ODK History:
UM Circle
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In
1948, founding fathers including Dr. Bowman F. Ashe
and Dr. Jay Pearson began Theta Omicron Pi, an
honor society modeled after Omicron Delta Kappa, the
National Leadership Honor Society. Under a petition to
join ODK, the brothers of Phi Omicron Pi became the
major sponsors of Homecoming. The University of Miami
Circle of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society was installed
as the 67th Circle of the National Leadership Honor
Society on June 2, 1949.
The ODK Bell was donated by the U.S. Navy and
still bears the name of the ship from which it was
taken. The bell was traditionally kept in the University
Center and was rung after members were tapped; only
recently did ODK begin to take the bell around campus
for use in tapping ceremonies. The ringing of the ODK
bell marks the beginning of the Homecoming every year at
the University.
The shape of the ODK Key represents the Circle,
which symbolizes the all around and inclusive nature of
our organization. The five stars on the upper bar
represent the five major phases of college life, for
which our society stands. Membership in Omicron Delta
Kappa is awarded to undergraduate junior and senior
students, to students of graduate and professional
schools and colleges of the institution, to members of
the faculty and administration, and to alumni.
Membership is as much an obligation and responsibility
in citizenship as it is a mark of highest distinction
and honor. |
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