Lycoming College inducts students into new leadership honor society

2016 May 9

Katherine Stepnowski, a junior digital communications major at Lycoming College, was one of the founding members inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society that was installed on campus earlier this spring. Tara Singer, Ph.D., the executive director for the national society, inducted the students and presented President Kent C. Trachte with the college's charter.

Omicron Delta Kappa is the most prestigious leadership honor society in the country. Its mission is to identify, honor and develop leaders in collegiate and community life and to encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff and alumni to advance leadership. ODK recognizes students for academic achievement and campus leadership in the five phases of campus life: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social or religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and the creative and performing arts. Students also must be in the top 30 percent of their graduating class.

"Participation in leadership experiences helps students develop character, the ability to make sound judgements and work collaboratively with others," said Daniel Miller, vice president for student life and dean of students. "We are honored to have been granted an ODK Circle on our campus. The organization will continue our tradition of leadership excellence on campus."

The college has been enhancing its overall leadership program by financing new and existing programs to create new environments for leadership training and broaden students' understanding of leadership principles. New initiatives include piloting a new Outdoor Leadership and Education program and developing a sports leadership program. The college also is continuing to offer a leadership experience program on the Gettysburg National Battlefield every semester.

Dean Miller, Kent C. Trachte, Ph.D., president, Caroline Payne, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, and Amy Rogers, Ph.D., associate professor of education, were also inducted into the circle.

ODK is the second on campus, with Phi Kappa Phi, of the four societies representing the prestigious Honor Society Caucus. The purpose of the societies in the caucus is to promote excellence in academics and integrity of character by celebrating academic work of extraordinary quality, exemplary leadership, and research that advances human knowledge.