our time as administrators at the University of Akron, we both enjoyed close interaction with students and always supported leadership activities and organizations. Our involvement with O∆K at both the circle and national levels provided us with an understanding of the exceptional organizational structure and philosophy of the Society. Establishing an endowed scholarship was our way of demonstrating our support of the O∆K ideals and of ‘paying it forward’ to help college graduates become future community and world leaders.”

The Diane and Tom Vukovich Scholarship benefits a student from Ohio. This year, the recipient of the scholarship is Andrew Caras, a 2014 initiate of the Theta Circle at the University of Akron. Andrew served as circle president as an undergraduate, and he is now enrolled in medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

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Through my studies and experiences in college, I have found that medicine is much more than finding a cure. The multi-faceted nature of medicine, its ability to bridge the arts and sciences to impact a person’s life for the better, humbles me. I look forward to the day when I can lead a patient in regaining his normal life.

—Andrew Caras

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, contact Katy Datz, associate executive director for external relations, at katy@odk.org or (540) 458-5344.