The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) held its annual membership initiation ceremony, celebrating the induction of new members across undergraduate, graduate, and faculty ranks, recognizing their commitment to leadership and service.
This year's new undergraduate inductees include Kamryn Isabella Brock, a sophomore biology/pre-health major; Grace Alexandra Ellis, a junior biology/chemistry/pre-health major; Georgia Anne Jones a sophomore veterinary health science major; Bente Latenstein van Voorst, a junior psychology major; Kaylea J. Martin, a sophomore special/elementary education major; Stewart Thomas Thacker, a sophomore conservation biology major; and Emma Jane Van Remortel a sophomore pre-veterinary medicine major.
Graduate and professional inductees include LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) students Jackie Alexander Gann, OMS-I and Max O. Spitzer, OMS I, along with Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences student Rohan Puppala.
Additionally, Dean of Students and Executive Director for Student Services Elise C. Syoen, Assistant Professor of Music Ben Bruflat, and LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) Professor of Virology Vina Faulkner were inducted and honored for their service and leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and Christian life coach Candida Sullivan. Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, Sullivan has dedicated her life to helping others overcome challenges and find strength through faith. Her speech was titled “Despite Your Circumstances: Developing the Mindset of an Overcomer.”
The event took place August 24 at the LMU-CVM building on the Harrogate campus where new inductees recited the pledge, introduced themselves, and signed the official membership book, marking their formal entry into ODK.
The platform party included: Hannah Diehr and Cas Cummins (ODK co-presidents), Dr. LaRoy Brandt (professor of Conservation Biology and director of the Cumberland Mountain Research Center), Dr. Stan Kunigelis (professor Medical Physiology and director of the Imaging and Analysis Center), Dean Sheri Schatz (assistant dean of students for Leadership and Outreach), Dr. Chessica Cave (associate professor of Education and director of Undergraduate Education), and Dr. Molly Duggan (director of the LMU Quality Enhancement Plan).
The LMU Circle of ODK continues to foster leadership, character, and service among its members, contributing to the University's mission of producing competent and compassionate leaders.
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character. Founded in 1914, ODK is one of the nation's oldest and most respected honor societies, with circles at over 300 colleges and universities across the United States.
The event photo album can be found at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBExpL
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
