Omicron Delta Kappa

The National Leadership Honor Society

Member News – Winter 2023

Periodically, Omicron Delta Kappa has the opportunity to share news and announcements about member achievements. Below are some of the accomplishments and passages reported in November and December 2022. The circle and year of initiation is listed for each member.

118th Congress of the United States of America

Senators

  • Senator William “Bill” M. Cassidy – LA (R) (Louisiana State University, 2010)
  • Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand – NY (D) (SUNY Plattsburgh, 2012)
  • Senator Charles “Chuck” E. Grassley – IA (R) (University of Northern Iowa, 2003)
  • Senator Timothy “Tim” M. Kaine – VA (D) (University of Missouri – Columbia, 1978)
  • Senator A. M. “Mitch” McConnell, Jr. (R) (University of Louisville, 1963)
  • Senator Gary C. Peters – MI (D) (Alma College, 1979)
  • Senator Mark R. Warner – VA (D) (George Washington University, 1995)
  • Senator Roger F. Wicker – MS (R) (University of Mississippi, 1972)

Representatives

  • Congressman Lloyd A. Doggett – TX (D) (University of Texas at Austin, 1967)
  • Congressman Ronald “Ron” G. Estes – KS (R) (Tennessee Technological University, 1977)
  • Congressman Steny H. Hoyer – MD (D) (University of Maryland, College Park, 1962)
  • Congressman Richard L. Hudson, Jr. – NC (R) (University of North Carolina Charlotte, 1994)
  • Congressman Jeffrey “Jeff” N. Jackson – NC (D) (Emory University, 2003)
  • Congressman Dustin “Dusty” M. Johnson – SD (R) (University of South Dakota, 1998)
  • Congressman David F. Kustoff – TN (R) (University of Memphis, 1987)
  • Congressman Robert “Bob” E. Latta – OH (R) (Bowling Green State University, 1995)
  • Congressman Zachary “Zach” M. Nunn – IA (R) (Drake University, 2001)
  • Congressman John W. Rose – TN (R) (Tennessee Technological University, 1987)
  • Congresswoman Deborah “Debbie” Wasserman Schultz – FL (D) (University of Florida, 1989)
  • Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik – NY (R) (SUNY Plattsburgh, 2015)
  • Congressman Brad R. Wenstrup – OH (R) (University of Cincinnati, 1979)

Collegiate Member News

  • Rhett C. Anderson (Hampden-Sydney College, 2021) is a star placekicker for the University of Michigan football team.
  • Olivia R. Brand (Union College, 2022) placed third in the Musical Theater Competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
  • Megan E. Ciaramitaro (University of Missouri, Columbia, 2022) was selected as a 2022 member of the homecoming court at Missouri.
  • Andrew N. Dow (New England College, 2021), a disabled veteran, has been recognized as an accomplished artist
  • Gracyn R. Draney (Randolph-Macon College, 2022) earned Academic All-District honors by the College Sports Communicators for Women’s Volleyball.
  • Nathan W. Galloway (Loyola University Maryland, 2021) was named to the Academic All-Patriot League Team.
  • Brayan A. Jones (Xavier University of Louisiana, 2021) has been selected to participate in the American Medical Association’s HBCU Scholars Program.
  • Jesper “JJ” L. Jonsson (Lees-McRae College, 2022) has been to the 2022 CoSIDA All-District NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Team.
  • Albert Kang (Loyola University Maryland, 2022) has been named the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men’s soccer.
  • George A. Langhammer (Hampden-Sydney College, 2022) has been named to the 2022 All-Academic District Team for NCAA Division III Football.
  • Jayla E. McCoy (University of Kentucky, 2021) received a 2021 Torch Bearer Award from the engineering program at Kentucky.
  • Tomi-Lauren McGinnis (Randolph College, 2021) has been named the ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Volleyball Scholar-Athlete for the year. She was also named to the Academic All-District Volleyball Team.
  • Presley F. Patrick (Coastal Carolina University, 2022) is Miss Teen Earth USA.
  • Emma S. Thul (Simpson College, 2021) was recently profiled in a college communication.
  • Joshua Williams (Louisiana State University, 2021) has been named a semi-finalist for the Bulsworth Trophy, recognizing a collegiate football player who started their career as a non-scholarship/walk-on student-athlete.
  • Identical twin brothers Malachi and Rasul Wright (both Towson University, 2021) will serve as the student commencement speakers for their respective colleges at the December 2022 Towson University graduation ceremonies.
  • Madeline “Maddy” Yde (Rhodes College, 2021) is one of the senior stars on the school’s 2022 women’s soccer team.

ACPA and NASPA Honors

  • The following members will be honored in early 2023 by NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education with the Pillars of the Profession Award:
    • Sheila H. Burkhalter (University of Baltimore, 2011)
    • Michael N. Christakis (Alfred University, 1998)
    • Juan R. Guardia (Florida State University, 2010)
    • Regina Young Hyatt (Mississippi State University, 2018)
    • Terry C. Mena (Florida Atlantic University, 2011)
    • Helen Grace Ryan (University of Louisville, 1999)
    • Nanette Vega (University of Miami, 2007)
  • Several other members of the Society will be honored by ACPA: College Student Educators International with the organization’s Diamond Honoree Award:
    • Amy C. Barnes (William & Mary, 2004)
    • Karen D. Boyd (East Carolina University, 1998)
    • Jeffery T. Burgin, Jr. (Belmont University, 2016)
    • Daniel N. Glassmann (Oglethorpe University, 2014)
    • Ryan C. Holmes (University of Miami, 2018)
    • Jonathan A. McElderry (University of Missouri – Columbia, 2016)
    • Raymond V. Plaza (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2009)

Books

  • Patricia Moore-Pastides (University of South Carolina – Columbia, 2010) has published a book entitled, At Home in the Heart of the Horseshoe: Life in the University of South Carolina President’s House.
  • Kimberly L. Shine (Grand Valley State University, 2008) recently published her first book of poetry. The author says On the Other Side of Everything is about living life and controlling one’s own destiny.

Higher Education News

  • Rachel E. Aho (Concordia College, 2008) is the vice president-elect for ACPA.
  • Theresa M. Beiner (University of Virginia, 1985) will step down as the dean of the University of Arkansas Law School at the end of the academic year.
  • Michael T. Benson (Southern Utah University, 2012) has been inducted into the Horne School of Music Hall of Fame at Snow College. Benson is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.
  • Matthew L. Brandon (University of Lynchburg, 2015) has been appointed as the new associate vice president for alumni engagement and CEO of the William & Mary Alumni Association.
  • Nancy J. Cable (Marietta College, 1975) is leaving the chancellorship at the University of North Carolina – Asheville to lead the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust in Chapel Hill.
  • Lawrence “Larry” S. Clark (Louisiana State University in Shreveport, 1984) will step down as chancellor of LSUS at the end of the academic year.
  • Elizabeth I. Dorssom (Chatham University, 2011) was one of the 2022 Campus Teaching Award winners recognized in the Political Science Today magazine from the American Political Science Association.
  • Thasunda Brown Duckett (University of Houston, 1994) will be one of the keynote speakers at NASPA 2023. Duckett is the head of TIAA.
  • Aldo V. Garcia-Guevara (Worcester State University, 2010) has been named to Campus Compact’s 2022 Equity and Engagement Community Fellows team.
  • Helen K. Lafferty (Villanova University, 1990) has been appointed the interim president of Youngstown State University.
  • Lisa Lang (Kentucky State University, 2021) has been named vice president and general counsel at Ohio Northern University.
  • Devorah A. Lieberman (Wagner College, 2005) is retiring at the end of the academic year after 12 years of service as the president of the University of La Verne.
  • Allyson M. Lowe (Miami University, 1993) is the inaugural provost at Yorkville University in Canada.
  • Devinder M. Malhotra (University of Akron, 1997) will step down as the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in August 2023.
  • Joseph S. Paul (University of Southern Mississippi, 1973) has been named the new president of Southern Miss.
  • Raymond V. Plaza (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2009) is the director for external relations-elect for ACPA.
  • Leah Reynolds (University of South Florida, 2022), student programs coordinator at the school and our circle coordinator, is a 2022 recipient of the one of the school’s outstanding staff honors.
  • Thomas W. Ross, Sr. (Davidson College, 2008) is co-chairing the Commission on the Future of Public Universities in North Carolina.
  • Francis G. R. Samonte (Johns Hopkins University, 2008) was a featured speaker at this year’s 2022 Climate Health Equity Conference.
  • The auditorium with Van Bokkelen Hall at Towson University has been named for Richard E. Vatz (Towson University, 2006), a long-time professor at the school.
  • Victor K. Wilson (University of Georgia, 1986) is this year’s recipient of UGA’s Distinguished Service Award presented by the Board of Trustees.

Lifetime Member News

  • Geoffrey R. Bennett (Morehouse College, 2001) has been named the new co-anchor of PBS’ NewsHour Weekend.
  • Dianne Burckhardt (Wichita State University, 1996 – initiated as Shari Stephens) has won a SheInspires Award. Dianne, who became an award-winning indie author after surviving numerous brain surgeries in 2004, won the SHEro Award, global category, for her perseverance against tremendous odds to rebuild her life, language skills, and career. She has six books in publication, The Into the West Saga Serial Collection. Dianne has also created a TikTik video series entitled The Mutant Chronicles, which is about living with brain damage. In addition, she also has a book-themed podcast, Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt.
  • Joni K. Burke (University of Louisville, 1983), along with her husband Kelly Burke, has been named the 2022 Alumni Fellow for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Louisville. Joni was a long-time circle advisor at Louisville, an Eldridge W. Roark, Jr. Meritorious Service Award winner, and a member of the Scholarship Review and Selection Committee for many years.
  • Janet W. Burton (Jacksonville State University, 2002) has received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Sara B. Ciallella (Concordia University Irvine, 2010) has been selected for Who’s Who of Professional Women.
  • Lois S. Cronholm (University of Louisville, 1981) has been named the 2022 Alumni Fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Louisville.
  • Robert B. Frieberg (University of South Dakota, 1957) served as the Dakota Days Parade Grand Marshal in October 2022.
  • Joseph M. “Mac” Haik (University of Mississippi, 1968) is this year’s Distinguished American Award recipient as presented by the Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
  • Rex L. Mahnensmith (Denise University, 1972) has been presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Summer C. Owens (University of Memphis, 2000) was the emcee for the 2022 Black Alumni Gala for the University of Memphis’ National Alumni Association Black Alumni Chapter. Earlier this year, she hosted the Distinguished Alumni Awards.
  • Donna O. Perry (University of South Carolina – Aiken, 1992) has been responsible for fundraising for two schools, served on a mission trip to Jamaica, and has been an active volunteer with the Augusta Symphony Guild.
  • Michael K. Powell (William & Mary, 2005) was recently honored by being inducted into W&M’s 2022 U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame. Powell is a former rector for William & Mary, and he is a former commissioner and chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
  • William N. Reed (University of Mississippi, 1970) has been elected 2022-23 president of the Ole Miss Alumni Association.
  • Paul E. Rider, Sr. (University of Northern Iowa, 1997) was selected as one of the 2022 Eight Over 80 by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.
  • Henry L. Rush, Jr. (Louisiana Tech University, 1972) has been inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry.
  • Ruwa Romman (Oglethorpe University, 2013) was recently elected as the Georgia State Representative for Georgia House District 97.
  • Amber L. Smith (Pennsylvania State University, Altoona, 2005) was selected as an alumni member of the 2022 homecoming court at Penn State.
  • Morris Stampfer (University of Pittsburgh, 1959) was inducted into the Lafayette Jefferson High School Hall of Fame.
  • Thomas L. Steinemann (Transylvania University, 1978) is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award and the 2020 Advocacy Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
  • Ernest G. Williams (University of Alabama, 1937) was posthumously inducted into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame.
  • Keith E. Wilson (University of Southern Mississippi, 2003) was named Best Public Relations Specialist in WXXV-TV 25’s 2022 Viewer’s Choice Awards.
  • Shiri Yadlin (Washington and Lee University, 2011) has been selected as a 2022 Distinguished Alumna by W&L.

Obituaries

  • Coach Vincent “Vince” J. Dooley (Auburn University, 1953) died in late October. Dooley was the long-time football coach and athletics director at the University of Georgia.
  • Cecil G. Duffee, Jr. (University of Alabama, 1947) passed away in late October.
  • Charles J. Ferguson (University of South Carolina – Columbia, 1951) passed away in November.
  • Gerald “Jerry” W. Fronterhouse (University of Oklahoma, 1956) died in mid-September.
  • James D. Hammerlee (Grove City College, 1950) passed away in November.
  • Daniel C. Holsenbeck (Auburn University, 1963) died in December. Holsenbeck was a long-time volunteer for Omicron Delta Kappa and a recent recipient of the Cheryl M. Hogle Distinguished Service Award.
  • Wayne W. Killion, Jr. (Birmingham-Southern College, 1972) passed away in December.
  • William O. Jeansonne (Louisiana State University, 1959) died in early October.
  • Romano L. Mazzoli (University of Louisville, 1959) passed away in early November. Mazzoli was a long-time congressman from Louisville.
  • Congressman A. Donald McEachin (University of Richmond, 2012) died in November.
  • Covert E. “Pete” Parnell III (Birmingham-Southern College, 1966) passed away in December.
  • Glenn Pennington (University of Mississippi, 1961) died in mid-October.
  • Gaylord J. Perry (Campbell University, 1978) passed away in December. Perry was a Hall of Fame professional baseball pitcher.
  • William N. Reinhart (Bucknell University, 1967) died in early November.
  • Kenneth L. Roberts (Vanderbilt University, 1954) passed away in December.