Thirty-two students and two faculty members at Eastern Connecticut State University were inducted into Eastern’s chapter of the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Leadership Honor Society on March 2 in the Betty R. Tipton room. The inductees were chosen based on their commitment to leadership within the campus and in their communities. 

Junior psychology major and president of Eastern’s ODK chapter, Sadie Blackwell, ushered in the new recruits by affirming the principles that the society is built upon. 

“Members of ODK value its high ideals and purpose as we strive to provide leadership in worthy undertakings and to be of service to others,” said Blackwell. “We believe in the tenets of this society and those principles for which it stands, and we are pleased and honored to share them with you today.” 

Senior psychology major and ODK vice president Brayden Alexis led the opening reflection and reminded the inductees of the strong moral standing that is concurrent with the society they were accepted to join. 

“As we gather to confer the honor society membership upon these elected individuals, we grant also that we may strive without ceasing to incorporate them into a renewed vision of the meaning of ODK,” said Alexis. “A desire for creative thinking, high purposes and ideals, moral strength and integrity remain close to our hearts.” 

Senior art major and ODK treasurer Meghan Wrobel reminded the inductees of the responsibilities they accept in the society, pledging to continue upholding the standards of leadership within their communities. 

“Being inducted means that you will forever seek to incorporate these values in academic and community life; not only at your own college or university but within American educational institutions at large and in the communities in which you will lead,” said Wrobel.  

“As a member, you commit that you will make every effort to practice high ideals in both private and public life so that the world may see you as a concrete, living symbol of the great principles of ODK.” 

Senior music major and ODK secretary Nikki Flynn further elaborated on the motives that spurred the original founders of ODK in 1914 to bring together a community of innovative leaders within academic institutions. 

“The success of the ODK idea is a determination to maintain a consistent and high standard of leadership recognition, which led to the establishment of chapters which we call circles at other colleges and universities,” said Flynn.  

“The society in which you are about to become a member has a three-pronged mission: to identify, honor and develop leaders in collegiate and community life; encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni to advance leadership; and to promote, publicize, and enhance our ideals.”

Leadership statements from new inductees offered different perspectives on leadership and emphasized the versatility of leadership methods. 

“Leadership means inspiring and empowering others while fostering an environment of trust, respect, and growth,” said sophomore health sciences major Breonne Lewis. “My respective leadership roles, such as being vice president of the Black Student Union, have taught me the value of collaboration, adapting to new situations, inclusivity, and decision-making.” 

“A true leader leads by example, has integrity, and demonstrates resilience. They are not afraid to make tough decisions and learn from their mistakes,” said senior criminology major Mykenzie Mawdsley. “Leadership is a journey of continuous growth, self-improvement, and assisting others.” 

Faculty inductee Emily Todd, dean of arts and sciences, concluded the ceremony by sharing her leadership journey, stating that she would have never anticipated being a leader when she was a college student. 

“If you were to have told me when I was 20 that I would be recognized for my leadership, I wouldn't have believed you,” said Todd. “What I’ve learned over the course of my long career is that there are different ways to lead, and some of the best ways you can do that is to draw on your own strengths, live by your values, put humans at the center, and always strive to serve others.”