History
Since the early twenties, St. Lawrence University has recognized outstanding upper class men and women. At that time, Kixioc (for men) and Kalon (for women) were formed to recognize students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership, and service to the university. The tapping, which is incorporated in the induction into these honoraries, is one of St. Lawrence University’s richest traditions.
In 1954, Kixioc became affiliated with the national men’s honorary, Omicron Delta Kappa, at the same time, Kalon became affiliated with the national senior women’s honorary, Mortar Board. Both organizations continued to tap members with strong records of contribution to campus life.
In 1976, the members of Omicron Delta Kappa and Mortar Board decided to merge into one organization: The Kalon-Kixioc Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, open to junior and senior men and women and to members of the faculty and staff. At the current time there are circles of ODK in more than 200 institutions of higher learning.
The purpose of the society is to recognize individuals who have attained a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities and to encourage them to aspire to higher achievements.
To be tapped for ODK is among the highest honors that an undergraduate student at St. Lawrence can attain. Students’ academic performance must be in the top 35 percentile of their class. In addition the candidate must have attained special distinction in at least one of the following phases of collegiate activity:
Athletics
Campus Government
Religious Activities
Journalism
Speech or Mass Media
Creative & Performing Arts
Social Service
In the fall of 1999, ODK introduced a new method of induction. Current members of ODK visit successful applicants in their classrooms a few days prior to the day of induction and announce that the students have been accepted into the ODK circle. An ODK Ribbon is attached to the new member’s lapel. The new members, their family and friends are then invited to the induction ceremony which is a part of Moving Up Day. The current members of ODK dress in blue gowns as everyone gathers on the Richardson Triangle. One by one the new members are tapped and run around the triangle while their achievements are read to crowd. Following the tapping a formal induction ceremony takes place where the new members are informed of their new responsibilities.