About Omicron Delta Kappa
The National Leadership Honor Society
ODK Founders
Omicron Delta Kappa, The National Leadership Honor Society, was founded December 3, 1914, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, by fifteen student and faculty leaders. In the tradition of the idealism and leadership of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, the founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors and that outstanding students, faculty and administration members should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.
The motives which guided the founders sprang from a desire to bring together in one body, for the general good of the institution, all leaders in the various phases of college activities. They were convinced that such an honor society, properly conducted, would offer maximum opportunities and experiences for the campus. It would also serve as a cooperative effort for more effective leadership and service in the purposes, interests, and needs of the institution, and for the maintenance and improvement of the unity and democracy of learning and citizenship responsibilities.
Omicron Delta Kappa is the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition for leadership. Since its founding, over 300,000 individuals from over 300 college and university campuses across the United States have been recognized for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities. As a prospective member, you have an opportunity to be recognized for your leadership achievements in one of the recognized Five Pillars of Campus Life:
The motives which guided the founders sprang from a desire to bring together in one body, for the general good of the institution, all leaders in the various phases of college activities. They were convinced that such an honor society, properly conducted, would offer maximum opportunities and experiences for the campus. It would also serve as a cooperative effort for more effective leadership and service in the purposes, interests, and needs of the institution, and for the maintenance and improvement of the unity and democracy of learning and citizenship responsibilities.
Omicron Delta Kappa is the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition for leadership. Since its founding, over 300,000 individuals from over 300 college and university campuses across the United States have been recognized for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities. As a prospective member, you have an opportunity to be recognized for your leadership achievements in one of the recognized Five Pillars of Campus Life:
- Scholarship
- Athletics
- Campus or Community Service, Social and Religious Activities, and Campus Government
- Journalism, Speech and the Mass Media
- Creative and Performing Arts