National leadership honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa, has awarded Samford University the 2011 Clay Grant. “With this grant, Samford will begin the ODK Mentoring Program,” said Cameron Collins, Samford’s Omicron Delta Kappa President.
Samford’s circle was one of 22 to apply for the grant. Only six schools were selected to receive the funds.
The Mentoring Program will pair junior and senior ODK members with members of Freshman Forum with similar academic and extracurricular interests.
“The goal is to develop leadership in highly motivated students from their freshmen year by providing them with a peer mentor,” said Collins. “We are extremely excited about implementing this program and believe it will have a truly transformative effect on Samford’s campus.”
In 2009, Samford’s ODK circle began the Omicron Delta Kappa Day of Service, which grew into Samford Gives Back, an event attended by more than 800 students this semester.
Omicron Delta Kappa was founded in 1914. The founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students, faculty, and administrators should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.