BUCKHANNON, West Virginia The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 61st annual induction on March 21, 2024, in the Meditation Chapel.  The circle inducted six seniors, five juniors, six sophomores, and two staff members.

The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,100 students, faculty, and staff.  Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following:  athletics, music, arts, journalism, and community service.

Newly inducted members include:  Seniors Shaela Croston, Philippi, WV, Kirby Forbes, Culloden, WV, Kendra Hamilton, Buckhannon, WV, Megan McMackin, Kersey, PA, Hali Westcott, Sistersville, WV, and Joley Williams, Craigsville, WV.  Juniors Abigail Dilly, Caldwell, WV, Katherine Morgan, Monongah, WV, Ellie Pergolotti, Plantsville, CT, Brenlyn Swecker, Elkins, WV, and Faith Yoho, New Martinsville, WV.   Sophomores Caleb Fairhurst, Tallmadge, OH, Julia McCoy, Ravenswood, WV, Srikiran Nandigama, Salt Point, NY, Tessa Sleeth, Salem, WV, Jasmine Tabor, Wayne, WV, and Addison Taylor, Philippi, WV.

Also inducted were Cynthia Brissey, associate dean for academic affairs, and Joshua Stump, assistant vice president for advancement.

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Lively, dean of students, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement.  Officers participating included Bree Moll, president, Alienor Dalle, vice president, and Stephen Groves, treasurer.  Student officers for the 2024-2025 academic year include Srikiran Nandigama, president, Faith Yoho, vice-president, and Ellie Pergolotti, treasurer.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA.  The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life.  The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community.  The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.