BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 63rd annual induction on March 18, 2026, in the Meditation Chapel. The circle inducted 21 individuals into the organization including two graduate students, one senior, two juniors, 13 sophomores and three faculty.
The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,200 students, faculty and staff. Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following: athletics, music, arts, journalism and community service.
Newly inducted members include: Graduate students, Cayley Symons, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Kimberly Brown, Crawford, West Virginia; Senior, Cole Price, Waynesville, N.C.; Juniors, Emily Wanless, Elkins, West Virginia; Jessica Nuzum, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Sophomores, Ava Smith, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Lily Garton, Weston, West Virginia; Ella Fournier, Westland, Michigan; Eleanor Smith, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Taylor Hess, Worthington, West Virginia; Sawyer Henderson, Big Springs, West Virginia; Jordan Groves, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Lynzee Hague, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Rae Rupert, Pennsboro, West Virginia; Chase Gora, Kernersville, N.C.; Avery Bangsund, Clermont, Florida; Nasif Mohammed, Alpharetta, Georgia.
Also inducted were Dr. Tracie Dodson, School of Business; Valerie Jordan, School of Nursing and Dr. Drew Mason, Athletic Training and Exercise Science.
Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Suttle, dean of students and circle advisor, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement and circle staff. Officers participating included Srikiran Nandigama ’26, president, and Ellie Pergoletti, treasurer. Guest speaker was Paula McGrew, professor of library science and director of library services emeritus. Student officers for the 2025-2026 academic year include Avery Bangsund ’29, president; Ava Smith ’29, vice president and Chase Gora ’29, treasurer.
