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Young Harris College Celebrates Omicron Delta Kappa Circle Charter Ceremony

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — On Thursday, March 16, Young Harris College held its Circle Charter Ceremony for the National Leadership Honors Society Omicron Delta Kappa (O∆K), with over 30 outstanding individuals inducted as founding members of the Circle. O∆K President and CEO Dr. Tara Singer presided over the ceremony, joined by Young Harris College President, Dr. Drew Van Horn and Provost, Dr. Jason Pierce. 

“Omicron Delta Kappa is the nation’s most respected leadership Society,” said President Van Horn. “Young Harris College is honored to have its long history of supporting student leaders recognized by having a chapter of O∆K chartered on our campus.” As a prestigious member of the Honor Society Caucus, O∆K provides opportunities for scholarships, workshops, and career development. Members inducted during the ceremony are now eligible to apply for the O∆K Scholarship and attend the 2023 National Leadership Conference in September. 

“Collaboration is the essence of every Circle,” said Dr. Singer. “Young Harris’s size will be a tremendous advantage in bringing together student leaders who seek out worthy undertakings. O∆K is not a secret society; I encourage members to extend service opportunities to the entire campus community.” O∆K members will coordinate across diverse networks to strengthen and support the surrounding community through volunteer work and similar projects. 

“The O∆K charter is about renewing our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Pierce. To be inducted into the O∆K Circle, students must demonstrate strong leadership and academic performance. They must be nominated under one of the five pillars recognized by O∆K: Academics & Research, Athletics, Fine Arts, Communications, and Government & Service. Each initiate was personally welcomed into the Society by Dr. Singer and Dr. Van Horn. 

Under the Pillar of Academics & Research: Henrik Timgren, Matthew George, Emma Hambrick, Hannah Behner, James Mardell, and Susanne Moore

Under the Pillar of Athletics: John Surowiec, Jillian Dixon, Christian Schach, Albert Wallace, and Meghna Mallath

Under the Pillar of Fine Arts: Adriana Mucia, Rex DiPietro, Karah Shea, Chris Say, and Abram Miller, and Emma Pullium

Under the Pillar of Communications: Robert Ferebee, McKayla Milam, Katelyn D’Ambrosio, Rebekah Hubley, Adelynn White, Abigail Hill, and Rebecca Baker

Under the Pillar of Government & Service: Cassidy Campbell, William Jones, Ryann Haly, Kristen Trice, and Lily Buxton 

The College also inducted three faculty members and two administrators into O∆K. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in leadership in one of the pillars of O∆K and were nominated by a peer.

Under the Pillar of Academics & Research: Dr. Jason Pierce and Dr. Linda Jones

Under the Pillar of Athletics: Jennifer Rushton

Under the Pillar of Fine Arts: Dr. Keith DeFoor

Under the Pillar of Communications: Dr. Jennifer Hallett

To welcome the initiates into Omicron Delta Kappa, Dr. Singer and Circle President, Will Jones, guided attendees through the history and symbols of O∆K, the meaning of the Greek letters, and the leadership values embodied by the Society’s members: collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service. Each Charter member was also provided with the Key of Membership pin and a certificate identifying their membership of O∆K. 

“I hope to see O∆K step up to be leaders on campus, like serving others and being the kind of people others can look up to,” said O∆K Circle Secretary, Adelynn White. The Circle’s President, Will Jones, added, “I am excited for this new Charter to get more involved with the broader community around us.”

Vice President McKayla Milam anticipates “more leadership involvement on campus from students, faculty, and staff members with the help of O∆K’s different service opportunities.” As a student-athlete, O∆K Executive, Meghna Mallath, appreciates the honor society’s recognition of diversity in leadership, emphasizing, “what excites me the most about being a part of O∆K is seeing not just one, but many pillars of leadership come together.”

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.

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