Omicron Delta Kappa, 1947 - 1966
Scope and Contents
This collection is divided into two series, Miscellaneous Organizations and Omicron Delta Kappa.
The Miscellaneous Organizations series contains records for a variety of academic honorary society groups, including Alpha Lambda Delta, Artus (Omicron Delta Gamma), Phi Eta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Theta Alpha Phi. Records include correspondence, financial information, constitutions, member lists, and meeting minutes, among other things.
The Omicron Delta Kappa series is arranged alphabetically by subject, and contains correspondence between the local Beloit College circle and the national organization, meeting minutes, Beloit College guides to courses and professors, membership cards and lists, nationally provided member manuals and handbooks, national and regional (Province XI) newsletters. The bulk of the documents are from 1947-1948 and the mid-to-late 1970s.
This collection does not include records for the academic honor societies Phi Beta Kappa or Mortar Board (Senior Bench Chapter), both of which have their own separate collections in the Beloit College Archives.
Dates
- Other: 1947 - 1966
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research; however, certain materials are fragile and require Archives staff for handling, or use may be restricted altogether. Other documents contain personal information and the Archives must grant permission before use.
Biographical / Historical
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) is a national service and leadership honor society. Beloit College's circle (chapter), Beta Xi was established in 1948, originally under the sponsorship of members of the Turtle Mound Society, but with which thereafter had no official connection. The society sought to honor those students who have a high academic average and who have made conspicuous contributions to the college community in service and leadership. New members were chosen once or twice a year by members of that year's society, and had to pay a membership fee upon induction and acceptance by the national organization.
ODK's focus on leadership, scholarship, and service was similar to that of Beloit College's Senior Bench Chapter of Mortar Board, and the two groups would occasionally collaborate on event planning.
The circles of ODK are grouped into geographical areas known as provinces; Beloit College's Beta Xi circle was a part of Province XI. Following a change to the national constitution (which itself was a result of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), ODK accepted its first women members in 1974.
Professor Roxie Alexander was chapter advisor in the 1990s until her death in 1995.
Extent
From the Collection: 1.25 Linear Feet (3 boxes; further additions are expected)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Beloit College Archives and Special Collections, Beloit, WI Repository