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UMD Celebrates

SGA IS 100!A Shanghai

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ODK ALUMNI

FALL 2019

THE LEADERO M I C R O N D E L T A K A P P A

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S I G M A C I R C L E AT T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D

Happy Fall ODK!

We had a very busy summer on campus. Construction fences multiplied over the summer, names were engraved on the ODK Fountain, and we bid a fond farewell to our amazing Vice President for Student Affairs (and ODK Voting Faculty member), Dr. Linda Clement.

The Fountain looks beautiful! All new members from Fall 2017 to Spring 2019 are now permanently etched on the Fountain. Come find your name next time you are on campus. Or check it out after the Homecoming Student Leadership Celebration on Saturday, November 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon!

In mid-August, we said goodbye to Linda Clement after an amazing career of 45 years on campus and 19 years as the Vice President for Student Affairs. Linda was a tireless advocate for students and a huge supporter of ODK. We wish her all the best and hope she will continue to keep in touch!

The fall semester began with a fantastic selection process. With so many members who graduated in May, we are small but mighty! This semester, 288 undergraduates applied for ODK, and the ODK officers led a smooth, efficient selection effort resulting in 36 new undergraduate members and 2 honorary members tapped. ODK continues to be one of the most sought-after honors on campus!

Campus continues to buzz with construction. Fences encircle the “M” as we change roads and sidewalks to prepare for the Purple Line. Cole Field House continues to grow and the Iribe Center opened with much excitement. We hope you can come back to campus this fall to check out all the changes!

As always, please keep us informed of any changes to your contact information and provide us with updates about your lives. Visit www.odk.umd.edu to update us electronically. If you are willing and able, please support our activities and events by making a gift to the Sigma Circle. See the enclosed envelope for more information. Enjoy the remainder of the fall and we hope to see you back on campus on November 2nd!

Warmly,

Brooke Supple

P.S. Save the date for Maryland Day 2020 on April 25th!

MESSAGE FROM THE CIRCLE COORDINATOR

By Brooke Supple

Fall 2019 Executive OfficersDoron TadmorPresident

Jacqueline DepreyVice President

Dan AlpertPhilanthropy & Community Service Chair

Julia NovickLectures and Events Chair

Maria CortesAlumni & Member Engagemnt Chair

David RekhtmanHistorian

David PolefronePublic Relations Chair

Christine RheeMembership and Inductions Chair

Sasha KahnDigital Communications Chair

Dr. Brooke SuppleCircle Coordinator

Dr. Dean ChangFaculty Advisor

1 | ODK Sigma Circle THE LEADER

Greetings ODKers,

My name is Doron Tadmor, and I am thrilled and honored to serve as the ODK Sigma Circle President this school year. I have the privilege of working alongside truly talented officers who are filled with creative ideas, are dedicated to their work, and exude contagious enthusiasm.

This semester has gotten off to a great start with circle-wide events, the Homecoming Student Leadership Celebration, new member selections and tapping. We are focusing on strengthening the Sigma Circle community by building deeper relationships between ODK and our members’ organizations.

During new member selections in September, we were reminded of the breadth and depth of passion, leadership and commitment on this campus. Reviewing the accomplishments and accolades of so many student leaders is undoubtedly a humbling experience. This semester, we welcome 36 undergraduates and 2 faculty and honorary members. Each of our new members has distinguished themselves uniquely as a leader among leaders through their contributions to our campus! We look forward to formally inducting them into the Sigma Circle in December.

Looking ahead, the Sigma Circle is proud to be engaging the broader student body and campus community! On September 23rd, in partnership with the Student Government Association, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, UMPD, and UMD administration, ODK participated in the annual Safety Walk to identify and correct safety hazards on campus! In October, we partnered with Terps Against Hunger to pack meals, as well as, co-sponsored the City of College Park mayoral debate and candidates forum.

One of my favorite parts about ODK is that it connects people who would not otherwise cross paths. We come from different pillars, different corners of campus, and different decades to celebrate and practice leadership among truly inspirational individuals. The executive board is elated to lead the Sigma Circle in another year of growing and supporting leaders among leaders.

Sincerely,

Doron Tadmor

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Doron Tadmor ’20

THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle |2

Consider Supporting the ODK Sigma Circle with a Corporate Sponsorship! Sponsorship benefits include the opportunity to network with ODK members and alumni, speaking opportunities, recognition at ceremonies and receptions, tabling at signature UMD

events, brand awareness in our online media, and invitations to our programs.

Please contact us for more information:

Lydia Nicholson, Associate Director for Development & External Relations301-314-1336 | [email protected]

Welcome New Executive Board Members Dan Alpert

My name is Dan Alpert and I am a junior Marketing major, along with minors in Judaic Studies and International Development and Conflict Management. I’m Maryland born and bred with UMD always being in my family - both my parents and brother attended UMD!

As I got involved on campus, I quickly realized how much this campus had to offer in so many different areas, so I tried my best to get others involved to have a similar, and amazing, experience while being a student at UMD. In particular, two of my favorite involvements have been being the Student Liaison to the City Council of College Park and being an Assistant Stage Manager for Maryland Night Live. More recently, I’ve started the Strategic Design and Innovation Fellows program in the Robert H. Smith School of Business, which I hope to use to tie all my passions together and learn to strategically build a personal brand.

I am also involved in the University Student Judiciary, Association of Big Ten Students, Maryland Sports Marketing, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Interfraternity Council Executive Board, Business Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and Terps for Israel. As I pursue my professional career, I hope to bring together my passions of marketing and politics to aid in building brands for campaigns and political figures.

Maria Cortes

Hello all! My name is Maria Cortes and I’m a senior Nutritional Science major. Though I now live in Severna Park, I’ve also lived in Florida and New York.

On campus, I’m involved with Army ROTC and Gamer Symphony Orchestra. In previous

years, I have been involved with Gymkana, Terrapin Leadership Institute, and the Mighty Sound of Maryland as a piccolo player. My involvements are important to me because they give me the opportunity to help others. In Gymkana, we spread the message of healthy living to elementary school children. In Terrapin Leadership Institute, I was able to help young leaders recognize their potential. In Army ROTC, I am training to serve the masses. In ODK, I hope to help foster lasting connections between current members and our amazing alumni community.

I was tapped into ODK in Fall 2018 during a late-night Gymkana event, and since then, I’ve made countless connections through this organization. ODK gives me the opportunity to work alongside a group of leaders passionate about helping others, and it’s exciting to be a part of the executive board this year.

Sasha Kahn

Hi! My name is Sasha Kahn and I am a senior finishing degrees in Architecture and Government & Politics. I live 30 minutes away in Rockville, so coming to the University of Maryland was never in question: it’s a great school and it’s so close to home!

I have spent my three-plus years on campus exploring my interests by taking part in what has been described to me repeatedly as “too many activities.” For the last two years, my leadership of the undergraduate representatives to the Senate Executive Committee, a role in which I speak monthly with the University President, discuss major campus legislation, and coordinate with the University Vice Presidents to follow through on issues most impactful to the student body.

I am in the University Honors Program, am a Peer Mentor, and currently have the role of Honors Ambassadors Team Captain for my Living and Learning Community. I also sit on the Transition Council, where we help plan for the incoming massive overhaul of University Honors. I am the Social Events Chair for the Student Sustainability Committee in the SGA, sit on the President’s Commission on Disability Issues Student Advisory Committee, and work at the Architecture Library. In my previous three years of college, I have been the Maryland School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation Representative and Deputy Director of Government Affairs in the SGA, a Teaching Assistant for Game Theory and Introduction to Design Media, and a writer and director with Maryland Filmmaker’s Club.

Julia Novick

Hello! My name is Julia Novick, and I am a senior pursuing a dual degree in English and Public Health Science. I am from New Jersey, but when I saw that Maryland had so much to offer, I knew that I wanted to come to school here and make this campus my home.


Since coming to Maryland, I have had the opportunity to get involved in many different aspects of campus life. I have developed a passion for supporting women’s rights and preventing sexual violence. One of my most rewarding experiences was serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant on the Wahine Talk Research Team, assessing how homeless adolescents access and use contraception.

I have also had the privilege of working with students across campus to prevent sexual misconduct in my role as Director of Sexual Misconduct Prevention for the Student Government Association. Now, I work as a student defender in the Student Legal Aid Office, advocating for students who are accused of violating university policies to ensure they receive a fair resolution process. Ultimately, my goal is to become an attorney and build on the experiences I have had here to advocate for health policies that reduce inequities within the healthcare system.

David Polefrone

Hello! My name is David Polefrone, and I am a junior pursuing a dual degree in Biochemistry and Economics. I’m from Ellicott City, Maryland, and decided to attend the University of Maryland because of its strengths in the sciences as well as its proximity to the Nation’s Capital.

For me, staying involved on campus is a fulfilling way to enhance my education, forge connections with others, and start dynamic conversations. One of my most impactful involvements has been with the Student Government Association, where I formerly represented the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and now serve as Parliamentarian. I’m excited for the opportunity to enact lasting change in SGA protocol to streamline our meetings and enable us to better meet our stated mission of representing the student voice. In addition to SGA, I’m a member of the QUEST (Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams) Honors Program, a selective three-year program which brings together future scientists, engineers, and businesspeople in project-based classes, as well as the Gemstone Honors College, where I am a member of Team TOXIC, using machine learning methods to predict drug safety.

Previously, I’ve served as a Research Assistant in the Rodriguez Lab, Vice President of Finance for the Maryland Parliamentary Debate Society, Campus Liaison for the Maryland College Democrats, and President of Ellicott Hall Council in the Residence Hall Association. After Maryland, I expect to work towards an advanced degree in computational chemistry, and find a way to use science in the service of others.

Christine Rhee

Hi! My name is Christine Rhee, and I am a senior studying Middle School Math and Science Educa-tion, with a minor in Span-ish Language, from Boyds, Maryland. After gradu-ation, I look forward to attending graduate school for either School Coun-seling or Education Policy. My passion for education

has translated into my campus involvements because I feel that leadership provides constant opportunities to teach and learn. On campus, I’m involved as a Resident Assistant in Denton Hall, Orientation Advisor, University Senator, and Scholars Ambassador. I’m also a member of Kappa Omega Alpha, the public policy professional fraternity, and in the Global Public Health Scholars Program.

One involvement worth highlighting is in the University Senate, where I represent the College of Education and also serve as the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee. The ability to formulate university policy alongside faculty gives me a taste of the world in which I’d like to work, and it has provided me with a blueprint for my future goals. In the long run, I want to be a part of efforts to reform education policy to provide equitable opportunities for all students in our country.

David Rekhtman

Hi! My name is David Rekhtman, and I am a junior pursuing a dual degree in Biochemistry and Neurobiology and Physiology, with a minor in Religious Studies.

My involvements on campus support both my interest in going to medical school

and my passion for helping fellow students. Currently, I’m an active member of the American Medical Student Association, a volunteer for the Food Recovery Network, an undergraduate researcher in Kinesiology, and a Teaching Assistant in Honors Cell Biology. Over the last summer, I shadowed several different doctors to confirm my interest in becoming a practicing physician, and I currently work as a medical scribe for a pediatrics practice.

The bulk of my time outside the classroom is spent in my capacity as Speaker of the Legislature for the Student Government Association. As the presiding officer for all SGA meetings, and a member of the executive team for the organization, I hope to increase SGA’s transparency, build trust between students and administrators, and work alongside all SGA members to implement change on campus for the lasting benefit of the undergraduate student body.

THE LEADER ODK Sigma Circle | 4

100 Years of Student Leadership: A Century in ReviewBy David Polefrone ‘21

In 1919, the precursor to the modern student government was formed at the State Agricultural College at College Park, later to become the University of Maryland. (It should be noted that this year also marked the founding of the Graduate School!) Eight years later, the Sigma Circle of ODK was formed. Student honor boards at the University of Maryland, for example, used to have significant overlap with ODK due to the trust that administrators had in leaders among leaders. Over time, ODK and student government organizations including Graduate Student Government (GSG), the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and the Student Government Association (SGA) have often had overlap. Student government is a way in which many of ODK’s members have found their personal voice as a leader, and enables students to find those of like minds on campus. We sat down with a few of those students to learn more about what governing meant to them.

Former Residence Hall Association President Allison Peters ‘16 explained that her role was in many ways about management. “My leadership career at Maryland meant embracing responsibility and visibility along with my peers. We learned to trust that we were improving our surroundings by leaving good things behind.” One identified issue of running an organization with so many goals was the time frame imposed by college itself. Four years can feel very short, so it’s important to try to make immediate,

tangible impacts on the student body where possible to create meaningful improvements. “One of the exciting parts of my experience in both RHA and ODK was the opportunity to participate in and facilitate leadership trainings, which personally helped me build confidence,” she explained.

Two-term SGA President Patrick Ronk ‘16 explained that he learned to see campus through the lens of creating an experience behind the scenes for students. “Ultimately, much of our work involved building relationships with administrators incrementally to show them how students felt. When we talked, they listened, so it was crucial to accurately reflect the mindset of students.” He noted that his unusual experience as a returning president allowed him to have a somewhat longer view of leadership on campus. “The opportunity to see the inner workings of campus gave me a great appreciation for this school,” he explained, noting that while time-intensive, his position was gratifying because it enabled other students to find their favorite things to do.

Now, in its 100th year of existence, Student Government is working hard to adjust to the changing dynamics of life at the University of Maryland. As explained by SGA President Ireland Lesley ’20, who was inducted last year, the organization is defining its role as the administration changes. “By ensuring that we have a voice in the search for a new university President, and beginning to build a relationship with our new Vice President of Student Affairs [Dr. Patricia Perillo], it’s exciting to help shape the trajectory of the student experience.” Additionally, she says, SGA is working passionately to deepen ties with student groups on campus, and is leading a campaign, “Reclaim the Red,” to prevent sexual assault in reference to the heightened risk of incidents at colleges in the fall semester. “The initiatives we set drive our message as an organization students can trust to solve problems.”

Though our time at the University of Maryland is short, the legacies we leave can fortunately be long.


Taken after the first year of existence, the judicial branch is featured here. Note that the board members were at first nominated by ODK and the related Mortar Board society - a clear demonstration of the high esteem in which the Circle was, and is, held!

The SGA celebrates 25th and 50th reunions for members, long after they have served. Even though much has changed, much has stayed the same; alumni reunions remain a key part of the network which strengthens Maryland in the eyes of the world.


The improvements which students are able to make on campus, as well as the lasting relationships formed in governing organizations and in ODK, are testaments to the strength of the ties formed through shared projects and passions here at Maryland. Even during times of social upheaval, these organizations have served as important ways for students to voice their opinions, advocate for social justice, and enact change on a broad scale. Entering its second century here in College Park, leadership through Student Government has been a catalyst of important change and activism on campus. Rooted in strong traditions such as those of Omicron Delta Kappa, the future of student leadership appears to be brighter than ever.

This all-women’s organization was founded in 1932 due to the increased presence of co-ed classes and extracurricular events on campus. They celebrated that “women [had] gained... an equal basis with man in the governing of their affairs.”


Alumni Spotlight: Ruth Anne WatkinsBy David Rekhtman ‘21

Ruth Anne Watkins graduated from the University of Maryland in 2013 with a Theater and Marketing double degree. Ruth was inducted into ODK during her junior year and then served as the events coordinator on the ODK executive board during her senior year. During her time on campus, Ruth was heavily involved in the main stage productions put on by the Theater Depart-ment which solidified her desire to become a produc-tion manager. After graduation, Ruth was able to pursue her dream profession by freelancing in DC until 2015 – when things got even more interesting. Ruth received an offer from China to move to Shanghai to help open a new Disney Resort. She was hired as a production stage manager and worked in Shanghai until her return to the States only a few short months ago.

Ruth wasn’t sure what to expect, and looking back at it she says there were aspects of the job that she expect-ed while other aspects came as a surprise. When she first arrived, she was in charge of the Pirate Stunt Show which involved a large cast, staff, and the world’s only no-wall indoor air wind tunnel. This tunnel required spe-cific and intense training for the actors since there was a fairly large risk involved in the stunt, but it added an element to the show that could not be found anywhere else in the world. After three years with the pirate show, Ruth transitioned to working at the Disney Castle stage.

Disney kept Ruth on her toes as she managed the en-tire cast and crew. Though the story line didn’t change, there were constant adjustments that had to be made between the technological aspects and the rotating cast that had to practice and perform the skit.

In addition, the show was done fifteen times a day - which resulted in over ten thousand perfor-mances over three years. Now that Ruth is back in the U.S., she has started work-ing as an associate production manager for Baltimore Center Stage. Interestingly enough her current boss, Cary Gillett, was someone who she knew back when she was at Maryland. Ruth is certain that her involvements in UMD, both in theater and in ODK, have given her a step-up in her current career.

During her senior year at UMD, Ruth managed the pro-duction of A Midsummer’s Night Dream which was per-formed with students from a university in Beijing.

The performance was done both at the Clarice Smith Center as well as the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing which she believes helped her gain recognition with Shanghai Disney.

Additionally, Ruth’s involvement in ODK prepared her to talk and exemplify leadership and mentorship in a professional work environment since ODK introduced her to many positive relationships. She encourages all students to take advantage of the opportunities that UMD and ODK provide to build a large network of in-dividuals who want to make this world a better place for all.

Ruth Watkins’13 with Director of Production for Baltimore Center Stage, Cary Gillett.

Where there are people, there is water. The first civilizations were built on rivers and even thousands of years later, few have succeeded to grow away from a source of water. It is no wonder, then, that water has captured the collective imagination of humanity. Waterfalls, springs, and geysers became places of wonder and beauty before such concepts could even be articulated. Capturing and holding that which is beautiful is one of the most prominent themes in human history and water was no exception. Even when people were unable to build massive replica waterfalls or springs in their cities and homes, they managed to capture the ideas and the sounds with fountains.

Fountains existed throughout history in dichotomous contexts: in public and in private, albeit in different ways. Ancient fountains began as public ventures, providing city residents with clean, flowing water to freely take.

As public fountains grew more elaborate, they gained spiritual significance, but continued to provide meaningful use beyond their aesthetics. Starting in the late Renaissance, fountains became chiefly displays of power for the rich. Kings and wealthy patrons used their fortunes to capture the natural sublimity of water, often behind high walls and fences. When the public fountain was restored to its glory in the 19th and 20th centuries, largely buoyed by new technologies, fountains remained an icon of culture for their pageantry and prestige.

Here at the University of Maryland, our ODK Fountain has become a staple of campus both for its astonishing beauty and cultural significance. To outside observers, the ODK Fountain serves as a public gathering place where students can be found circling on a crisp fall day. But to those on campus, it means so much more. The Omicron Delta Kappa Fountain has become a staple to the student on-campus experience. Since its dedication in 1997, the Fountain started out as a symbol to recognize leaders of exemplary character. Each tier of the Fountain represents one of ODK’s five fields of endeavor: academics; athletics; campus and community service; religion, speech and the mass media; as well as, the creative and performing arts. With each year’s inductees’ names engraved along the rim, the Fountain has increased awareness and brought prestige to the Sigma Circle both on campus and on a national scale.

Like how fountains in ancient times served as a monument to honor, the ODK Fountain at the University of Maryland continues to do just that. This summer, another 200 names were engraved onto the Fountain to honor the 2017 – 2019 inductees. We cordially invite all of you to return to the Fountain to reunite with our ODK family on campus and to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals!


A Brief History of FountainsBy Sasha Kahn ’20 and Jacqueline Deprey ‘20

Photo © John T. Consoli/University of Maryland

Alumni HighlightsFall 2019

Thanks to all of you who keep us informed of your activities! If we haven’t heard from you recently, drop us a note and we’d love to feature your recent accom-plishments. Please submit online atwww.odk.umd.edu.

Mike Martirano ’82 completed his first full year as Superintendent of the Howard County Public School System in Howard County, Maryland this summer. He earned two Master of Education degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and has been working to make tremendous strides not only in Howard County schools, but across the community by grounding his leadership style in equity and kindness.

His “Strategic Call to Action” guides the county’s ef-forts on the foundation of equity, diversity and inclu-sion in all aspects of the Howard County system.

Nathan Berger ’84 and wife, Michelle, at Churchill Downs. We hope you and Michelle bet big on a winner, Nathan!

That wasn’t his only recent trip, though. He was on campus this past Spring taking a tour with his daughter, Elana, as she decides where she’d like to go to college. The choice should be easy - Go Terps!

Kevin Li ‘19 has taken a role with the Better Business Bureau of Texas as a Digital Marketing Specialist after graduating last spring. Though coming to the University of Maryland as an intended psychology major, he felt that entering the business world would give him the opportunity to make systematic, tangible change. In the Smith School, Kevin studied Marketing and Information Systems. Outside the classroom, he not only was a two-time Funding Director and a Comedy Director for Student Entertainment Events, but also served on the executive board of our very own organization. According to Kevin, his work excites him because it allows him to use data-driven insights responsibly to empower consumers and advocate for responsible business practices.

Bryan Gallion ‘19, ‘20 is continuing his education as a Terp in the newly-created Masters of Journalism program in the Merrill College of Journalism. After completing a year as President of the Residence Hall Association, he decided to further develop his passions for transparency and social justice as a graduate student. To Bryan, being tapped for ODK was an early stated goal, which later came to represent the significance of his leadership journey as he involved himself in campus life. He says that after a full-time job of student leadership, he’s excited by the prospect of focusing his craft in topical classes.

Joseph Breeden ’19 has begun a PhD in aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. After taking leadership roles in engineering organizations, especially UMD Loop and the Nearspace Lab, he settled on a career in research to shape the future of space travel. In his doctoral program, he will focus on multi-agent navigation systems for more complex missions. Ultimately, he hopes to work at NASA, where he worked for three summers as an undergraduate.

Congratulations to UMPD Chief of Police, David Mitchell on being tapped for induction into ODK! Chief Mitchell has served as the Chief of Police at UMD and the Director of Public Safety since 2010.

We’re honored to be able to recognize him as a leader among leaders.

Check out more tapping pics on the next page!


University of Maryland Chief of Police David Mitchell was tapped by Doron Tadmor, Julia Novick, and Phil Aronson.


Dr. Pam Armstrong, Associate Director of the QUEST Honors Program, is tapped by QUEST Students Jacq Deprey, Ariana Riske, and Doron Tadmor, as well as Dr. Dean Chang.

Daniel Smolyak ‘20 is tapped by fellow Gemstone student leaders Daniel Klawson, Michael Piqué, and Sara Pohland.

Jacqueline Ford ‘20 is tapped by Emily Berry and Christine Rhee.

Hannah Kark ‘20, Alana Caesar ‘20, and Elena LeVan ‘20 were tapped by Ireland Lesley, Noah Eckman, and Doron Tadmor during a general body meeting of the Student Government Association.

Alex Ostrander ‘20 was tapped by Christine Rhee.

Fall 2019 ODK Tapping

2108 Clarence Mitchell Building7999 Regents DriveUniversity of MarylandCollege Park, Maryland 20742

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