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. 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
1. Leadership: Last Lecture Series
2. DEI: training and awareness
3. Community Service
Honors and Awards
- 2024 Presidential Award of Excellence
- 2023 Circle of Distinction
- 2022 Superior Circle
- 2021 Superior Circle
- 2019 Presidential Award of Excellence
- 2018 Membership Growth & Stability Award
- 2018 Presidential Circle of Excellence
- 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.
