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27 students initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa 

Photo by Meredith Hein

As the students’ names were announced one by one, they approached the decorated table, received their certificate and key, and signed their name in a ceremonial book, while being accompanied by applause from other inductees, active members, and faculty and staff. The 27 newest initiates are the next class of Rollins students to embody Omicron Delta Kappa’s five pillars of campus life: Academics and Research, Athletics, Service to Campus and Community, Communications, and Creative and Performing Arts

On Tue., April 22, 27 students were initiated into Rollins’ circle of the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Honor Society. The event took place at the Barker House, the residence of Rollins President Grant Cornwell and his wife, Peg Cornwell. The Cornwells have been involved with the honor society for several decades. In 2022, Peg was awarded an Eldridge W. Roark, Jr. Meritorious Service Award for her continuous efforts with ODK (an award also won by Lorrie Kyle, Executive Director for the Office of the President, in 2022) and previously served as the faculty advisor at St. Lawrence University. President Cornwell has also been recognized by the society for his philosophical approach as an “entrepreneurial educator.” 

The Rollins College ODK circle was established on March 23, 1931, and it has since received four “Circle of Distinction” awards in 2012, 2017, 2022, and 2023, respectively. 

The 2025 initiation was led by Joseph Pool (‘26), ODK CLA President, Christie Versace (‘25), ODK Holt President, and Cecilia Hernandez (‘25), ODK Vice President of Operations. The ceremony was followed by refreshments and hors d’oeuvres as inductees mingled in the Barker House. 

Marissa Rodriguez (‘27), new ODK initiate, spoke about the event. “I felt a deep sense of pride as I received my pin,” she said. “It felt like a reflection of how hard I’ve worked to get where I am today. And being surrounded by hardworking individuals and receiving such recognition made me feel like I was part of something very fulfilling.” 

Pool and Versace did not respond to The Sandspur’s request for comment. 

The following 27 students were initiated on April 22 (and 6 new members who could not attend the ceremony will be initiated at a later date): 

Allie Adams 

Elliott Alley 

Amanda Blain 

Margaret Burnham 

Abby Campoverde 

Stephanie Carmany 

Charles Curci 

Juliana Diab 

Farrell Donnelly 

Allie Evangelista 

Simone Fowler 

Angelica Gonzalez 

Mariel Horne 

Aimal Irteza 

Ryleigh Johnson 

Katerina Latushka 

Ricardo Pierre 

Kate Puharich 

Marissa Rodriguez 

Emma Salerno 

Kate Salerno 

Mylla Samaroo 

Denise Santiago Sanchez 

Kelly Sharp 

Nicolás Simón 

Elizabeth Swartz 

Karie Yanez 

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