On July 1, 2023, I began my tenure as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Omicron Delta Kappa. I was excited to step into this role and become part of a 110-year-old organization that recognizes exceptional leadership. I was also deeply honored to be initiated at Washington & Lee University on March 22, 2024.
The past 20 months have been focused on listening and learning about this prestigious honor society. I have had the opportunity to meet with members who were initiated in the 1940s, who lovingly talk about the impact ΟΔΚ has had on their lives, and our newest initiates, who are trying to figure out how ΟΔΚ fits into their futures.
These conversations reminded me of one of my mentors, who used to say to me, “Honor the past and look to the future.” As an organization, ΟΔΚ must take this to heart and begin a new era. Throughout its 110-year history, ΟΔΚ has initiated more than 380,000 individuals and has primarily focused on the collegiate circle and developing strong young leaders. As an initiate of Omicron Delta Kappa, you hold lifetime membership in our honor society and your achievements will always be recognized. However, looking to the future, we must acknowledge that ΟΔΚ cannot sustainably finance our organization and support our programs and services without diversified revenue. We cannot continue to rely on the fees of student initiates as the primary source of income. For generations, lifetime members have had access to member benefits and services without any requirement to contribute to the Society after the initiation fee.
We need to stay true to our founding principles of recognizing academic excellence and leaders from all parts of the college or university community. As we look to the future, we have the opportunity to look beyond the campus circle to build a network of exceptional leaders who support each other throughout their lives.
- Imagine an ΟΔΚ that hosts events in cities around the country to connect members after they have graduated from their circle.
- Or an ΟΔΚ that presents workshops focused on leadership development to enhance your skills to impact your professional life.
- Or ΟΔΚ exclusive travel opportunities where members can see the world while connecting to members from around the country.
Together, we can create this. Learn more about our Legacy Membership here.
The Legacy Membership is a one-time investment of $500 that grants you access throughout your life to all ΟΔΚ member benefits. This means you’ll never have to pay annual dues again while maintaining full access to:
- Our national leadership network and mentorship opportunities
- Professional development resources and workshops
- Exclusive ΟΔΚ events and conferences
- Leadership recognition programs
- Networking events
- Access to our members-only resources such as the member directory to search
This new membership marks a significant milestone in ΟΔΚ’s transformation from being solely a campus-based honors society to a dynamic, lifelong leadership development organization.
Are you ready to help build the future of Omicron Delta Kappa?
Yours in Leadership,
Jennifer L. Waller, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
