Beta Pi Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa records

Collection

Identifier: CCL-1990-075

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the activities of Centenary College of Louisiana’s Beta Pi Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) as well as its predecessor group, the Laurel Society. It consists of programs, photographs, and annual administrative files (containing membership rosters, newspaper clippings, by-laws, correspondence, ODK’s national newsletter, ODK printed items documenting the organization’s history, purpose, and rituals). Correspondence frequently involves Centenary’s Beta Pi Circle relating news and activities to ODK national. Also included is a scrapbook containing photographs, newspaper clippings, programs, membership rosters, correspondence, and a petition from the Laurel Society to the ODK national organization to establish a circle at Centenary College.

Dates

1948 - 1962

Creator

Beta Pi Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Physical rights are retained by the Centenary College of Louisiana Archives and Special Collections. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.

Biographical / Historical

The Beta Pi Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) was founded at Centenary College of Louisiana on February 18, 1949.

Centenary’s chapter of ODK originated from the Laurel Society, which was founded on January 16, 1948, to recognize male students who attained a high standard of efficiency in college activities. Junior and Senior students were selected for membership based on character, scholarship, leadership, as well as participation in athletics, social and religious activities, and publications and fine arts. Members acted as the official hosts of the college, supervised student government elections, raised money for organizations like the World Student Service Fund, and participated in the college’s events, such as Founders’ Day. The founding sponsors were President Joe J. Mickle, Dean Ernest H. Cherrington, Jr., Dr. George L. Sixbey, Rev. William M. Fraser, and Professor Robert A. Moody.

ODK, a national leadership honor society, was considered the highest male honor fraternity at Centenary College. When formed in 1949, membership was based on character, leadership, service, scholarship, fellowship, and consecration of democratic ideals. The members participated in the college’s events, such as Founders' Day.