Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society for college men and women. It was founded in 1914 at Washington & Lee University to recognize and encourage superior scholarship and leadership by men and women of exemplary character. Membership in ODK is a mark of highest distinction and honor.
The Lambda Circle was founded at Hampden-Sydney on April 12, 1924, and is the eleventh oldest of the society's more than 200 circles. To be selected as a member of the Lambda Circle, a junior or senior must be in the top 35% of his class and must have actively participated in three and demonstrated constructive leadership in two of the five areas of college life considered by the society: scholarship; athletics; social service, religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech, and the mass media; and creative and performing arts.
Students selected for membership are tapped in the fall and spring.
The members of Omicron Delta Kappa seek to use their personal influence as campus leaders to better campus life and to encourage high standards in all activities.
In addition to regular selection of members, the Circle awards each fall to a sophomore a $1,500 scholarship in recognition of constructive leadership and academic achievement during his freshman year, and each spring, the Cohen Citizenship Award to a senior who by his actions and example has contributed significantly to the betterment of the College community.
National Website: Omicron Delta Kappa