BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 61st annual induction on March 21, 2024, in the Meditation Chapel.  The circle inducted six seniors, five juniors, six sophomores, and two staff members.

The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,100 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:  Seniors Shaela Croston, Philippi, WV, Kirby Forbes, Culloden, WV, Kendra Hamilton, Buckhannon, WV, Megan McMackin, Kersey, PA, Hali Westcott, Sistersville, WV, and Joley Williams, Craigsville, WV.  Juniors Abigail Dilly, Caldwell, WV, Katherine Morgan, Monongah, WV, Ellie Pergolotti, Plantsville, CT, Brenlyn Swecker, Elkins, WV, and Faith Yoho, New Martinsville, WV.   Sophomores Caleb Fairhurst, Tallmadge, OH, Julia McCoy, Ravenswood, WV, Srikiran Nandigama, Salt Point, NY, Tessa Sleeth, Salem, WV, Jasmine Tabor, Wayne, WV, and Addison Taylor, Philippi, WV.

Also inducted were Cynthia Brissey, associate dean for academic affairs, and Joshua Stump, assistant vice president for advancement.

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Lively, dean of students, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement.  Officers participating included Bree Moll, president, Alienor Dalle, vice president, and Stephen Groves, treasurer.  Student officers for the 2024-2025 academic year include Srikiran Nandigama, president, Faith Yoho, vice-president, and Ellie Pergolotti, treasurer.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.  The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life.  The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community. 

The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.