Omicron Delta Kappa, national leadership fraternity, celebrates its 40th anniversary this semester during its member initiation Nov. 6.

ODK has been active since 1914 and is present on 285 college campuses. The fraternity has between 10 and 20 members at Kent State University.

The fraternity looks for juniors, seniors and graduate students who are active leaders in other organizations on campus and have a minimum of a 2.9 cumulative GPA.

“We look for someone who’s involved in other activities and held leadership roles,” ODK’s President Nicole Silver said. “We also look for scholarship and athleticism. “

ODK values five different principles in its members. Scholarship, athletics and campus or community service are important, as well as social religious activities and campus government; journalism, speech and mass media; and creative and performing arts.

Dr. Paul Milton is the faculty advisor of the fraternity and the director of Recreational Services.

“Working with Dr. Milton is a great advantage,” Faculty Secretary Pat Stephens said. “He’s a strong leader with the students and the community.”

According to Stephens, faculty members and alumni can join ODK.

ODK members have a positive presence around Kent State. Silver was honored by Kent State at the Student Leadership Inauguration Honors and Awards Ceremony last semester for her accomplishments and contribution as a student leader.

Audra Godfrey, secretary of ODK, was the Homecoming Queen this year and Teddy Wenger, also an ODK member, was Homecoming King in 2004.

ODK has a scholarship offered to any student at Kent State. Silver said the scholarship was started by the former President, Holly Kwiatkowski, and has been continued since her graduation.

The scholarship is a $100 book award for a student with a 2.9 GPA or better. Silver also said if a student applies for the scholarship and for membership, he/she will get a discounted membership rate.

Students who are interested being considered for memberships in ODK are encouraged to talk to Silver or Milton in the administrative offices in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Applications can be picked up there or mailed to the student if he or she contacts Stephens ahead of time. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday.

Students accepted into the fraternity will be expected to pay a one-time fee to the national organization and a yearly fee to Kent State’s ODK for service projects and operating costs. Silver said members are also expected to attend a monthly meeting.

The scholarship offered can be accessed on the financial aid Web site and activities offered by ODK are posted on the calendar on FlashLine.

Contact Greek life reporter Lauren Polly [email protected].