People of OΔK
Michelle-Marie Pena
Student President of the Circle at University of Miami
Circle President Michelle-Marie Pena is a Senior at the University of Miami and is majoring in Biology with minors in Spanish, Chemistry, and Psychology. She plans to continue her education by attending medical school.
Pena has been working with members of her Circle to increase the sense of community between student members, faculty/staff, and alumni. On November 17 the Circle celebrated its 60th Anniversary. The celebration started with an ice-breaking game of "OΔK Bingo," a slideshow of past and current members, and officially introduced the most recent initiates. Foundation Trustee and former President of the New York Stock Exchange Bill Johnston was the Keynote Speaker. Dinner for the event was generously donated by Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services Mel Tenen.
In addition to serving as Circle President, Pena is a Senator in the University of Miami Student Government, serves as chair of Canes Night Live, a student-run late-night programming board on campus. She also serves as the Publicity Chair of Canes International Outreach, an organization that is fundraising and planning a mission trip to Guatemala. She also volunteers at Miami Children's Hospital. |
President Shearer Announces Retirement
In late October, President Charles L. Shearer announced his plans to retire from Transylvania University. As he put it in his own words to the "Transy" community, "After 27 years at the helm of Kentucky's first college, I feel the time is right to hand the reins of leadership over to our next president, whoever he or she may be."
Omicron Delta Kappa owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Dr. Shearer and to Transylvania University. The campus has been a generous host of the national headquarters for the Society and Foundation since July 2006, and Dr. Shearer has graciously made OΔK feel welcome. His leadership will be missed at Transy, and he will always be a distinguished member and friend of Omicron Delta Kappa.
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Strategic Planning Session
 Members of OΔK's Board of Directors and Foundation Trustees came together with staff members to participate in a strategic planning session on July 25, 2009. The meeting followed months of preparatory work completed by the facilitator, Jay Hummel and the strategic planning steering committee. Twenty-two initiatives were developed, with implementation set to occur over the next 24 months.
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Nominations Needed for Regional
and National Office
When OΔK meets in Houston in June, one important item of business will be the election of national officers and regional directors. A nominating committee consisting of Kevin Bailey, Tulane University (baileyk@tulane.edu); Jim Osteen, University of Maryland (josteen@umd.edu); Kathy Smith, Ball State University (ksmith2@bsu.edu); and Sam Sadler, Chair, William and Mary (wssadl@wm.edu) will guide the nominations process for the organization.
To assist its work, the committee invites all members to participate in the nominations process. If you know someone (including yourself) who should be considered for a regional director's position or for national office, please contact the chair of the committee at wssadl@wm.edu.
You should provide the name of the person you are nominating, contact information for that person, and a paragraph or two describing why you believe the individual should be considered for a national or regional office. Please include information about your nominee's previous involvement in OΔK. All such information should be sent to the Chair of the Nominating Committee no later than December 15.
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Celebrating Women in OΔK
 This year marks the anniversary of two significant dates in the history of Omicron Delta Kappa: the first is the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Society at Washington and Lee University and the second is the 35th anniversary of the vote allowing women to be recognized as members of O∆K. While the induction of women seems like normal practice now, it was a very different story 35 years ago. In light of this milestone, several Circles around the country have held events in recognition of the female members in their Circle.
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2010 CLT2 Update
 The deadline for submitting applications for the 2010 CLT2 program has passed. We received a record number of applications this year and we are very excited about the growing enthusiasm for the program. Applications are currently being reviewed and applicants will be notified by December 14 if they have been selected to attend the program.
We are very excited to announce that The Wilton Companies of Richmond, VA has made a generous donation to be the Banquet Sponsor for CLT2 2010. President of The Wilton Companies Richard Johnson has been of great service to the Foundation with the planning and funding of the program and we thank him for his support.
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Chartering at Georgian Court University
 The newest Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa was installed on November 15th at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey. It is the Society's 316th Circle, and the sixth in New Jersey. Thirty student leaders and twelve administrators, faculty, and staff members were part of the charter group. Associate Executive Director Kenneth A. Taylor served as installing officer, with assistance from OΔK Fellow Matt Hopper. Foundation President Bill Johnston was the keynote speaker.
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Director of Development and
Alumni/ae Affairs
We would like to thank the many individuals who have applied for the Director of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs position. Our selection committee is currently reviewing the applications and plans to interview the top candidates this month. Our goal is to have the position begin in January. Many thanks go out to each of you who have recommended individuals for this position. We are looking forward to have this newest addition to our staff at national headquarters.
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JoAnn Romano Steps Down as Trustee
 After many years of dedicated service to the Society and
Foundation, JoAnn Romano has resigned as a member of the Foundation
Trustees. She has served for seven years as Secretary-Treasurer of the
Foundation Board of Trustees. She cited personal reasons for doing so.
We thank her for her service and dedication to the principles and
ideals of Omicron Delta Kappa.
"I have been graciously honored to serve alongside such incredible,
dedicated people. Each and every one of you has touched my life in ways
you may never know. Thank you for that privilege." -JoAnn Romano
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