About the Circle

The Omicron Delta Kappa Society, Inc. the national honor society for student leadership, recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. Membership in ODK (founded in 1914) is awarded to undergraduate junior and senior students; to graduate students; to faculty, staff, administration, and alumni; and to persons qualifying for honorary membership (“honoris causa”). Student membership candidates must rank in the upper 35 percent in scholarship of their school or college and must show leadership in at least one of five areas: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech, and the mass media; and creative and performing arts. The circle at St. Mary’s College of Maryland was chartered in 1999. The chapter sponsors faculty-student panel discussions, leadership activities, and participates in several community service projects each year.

Programs

Our Circle’s Signature programs are: Volunteering at the SMCM Campus Farm, sponsoring canned food drives for the less fortunate, and visiting local retirement homes to spend time with the elderly residents. Additionally, for fundraising we usually host a grilled cheese or a hot chocolate program, and we also table annually at SMCM’s World Carnival.

Honors and Awards

2017 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2016 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2015 Superior Circle

2014 Presidential Circle of Excellence

2014 Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative Grant

2013 Superior Circle

2013 Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative Grant

2012 Superior Circle