Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded December 3, 1914 at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia by 15 student and faculty leaders. The founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students, faculty, and administrators should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness. ODK® was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage development of general campus citizenship. Chapters, which we call Circles, are located on over 300 campuses throughout the nation.

The Society recognizes achievement in the following five areas:
* Scholarship
* Athletics
* Campus/ Community Service, Social/Religious Activities, and Campus Government
* Journalism, Speech and the Mass Media
* Creative and Performing Arts

Blue Delphinium
the official flower for ODK