Nebraska is home to many honor organizations that recognize student service, leadership, and academic commitment. This week, we are featuring three of UNL’s historic honor organizations in the hope that RSO leaders will encourage their members to consider joining these prestigious organizations.
The Innocents Society
Chapters: Unique to UNL
New Member Recruitment: On-going until January 27th
Founded in 1903, The Innocents Society is the Chancellor’s senior honorary at UNL. Each spring, just thirteen new students from the junior class are chosen to carry on the Innocents Society’s traditions and goals. Bhagya Pushkaran, president of the Innocents Society shares that new members are selected on “superior academic achievement, unparalleled leadership, and selfless service to the university and community”.
Mortar Board
Chapters: 200+
New Member Recruitment: On-going until January 27th
Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. Founded in 1918, Mortar Board provides its member's leadership development, service opportunities and encourages lifelong civic engagement. There are over 200 chapters of Mortar Board, and the honor society boasts over 200,000 alumni some of which include President Jimmy Carter, poet Maya Angelou, and NFL player Drew Brees.
Omicron Delta Kappa
Chapters: 400+
New Member Recruitment: Fall semester (September/October)
Membership into ODK, or The Circle, is often regarded as one of the highest leadership honors a student can receive in college. ODK was founded in 1914 and holds over 400 different campus charters. Encompassing six different pillars, scholarship, athletics, service, journalism, and creative and performing arts, ODK’s membership is open to students who have completed two semesters. President Jillian Bierbower shares that ODK is “looking for those [members] that have an achievement in one or more of our pillars!”.
For more information on these three organizations, please contact:
Innocents Society: micaylon1@gmail.com or meyri.ibrahim@gmail.com
Mortar Board: unl.mortarboard.selections2023@gmail.com
Omicron Delta Kappa: unlincoln.odk@gmail.com