BUCKHANNON, West Virginia —The West Virginia Wesleyan College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 63rd annual induction on March 18, 2026, in the Meditation Chapel.  The circle inducted 21 individuals into the organization including two graduate students, one senior, two juniors, 13 sophomores, and three faculty.

The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,200 students, faculty, and staff.  Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following: athletics, music, arts, journalism and community service.

Newly inducted members include:  Graduate students, Cayley Symons, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Kimberly Brown, Crawford, West Virginia; Senior, Cole Price, Waynesville, N.C.; Juniors, Emily Wanless, Elkins, West Virginia; Jessica Nuzum, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Sophomores, Ava Smith, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania; Lily Garton, Weston, West Virginia; Ella Fournier, Westland, Michigan; Eleanor Smith, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Taylor Hess, Worthington, West Virginia; Sawyer Henderson, Big Springs, West Virginia; Jordan Groves, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Lynzee Hague, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Rae Rupert, Pennsboro, West Virginia; Chase Gora, Kernersville, N.C.; Avery Bangsund, Clermont, Florida; Nasif Mohammed, Alpharetta, Georgia. 

Also inducted were Dr. Tracie Dodson, School of Business; Valerie Jordan, School of Nursing and Dr. Drew Mason, Athletic Training and Exercise Science.

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Suttle, dean of students and circle advisor, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement and circle staff.  Officers participating included Srikiran Nandigama ‘26, president, and Ellie Pergoletti, treasurer.  Guest speaker was Paula McGrew, professor of library science and director of library services emeritus.  Student officers for the 2025-2026 academic year include Avery Bangsund ‘29, President; Ava Smith ‘29, Vice President and Chase Gora ‘29, Treasurer.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.  The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life.  The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community.  The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.