LEXINGTON, Va. — Hannah Whitehead, a native of Westfield, was recently initiated into the Rider University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. The Society welcomed 348 new initiates from 12 universities during October 2023.

Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate/professional students in the top 35 percent of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than 5 percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded in Lexington, Va., on December 3, 1914. A group of 15 students and faculty members established the Society to recognize and encourage leadership at the collegiate level. The founders established the ODK Idea — the concept that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate with faculty and others to support the campus and community. ODK’s mission is to honor and develop leaders; encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff and alumni; and promote ODK’s leadership values of collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship and service on college and university campuses throughout North America.

The Society’s national headquarters is located in Lexington, Va. For more information about Omicron Delta Kappa, visit odk.org.