UK’s Omicron Delta Kappa Circle celebrates a century of leadership and legacy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2025) — The University of Kentucky proudly celebrated a major milestone March 30, as the Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, commemorated its 100th anniversary on campus. The centennial celebration coincided with the Nu Circle’s annual Awards Night and Induction Ceremony, held in the Singletary Center for the Arts President’s Room.

Established on campus in 1925, the UK Nu Circle has a rich legacy of recognizing and inspiring student leadership. This year’s event was a meaningful blend of tradition and recognition — honoring not only the past century of excellence but also the new generation of scholars and leaders making its mark at UK and beyond.

The evening’s agenda featured a keynote address from Jennifer Waller, national president and CEO of Omicron Delta Kappa, who celebrated the Nu Circle’s enduring impact and presented a commemorative plaque recognizing the circle’s centennial.

“Throughout its 100-year history, the University of Kentucky Nu Circle has embodied excellence in leadership,” Waller said. “On behalf of the board of trustees of Omicron Delta Kappa and our educational foundation, it is my honor to recognize this momentous achievement and the generations of leaders who have shaped campus life and their communities.”

Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University, Omicron Delta Kappa was established to honor collegiate leadership across all areas of campus life. The UK Nu Circle continues to champion those ideals, promoting collaboration and distinction among students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The awards night also spotlighted several prestigious recognitions:

Maurice A. Clay Awards

Maurice A. Clay was an educator and professor at UK for more than 60 years. He was the epitome of service leadership, while assuming little recognition for himself. Established more than 30 years ago, the Maurice A. Clay Award honors one outstanding graduating senior from each academic college. Recipients exemplify academic excellence, leadership and dedicated service to their college community.

2025 Maurice A. Clay Award Recipients:

• Gage Tucker, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Ryson Neeley, College of Arts and Sciences
• Maxwell Mason, Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Abigail Cutrer, College of Communication and Information
• Austin Hirtzel, College of Design
• Emery Etzel, College of Education
• Nolan Harvey, Pigman College of Engineering
• Faith Lindsey, College of Fine Arts
• Kelly Chism, College of Health Sciences
• Michael Ackiss, College of Nursing
• Emma Grace Hague, College of Public Health
• Avery Powers, College of Social Work
• Lauren Spencer, Martin School for Public Policy and Administration

Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarships

Named for the beloved UK alumnus and former football coach, the Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarship celebrates students who embody compassion, integrity and humility in their leadership. To be eligible for this award, one must be a member of UK’s Omicron Delta Kappa Circle, be currently enrolled in a degree program and apply for the award. The recipients were chosen from their peers and received a $500 stipend.

2025 Recipients:

• McKenna Johansen, Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Samantha Jones, College of Public Health
• Aliyyah Sadek, College of Arts and Sciences

Great Teacher Awards

In partnership with the UK Alumni Association, Omicron Delta Kappa recognized the 2025 recipients of the Great Teacher Award. Learn more about these exceptional educators in UKNow.

Spring 2025 Inductees

The induction of new members remains a hallmark of Omicron Delta Kappa’s mission. The Spring 2025 class includes undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across UK’s colleges. These initiates represent the future of the Nu Circle — leaders who are already making a difference on campus and are poised to continue their impact across Kentucky and beyond.

• Amir Al Khaiat, Gatton College of Business and Economics 
• Ariana Favetto, Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Tonya Bates, College of Education
• Lindsay Cohen, College of Education
• Renee Lacy, College of Education
• Regan Miller, College of Education
• Samuel Thompson, Pigman College of Engineering
• Ghazal Jawed, College of Public Health
• Raphael Garcia Jr, College of Social Work
• Harmony Gugliemino, College of Social Work
• April Hill, College of Social Work
• Gretchen Hyler, College of Social Work
• Jessica Kidd, College of Social Work
• Amanda Macdonald, College of Social Work
• Gina Tarducci, College of Social Work
• Emily Trendle, College of Social Work
• Ashton Croudep, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Hannah Sullivan, Gatton College of Business and Economics 
• Angie Bushroe, College of Arts and Sciences
• Madison Clarke, College of Arts and Sciences
• Katelyn Huffaker, College of Arts and Sciences
• Addyson Miles, College of Arts and Sciences 
• Mariah Moore, College of Arts and Sciences
• Peyton Wilson, College of Arts and Sciences
• Abigail Smith, College of Health Sciences
• Ayviana Olsen, College of Public Health
• Siena Pilati, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration

Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership

During the event, the Nu Circle also celebrated the contributions of outgoing student leaders Nora Sypkens, past president; and Safiyah Sadek, social media coordinator, for their service. Both are graduating seniors.

Applications for new officers are currently under review.

As Omicron Delta Kappa celebrates this historic 100-year milestone, the organization remains committed to developing ethical, inclusive and effective leaders who will shape the future. 

Follow @ODKattheUKY on social media to join in celebrating this momentous year and to recognize the extraordinary leaders of today and tomorrow. For more information, contact ODKattheUKY@uky.edu.