About the Circle

The Epsilon Circle is the University of Richmond’s local circle of ODK. We were founded on March 12, 1921, and our circle is the 5th oldest of approximately 300 circles nationwide. We have a tradition of strong leadership within the national organization. Littleton Maxwell, the University of Richmond Business Librarian, has been very active on the national level since 1996. Dr. Kenneth Ruscio, who was the founding dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and the immediate past president of Washington and Lee University, served as national president from 2002 until 2006. Dr. Steve Bisese, vice president for student development at Richmond, held the national president position from 2006 to 2010. In 2005 and 2009, a graduating senior from the circle was recognized as ODK National Leader of the Year, an extremely prestigious award. At the 2012 ODK biennial national convention in Charlotte, the University of Richmond Circle was recognized as one of seven superior circles nationally.  In 2015, the Epsilon Circle was celebrated with one of six presidential circles nationally (the highest level of circle achievement).

Programs

Last Lecture Series
The Omicron Delta Kappa Epsilon Circle hosted the 2014 Last Lecture Series. This annual event is a great opportunity to tap the insight of our Richmond professors to broaden our minds and inspire the University of Richmond community. University of Richmond students were asked to nominate a professor they thought should deliver the 2014 Last Lecture. Over 200 students participated, nominating 95 professors they knew would deliver a captivating and motivating lecture for all of you tonight. Of these nominees, the Jepson school of leadership’s Dr. Julian Hayter received overwhelming support and was chosen to be this year’s Last Lecturer. We are incredibly grateful that he accepted our invitation. The concept of a “Last Lecture” became nationally recognized in 2007 with Dr. Randy Pausch, who gave his “Last Lecture” speech at Carnegie Mellon University. Pausch developed his “Last Lecture” when he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and hoped to challenge and inspire others. Dr. Hayter spoke on Solidarity in Obligations of the University of Richmond, the City of Richmond, and the Richmond Promise.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
The annual University of Richmond Omicron Delta Kappa St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon is the Epsilon Circle’s way of honoring faculty and staff who our members feel have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on their time here at the University of Richmond. Approximately a month prior to the event, we pose these questions to the Epsilon Circle members: Is there a professor who has gone above and beyond to make your classroom experience enjoyable and educational? Is there a housekeeping or food Service employee whose smile helps put you in a good mood each day? Is there an administrator who you feel has been your mentor? We give them the option to invite two such faculty or staff members to a buffet lunch that takes place on St. Patrick’s day in a special room in our main Dining Hall. Each invitee is presented with a certificate (sample attached) which shares the name of the Epsilon Circle member who invited them. This event is very well received and attended. Our Circle spends approximately $730 on this event each year and we have an average attendance of 45 people total.

Honors and Awards

2017 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2016 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2015 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2015 Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative Grant

2014 Superior Circle

2014 Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative Grant

2013 Superior Circle

2012 Superior Circle

In 2005 and 2009, a graduating senior from the circle was recognized as ODK National Leader of the Year, an extremely prestigious award. At the 2012 bi-annual ODK national convention in Charlotte, the University of Richmond Circle was recognized as one of seven superior circles nationally. In addition, the national ODK organization awarded the Epsilon Circle with a Clay Grant and accepted our proposal for a program held in conjunction with the 2014 Centennial Celebration.