THE CIRCLE®

A Historic Homecoming

Letter from the Editor Home for me is currently Lexington, Virginia. However, I was born and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. So, when I think of going home, I imagine my grandmother’s warm buttermilk biscuits with a cold glass of sweet tea, old wooden rocking chairs lined up on the front porch, and a friendly smile to welcome me home! Since Omicron Delta Kappa opened the doors of its new headquarters at its birthplace on the campus of Washington & Lee University, we have felt right at home. An abundance of visitors have stopped by the train station this month, some members of O∆K and others just taking their dog for a walk, curious to take a look inside and say hello! Lexington, Virginia is a quaint little town, with a population of 7,000, tucked away in the Shenandoah Valley. Imagine a picturesque setting, with mountain ranges falling on the horizon over an abundance of lush green pastures dotted with jagged edges of limestone rock. As you take a stroll down historic Main Street you are greeted by new friends and familiar faces, all accepting you with open arms and a warm welcome to the community. The National Staff of O∆K has had a busy summer unpacking and settling in the historic train station, which has been dubbed “O∆K Central”. I hope that you enjoy reading this new edition of The Circle, (my first!) as much as I have enjoyed being a part of this historic transition home. O∆K is proud to return to its founding spot; to finally call its first home, its new home. We hope that you will stop by O∆K Central sometime for a visit—the sweet tea is almost ready! Sincerely,

Tracy Elleard O∆K Director of Communications & Programs

4 Meet the National Staff

5 National Society Board

6 Circle News

8 A Historic Homecoming

10 Scrapbook

11 Lifestyle

12 The 1914 Club

14 National Conevntion & Leadership Summit

16 National Leader of the Year, Joanna Calabrese

InsideThe CirCle

Summer Issue

6

14

11

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4 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - Summer 2010

Meet the National Headquarters

StaffThomas G. GoodaleExecutive Director

Ken Taylor, Associate Execuitve Director

Bobby Stnton, Director of Development

& Alumni Services

Tracy Elleard, Director of Communications

& Programs

Matt Hopper, ODK Fellow

Daisy Taylor, Membership Services

Coordinator

Shelly Flemming, Administrative Assistant

Joe Gearhart, Financial Services Manager

Mary Burner,Financial Services Assistant

Allan PayneInformation Technology

Brenda Coleman, Foundation Services Coordinator

Anne Payne, Archivist

The Circle® is a publication of Omicron Delta Kappa, Inc., and has been published since 1922.

How to Contact The Circle:The Circle, Omicron Delta Kappa 224 McLaughlin Street Lexington, Virginia 24450(540) 458-5348, TheCircle@odk.orgwww.odk.org

How to Update Your Name or Address:Please visit the O∆K Webiste, www.odk.org, click on update tab, and submit your updated form. 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 5 year subscription to The Circle is included in your membership. If you are no longer receiving The Circle and wish to do so, please contact our National Headquarters about a subscription.

~~~~~ 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, Virginia 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 over 300 colleges and universities around the country.

Betsy Bugg Holloway, Society PresidentVanderbilt University Circle Initiate 1991

Thomas Goodale, Executive DirectorUniversity of Florida Circle Initiate 1974

Summer 2010 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - 5

Meet the National Headquarters

StaffWhen did you become a member of O∆K? What was O∆K like on your campus?I was initiated into O∆K in the fall of 1991. O∆K has a rich history at Vanderbilt University, as the circle there was founded in 1934. My overall memory is of meeting other student leaders who I never would have befriended, were it not for our membership in O∆K.

What hobbies do you enjoy?I love to travel, and have a goal to visit 100 countries (I’ve visited around 65 to date). I enjoy all types of exercise – jogging, hiking, pilates, yoga – and am an avid fan of water sports, especially waterskiing and scuba diving. When time allows, I love to garden and cook (someday I’ll do a lot more of both).

What is your favorite trip you have been on?Fortunately my work has allowed me to do lots of traveling. Before I entered higher education, I worked in business development for a global pharmaceutical company. We had offices in Canada, Argentina, Denmark, Great Britain, and Switzerland, so I spent a lot of time in these and surrounding markets. I also worked for the Japanese government and lived in Japan in 1993. My favorites spots include boating Lake Cuomo (Italy), hiking in Antigua (Guatemala), and scuba diving the Cayman Islands.

If your family could describe you in one sentence what would they say?I just asked them: “Energetic, driven, one who finds time to balance family, work, and service.”

What other activities were you involved in as an undergraduate?In addition to O∆K, I was involved in SGA, the university’s Concert Choir, my sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta), the Panhellenic Council, Mortar Board, Alternative Spring Break, and various community service efforts on campus. I served my class as a Young Alumni Trustee to the Vanderbilt University board of trustees from 1992-1996.

What is one piece of advice you would give for studying? My experience as both a student and a professor is if you’ll study a little every day (ideally read and review the assigned material before attending class), learning is vastly improved. Don’t wait till the final hour to cram vast amounts of content into memory! This is more likely to result in short-term memorization, not long-term knowledge.

What was your favorite subject in school?Given my graduate work in business, it sometimes surprises my students to learn that my favorite subjects were foreign languages. As an undergraduate, I majored in European Studies and minored in East Asian Studies. I studied French for 8 years, and both Japanese and Spanish for 3 years. I was able to use these languages quite a bit when I lived and worked abroad. Share with us your favorite memory as an undergraduate?I have many fond memories of my times as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University. When I was a junior, I organized the first-ever “SGA Outreach Day” on our campus. This event mobilized hundreds of students around our campus to serve the Greater Nashville community at about a dozen worksites at local community and nonprofit organizations. When we began planning for the first “O∆K National Day of Service” (this past spring), I couldn’t help but to recall this experience from my undergraduate days.

What are you most proud of? Without a doubt, I am most proud of our 2 daughters, Brooke (age 11) and Bebe (age 8). They are talented, smart, happy girls, and almost daily I reflect on the blessing they are to me and their father.

.Anything else you would like to share with us?I am deeply honored to serve the O∆K Society as our next national president, especially at this time of historic change and opportunity for the Society. The ideals of O∆K are as noble and important today as when our founders created the Society in 1914. I look forward to working alongside our membership around the country to further this venerable organization.

What is something about you that very few people know? I served as the police chief of Noda City, Japan for a day in September 1992.

Interview By: Tracy Elleard

The 2010- 2012 National Board of Directors

Betsy B. HollowayNational President

Michael ChristakisVice President for Circle Standards

Andristine M. RobinsonVice President for Expansion

Christinia MartinNational Student Vice President

Cliff YeeNational Treasurer

Mary Kathryn Covert Chair, National Advisory Counil

Steve Bisese, Immediate Past National President

Fanchon GloverMember at Large

Michael GilesMember at Large N

atio

nal S

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ty B

oard

Q&A with our National PresidentBetsy Bugg Holloway

6 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - Summer 2010

Circle News

Foundation Scholarships for

2011-2012Scholarship Applications will

be availavle early this award term. Look online for the

application coming in Ocober

2010!

Clay Grant Applications are

due November 1, 2010!

Is your Circle looking to host a Leadership Development Initiative and

needs funding?

As a testament to the loyalty and dedication of Dr. Maurice A. Clay,

the Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative exists to provide financial support to individual Circles seeking to establish specific programs

to enhance leadership development on the campus and in the community.

Funding for the Clay Grant comes from interest earned on an OΔK Foundation

endowment set up for this purpose. Now is your chance to apply online at www.

odk.org under opportunities.

Save the Date!

Now in its sixteenth year, the QS World MBA Tour is the largest program of recruitment fairs for business school applicants. The Tour offers a unique opportunity to meet admissions officers of the world’s most influential business schools at venues around the world. O∆K is partnering with the World MBA Tour to bring this exciting opportunity to our members. The tour will be traveling to over 72 cities across the world and will be visiting America this fall. As World leaders in the educational industry, candidates can meet with most prestigious business schools in the world under one roof and find out about financing MBA’s.

Check out www.topmba.com for the tour schedule!

MBA Partner’s with ODK

The simple, free way to connect with employers and launch your career is at http://koda.us/. Koda has hundreds of employers looking to hire young professionals whose talents go beyond the traditional resumé. O∆K is partnering with Koda to bring this opportunity to our members.

To get started simply log on to Koda.us and create a profile. Koda will use this information to help you find the right employers, and to help them find you.

CLT2 is the perfect life experience for you! Applications

can be found online at the OΔK

Website and are due November 15, 2010.

Campus Leaders Today, Community Leaders Tomorrow: CLT2Interested in Serving on a Non-Profit Board?

Summer 2010 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - 7

December 3, 2010We will celebrate our National founding

date this December with our second annual National Day of Service. Circles are encourgaed to get involved on your

campus or community by hosting or participating in

a service project.

Save the Date!

Members of The Morningside College Circle participate in their “Into the Streets” project in the community.

For more information please visit the O∆K website, www.odk.org.

O∆K 2010 National Leader of the YearJoanna Calabrese,

Unversity of Maryland, College Park

Joanna graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May where she studied Environmental Science and Policy and acted upon her passion for environmental issues through campus leadership. In her freshman year, she founded a student clean energy advocacy group that led successful efforts to implement a clean energy student fee, elect green leaders to local political office, and influence the passage of a state-wide energy policy.

As a leader in Student Government Association throughout her four years at Maryland, she led a campaign that stopped the destruction of twenty five acres of campus woodlands and co-authored a climate action plan for addressing the global warming impacts of the University. Also, in 2007 Joanna helped organize the first national youth climate change conference bringing over 7,000 young people to the Maryland campus and Washington, DC.

In recognition of these and many other accomplishments, Joanna was inducted into the Sigma Circle of O∆K in 2009 and has been named the Omicron Delta Kappa 2010 Leader of the Year!

8 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - Summer 2010

The National Headquarters of Omicron Delta Kappa returns to its birthplace! OΔK recently finalized an agreement with Washington & Lee University to purchase the historic Lexington, Virginia train station which is now OΔK’s permanent home. In 2004 the old train station, constructed in 1883 by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, was moved across the street from its original site by the University to allow for the expansion of the Lenfest Center, and it was renovated for contemporary office use. With OΔK’s Centennial Celebration approaching, the vision of returning home was conceived. The OΔK Society Board embraced this vision as part of the current strategic plan and… a dream was born.

“We are excited to have the OΔK National Headquarters in Lexington, VA,” said Thomas G. Goodale, Executive Director. “This move permits us to return to the place where O∆K was founded, just as we are beginning to plan for our 100th anniversary.” Washington and Lee President, Kenneth P. Ruscio, who is also a past OΔK National President stated, “The decision by OΔK to return to its roots here at Washington and Lee is wonderful news and we welcome the national headquarters to Lexington and look forward to continuing our historic relationship with the Society.”

The relocation of the National Headquarters also represents the first time in history that Omicron Delta Kappa has had a building of its own. Most recently it has operated out of facilities on campuses at the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University, both in Lexington, Kentucky. A total of eight full-time and four part-time staff members have offices in the building, and work space has also been set aside for three student interns from Washington and Lee. The National Headquarters staff has been working diligently to prepare “OΔK Central” for visitors, while continuing to take care of the regular needs of the Society and Foundation. An informal open house will be held in October for OΔK’s new neighbors. Lexington, Virginia is a special community that witnessed the founding of the organization, and will now include Omicron Delta Kappa among its unique landmarks as the resident of the historic train station. -Anne Payne, O∆K Archivist

A Histoic Homecoming Lexington, VA

As a friendly welcome to the neighborhood, members of Kappa Alpha Order helped with painting bookshelves, removing brush from the grounds, and moving archives.

Summer 2010 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - 9

A Histoic Homecoming Lexington, VA

2010

2004

Blub from Anne about the move....

10 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - Summer 2010

Though, Caroline or “Sandy” (nicknamed by her college housemother, who insisted that no one’s name be longer than two syllables) certainly exhibited leadership in the five phases of campus life recognized by O∆K, the Circle at Rollins never had the opportunity to officially recognize her contribution to campus life.

Caroline was a whirlwind of activity at Rollins: president of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma; vice president of Phi Beta Fraternity (National Professional Association for the Creative and Performing Arts); vice president of Theta Alpha Phi, National Theatre Honors Fraternity; a member of Pi Kappa Delta National Forensic Honorary, Panhellenic Council, Rollins Players [theater], Radio Club, Social Service committee, and yearbook staff; and a regular winner of oratorical competitions. A highlight of Caroline’s career at Rollins was her selection to appear with actor Fred Stone in the production Lightnin’, straight from its Broadway run. In addition to performances at Rollins, the play, including Caroline, whom Stone described as “a grand little character actress,” toured the state of Florida for several weeks.

These accomplishments did not go unnoticed and Caroline was inducted into the Order of the Libra, a Rollins organization that recognized female leaders, including actress Greer Garson and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who were initiated while visiting the Winter Park, Florida school. According to the organization’s constitution, “The purpose of the Order of the Libra is to recognize women who have attained a high standard in campus activities; to serve as an inspiration to others; to bring together student leaders for a common purpose; and to form an understanding bond between faculty and students.” Libra’s similarities to O∆K were apparent and important. Over the years, O∆K and Libra shared sponsorship of campus activities. In 1975, following Omicron Delta Kappa’s decision to admit women to membership, Libra members voted to merge with O∆K and the Order of the Libra was retired.

When Caroline Sandlin was an undergraduate student at Rollins College, women were not eligible for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa...

Scra

pboo

kA Lifetime of Leadership

After graduation, Caroline went on to marry Richard Fullerton (Major, USAF, Ret.; now deceased) and pursued an MFA from Texas Christian University. A short-term appointment at Wake Forest University turned into more than 20 years of dedicated teaching and mentoring. On her retirement in 1989, Caroline was named Director Emeritus of Theatre Speech and Lecturer Emeritus of Theatre Arts, the only part-time faculty member to have achieved that recognition. Wake Forest’s theater awards program (called “Carolines”) was endowed in her honor.

During the fall of 2009, Dr. Lorrie Kyle, the O∆K Adviser at Rollins, recommended Fullerton for membership and initiation into their Circle to celebrate and officially recognize Caroline’s contribution to Rollins College and higher education. After discussing this opportunity with Caroline and her family, they decided the perfect time to initiate her was at her upcoming 90th birthday celebration. On November 4th, 2009, Fullerton was initiated into the Rollins College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa in a special ceremony conducted in Winston-Salem by O∆K Foundation trustee William Latture, the son of one of O∆K’s founders and a 1949 Washington & Lee University initiate, and Matt Hopper, O∆K Fellow and 2008 University of Mississippi O∆K initiate. Following the ceremony, family and friends toasted the new initiate and nonagenarian. Through a beautiful turn of events, this celebration coincided with the 35th anniversary of the decision to allow women eligibility for membership into O∆K.

Fullerton’s talents and legacy continue to live on through her son, who is an actor, and her grandson, a talented musician on scholarship at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia.

Summer 2010 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - 11

ORDER FORM OMICRON DELTA KAPPAOmicron Delta Kappa National Headquarters, 224 McLaughlin Street, Lexington, VA 24450We must have full name, College/University and approx. date of initiation on all orders.Please ship to:Name: Street:City: State: Zip:Ο∆Κ® College/University of:Initiation: Initiation Date:Telephone: ( ) Signature:QUANTITY ITEM #/DESCRIPTION PRICE TOTAL

Checks or money orders made to The Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Inc., in full amount must accompany order. PHOTOS ARE NOT ACTUAL SIZE.ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING AND ENGRAVING and are subject to change.

1. Marble Paperweight $20.00

8. Bronze Paperweight$30.00

9. Lucite Block (Clear)$60.00

3. Tapping Key $21.00

10. The Key10K Gold - $150.00Gold Gloss - $33.00

4. The Lavaliere$20.00

5. Lapel Recognition

Button $10.50

6. 1914 Ο∆Κ®

Button $10.50

Proudly Display Your Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa

** NO P. O. BOXES **

7. Lapel Key$11.00

2. Stacked charm10K Gold

$30.00

11. Replacement Membership Certificate $8.00

Ο∆Κ®InsigniaItems

Lifestyle...

Nike Running ShortsThe hot new trend in running! Look stylish while you stay in shape this fall.

Fresh HerbsGrowing your own herbs is easy and healthy too!

Frozen Yogurt

Outdoor ClassroomsStudents at University of Missouri, Kansas City enjoy the frsh air, as they soak up some knowledge.

The Apple iPadThe hottest trend in electronics

students Weigh-in on the hottest trends this fall.

During O∆K Convention in Houston, Texas this summer, Dr. Chon Glover delivered the key note address, quoting Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Joining the 1914 club is my way to say thank you and to recognize the leaders, or giants, that I have “stood” upon, who have helped me grow into the leader I am today. Also, it helps ensure the prosperity of O∆K for training the leaders of tomorrow. O∆K has given me the chance to build relationships with leaders in all facets of campus life and help unite campus to accomplish great things. Some people tend to have stereotypes about student-athletes, but O∆K has helped us to represent ourselves as leaders outside of the pool, court, and field, while also providing leadership experience and training that we can bring back to the athletics arena.

12 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - Summer2010

With much appreciation, The Omicron Delta Kappa Foundation would like to recognize the newest 1914 Club members who joined between May 1, 2010, and August 1, 2010.

Armstrong Atlantic State UniversityJohn G Polites

Auburn UniversityTracy A. Elleard

Auburn University MontgomeryDelia Sescioreanu

Austin Peay State universityHykeen M. Craft

Ball State UniversityKathy L. Smith

California Riverside, University ofSophia Ahmed

Centenary College of LouisianaGlenn O. Hilburn

Christopher Newport UniversityJessica A. Colling

Clemson UniversityDavid B. Chambliss

East Carolina UniversityKrista L. Wilhelm

East Tennessee State UniversityByron E. Ownby

Ferris State UniversityKelly M. Jezierski

Florida International UniversityChristina Loreto

Florida Southern CollegeRobert F. Johnson

Florida State UniversityWayne L. Rubinas

Fort Hays State UniversitySarah E. Bailey

Georgia Southern UniversityTheresa C. Beebe-Novotny

Hamline UniversityJared J. Hummel

Hastings CollegeAnne B. Fairbanks

Houston Clear-lake, University ofJosephine P. Tittsworth

Kentucky, University ofJohn H. HerbstBobby A. StantonJessica S. StevensBenjamin J. Vanderhorst

Marshall UniversityLorie W. Stingo

Maryville UniversityKaylee M. YateesJulie C. KrebelJessica L. Sagartz

Miami University of OhioThomas J. Ratcliff

Morningside CollegeBruce D. Forbes

Nebraska at Omaha, University ofMatt NelsonChris W. Allen

Pittsburg, University ofJason A. Hoffman

Richard Stockton College of New JerseyDianne H. Staling

Richmond, University ofSteve BiseseAnne L. Bisese

South Florida, University ofDaniel E. Beeman

Southern California, University ofEmmanuel G. Caudillo

Tennessee, University ofRobert B. Morris

Texas at Arlington, University ofCody K. Early

Texas at San Antonio, University ofSeth D. ChavezCharlin R. Jones

Transylvania UniversityTisa J. Mason

Washington & Lee UniversityChristopher C. Browning

West Alabama, University ofElizabeth A. BrookerBrittany N. Keith

William & Mary, College ofWandalyn F. Glover

Winthrop UniversityCarrie L. Greene

Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University ofMatthew L. SackmanPaula J. Stuettgen

Wright State UniversityShana J. Cunningham

Youngstown State UniversityWilliam R. Macomber

During O∆K Convention in Houston, Texas this summer, Dr. Chon Glover delivered the key note address, quoting Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Joining the 1914 club is my way to say thank you and to recognize the leaders, or giants, that I have “stood” upon, who have helped me grow into the leader I am today. Also, it helps ensure the prosperity of O∆K for training the leaders of tomorrow. O∆K has given me the chance to build relationships with leaders in all facets of campus life and help unite campus to accomplish great things. Some people tend to have stereotypes about student-athletes, but O∆K has helped us to represent ourselves as leaders outside of the pool, court, and field, while also providing leadership experience and training that we can bring back to the athletics arena.

Summer 2010 - Omicron Delta Kappa - The Circle - 13

1914 Club Spotlight Travis Wagner Georgia Institute of Technology

The 1914 Club

If everyone reading this would send a special gift of $19.14 and to have their names listed in the roster of The 1914 Club, Omicron Delta Kappa could…

• Increase membership and help more students realize their potential• Enhance technology and services to take advantage of emerging trends• Award more and larger scholarships• Offer more unique programs such as CLT2

Whether this is your first gift or you already are a current donor, to make your $19.14 gift in support of O∆K’s vision and values, send a check to The O∆K Foundation, 224 McLaughlin Street, Lexington, VA 24450, or visit us on the website at www.odk.org.

This check for $19.14 could do a lot!

O∆K Convention & Leadership SummitMaryville University Circle:

Blogging a Road Trip down Leadership LaneThursday, June 24th, 2010

St. Louis, MO, 5:30 AM: Excited to get on the road, I met up with my fellow O∆K members in the Maryville parking lot, loaded into our van, and headed south on Highway 270. In approximately thirteen hours, we would be in Houston, Texas! It was a long drive – but we made time fly by playing license plate bingo and rocking out to tunes along the way. Many hours later, it was comforting to arrive at the Houston Marriott and see a lobby full of blue O∆K bags and balloons. We got checked in and made our way over to the Early Bird Hospitality, where the weekend full of activities kicked off with the photo scavenger hunt. Though the torrential downpour was a bit threatening, it couldn’t stop us from getting some authentic Mexican food and exploring Houston! After dinner, it was time to prep for the next day. We read though our O∆K materials and figured out who would attend which sessions the next day. Though we had spent thirteen hours in a van and been pelted with rain, we weren’t sick of each other yet! I took this as a great sign of things to come – knowing that our spirits would stay strong through any struggle our team might face.

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Houston, TX, 8:00am: After a great night’s sleep (the difference between the back seat of a Dodge Grand Caravan and my Marriott bed was phenomenal) it was time to begin the conference! My circle met in the hall of the 17th floor, dressed in our Maryville University O∆K polo’s, and headed down to breakfast as a team. I couldn’t wait to meet new people and hear about the great accomplishments this organization has had throughout the nation! We started off with a Region IV meeting. This was the perfect beginning to the conference because it really gave us the chance to meet people from in a casual setting. We were lucky to have a delegate from one of our neighboring universities in our regional meeting, so he joined Photo Scavenger Hunt and we were off! After snapping some great pictures with a few regional directors and with Past National President, Dr. Glenn Hillburn, it was time for the First Plenary session. The plenary session reminded me of a senate meeting from my Youth In Government days – I even had a delegate voter’s card that made me feel very official. We learned about all of the proposals and amendments that we’d be voting on during the Second Plenary Session on Saturday. After the business for the day was covered, our circle met up with our new friends and we headed off to the Galleria for lunch at the Rainforest Café!

The afternoon kicked off with our assigned committee meetings. I served on the standards committee, and Mike Christakis gave us a great opportunity to chat with other delegates about the standards we uphold in our circles. It was really enlightening to realize that it is impossible to demand conformity for standards throughout the nation – but to still see how seriously each circle strives for excellence. The Strategic workshops that followed our committee meetings were enlightening. Having five circle members attend the conference worked out well – each of us could attend a different workshop and bring back more ideas. We met up after the workshops to get seats for the Keynote Speaker – Dr. Chon Glover. To get us started, Dr. Glover asked everyone to stand up and participate in an impromptu dance party – she definitely got my attention and I was hooked for the rest of her keynote address. Next was the networking dinner. We filled our plates with lobster ravioli, shrimp fajitas, a fresh salad bar, and fried turkey! The delicious food brought everyone together in a relaxed atmosphere and made conversation so much easier throughout the night.

Houston, TX

Trivia Night!

Plenary Sessions

After the networking dinner we were off to set up for the Circle Showcase Showdown. We worked hard on our showcase presentation and really enjoyed showing off our Maryville Pride (it’s something we all do well!). However, the best part of the day took place after the showcase. We were honored to present our signature event, The Maryville Series of Pop Culture. Facilitating the trivia night that my Circle and I had prepared and watching members of the conference work together and compete was amazing! It was awesome to see the hard work that a few friends and I had created two years ago, taking place on a national level. It was an event planner’s dream, and it gave me a full renewal of faith for my future. After our event ended, I could tell that our circle branched out and made some amazing connections – and friendships – that will surely last.

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

After a great night, I was fully rejuvenated for another amazing day at the summit. We started with the Leader of the Year panel. As a former Circle Leader of the Year, I was very excited to see the caliber of individuals that received the national LOY award. The delegates had done some amazing things in their lives and really inspired me to work harder in my future. After the panel, it was time for my interest session. I was really excited to present with my new circle president. Our topic was on “Branding your circle and making sure that your campus knows the importance of O∆K.” We had a large interest group and had some good conversations, so I was pleased with our work! It was great to see other circle presidents offer interest sessions, too! Maryville walked away with great ideas and a renewed spirit. After another great lunch in the Galleria, it was time for the second plenary session. It was really cool to see people using Robert’s Rules of Order to argue their points and procedures. Once again, I felt like my vote really mattered. Because my opinion felt so significant, my connection with the national office became more important as well. I was honored to represent the Maryville Circle in this process.

Saturday night meant that the conference was quickly coming to an end. My circle gathered together and headed to our final regional meeting. Reviewing the conference and discussing what we liked and what we’d change was a great way to get some closure for the weekend. After the regional meetings, it was time to go get ready for the awards dinner. I must say, sharing a room with one other guy made for no problems in being ready on time. I certainly had my doubts in regards to my circle members – as the four girls were sharing one room, one bathroom, and one or two mirrors. But they proved me wrong, were all ready on time, and I must add, looked stunning. I felt honored to be walking into the banquet with these four women next to me. The awards ceremony was really exciting. Not only did the food represent the best meal I’ve ever had, the company we kept at our dinner table was great. After some great dinner-table discussion, it was time for the awards ceremony to begin. Congratulations to all award recipients! Maryville was excited to receive the honor of “Circle of Distinction” alongside many great circles. It was also very exciting to witness the swearing-in of the new Board of Directors. My congratulations go out to all of you as well. After the ceremony ended, it was time to snap a few more pictures with our new friends, and then one last night out in Houston. It was a great way to bond with our new friends and to thank everyone for an amazing conference. Though we gained some great insight on future O∆K programs, the personal connections made at the 2010 National Leadership Summit and Convention are sure to provide endless support to our organization.

~Joel Hermann Maryville University

Circle Showcase

Showdown

Awards!!

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAIDLEXINGTON VA

PERMIT NO 1094

2010-2Volume 88 No. 2

THE CIRCLE®

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA224 McLaughlin Street

Lexington, Virginia 24450

Photo courtesy of Mark Schmidt, University at Albany

Joanna CalabreseUniversity of Maryland, College Park

2010 ODK National Leader of the Year