Scholars News Desk
Five College Park Scholars Honored by Omicron Delta Kappa
January 4, 2008
College Park, Md. Five College Park Scholars were among those inducted into the Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) at the December 2nd initiation ceremony held at the campus's Memorial Chapel. Established in 1927, ODK recognizes those who have attained a high standard of efficiency in five areas of collegiate activities -- Scholarship; Athletics; Campus or Community Service, Social, and Religious Activities, and Campus Government; Journalism, Speech, and the Mass Media; and the Creative and Performing Arts. The chapter strives for members' accomplishments to inspire others for similar achievement.
In addition to the induction ceremony, initiates and their families shared in a banquet in the Colony Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union. The following College Park Scholars were inducted:
Jennifer Bandzwolek, a 2006 Scholars citation recipient in American Cultures, is a senior, double-majoring in English and American studies. A 2004 graduate of Westminster High School, Jennifer is the daughter of Donna and John Bandzwolek, of Finksburg, MD.
Annika Betancourt, a 2006 Scholars citation recipient in International Studies, is a senior majoring in government and politics. A 2003 graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School, Annika is the daughter of Antonio and Kyoko Betancourt.
Laura Chiriaco, a 2006 Media, Self and Society Scholars citation recipient, is a senior majoring in journalism. A 2004 graduate of Damascus High School, Laura is the daughter of Vincent and Lisa Chiriaco, of Mt. Airy, MD.
Constance Iloh, a 2007 Scholars citation recipient in Public Leadership, is a junior double-majoring in psychology and communication. A 2005 graduate of Oxon Hill High School, Connie is the daughter of Adolph and Mercy Iloh, of Upper Marlboro, Md.
Melissa Raimondi, a 2006 Scholars citation recipient in American Cultures, is a senior double-majoring in English language and literature, and communication. A 2004 graduate of Towson High School, Melissa is the daughter of Donna and Michael Raimondi, of Lutherville, Md.
The Sigma Circle invites juniors, seniors and graduate students to apply. Additionally, faculty and staff, alumni, and members of the community are selected on the basis of outstanding accomplishments. The Sigma Circle is proud of its campus history. It originated the Annual Awards banquet; awards an annual $1000 scholarship to an incoming freshman who was a high school leader; selects the "Top Ten Freshmen" and the "Sophomore Leader of the Year;" and with the help of alumni donations, constructed the ODK Fountain on McKeldin Mall, which was built to create a lasting monument to leadership and to those who have contributed so much to the campus. Dedicated in April, 1997, all of the names of those people involved with ODK since 1927 are engraved on the granite sides of the ODK Fountain.
For more information on this press release or on College Park Scholars, contact Kevin Baxter at (301) 314-1522, or bax@umd.edu. For more information on the Sigma Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, please visit their website.
