Omicron Delta Kappa Awards
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) is a nationally recognized leadership honor society. The University of Maryland Sigma Circle acknowledges students and faculty who have contributed to the campus by highlighting leadership and bringing together all phases of collegiate life.
The members of ODK are responsible for maintaining 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. Members should also inspire others to strive for conspicuous attainment along similar lines.
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) mission is to be an organization of leaders among leaders that helps foster the sharing of opportunities to benefit the campus community.
Learn more here.
Col. J. Logan Schutz ODK Leader of the Year Award Recipient:
Ela Jalil
Ela Jalil is from Potomac, Maryland and is completing a dual-degree in journalism and PPE. This Honors Global Challenges and Solutions student serves as the ODK president and Deputy Engagement Editor at The Diamondback. She’s also served as a tour guide, Global Fellow, and reporter for the Capital News Service.
ODK Sophomore Leader of the Year Finalists:
Raj Bhansali
Raj Bhansali is a Public Health Science and Finance major from Rockville, Maryland. This Scholars student founded the School of Public Health Undergraduate Research Journal, serves on the Executive Board of the Food Recovery Network, and advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities through policy and community research.
Priya Tyagi
Priya Tyagi is a Computer Science major and Philosophy minor from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A Gemstone Honors Program researcher, she conducts robotics research with Team HYDRA and computational biology research in the Department of Bioengineering. She serves as Director of Research & Technology for SGA, is a Terrapin Think Tank Fellow, and works as an EMT.
Taryn L. Reinhart
Taryn Reinhart is a Public Policy major from Annapolis, Maryland. This Banneker/Key Scholar is on Gemstone Team AGWA, is a Teaching Assistant for the Gemstone and PLCY departments, and Tutors history and chemistry. She interned at the Maryland General Assembly this spring, serves as Director of Academic Affairs for SGA, and facilitates PLCY288I.
ODK Top Ten Freshmen:
Alexander Allin
Alex Allin is a College Park Scholar from Bethesda, Maryland, studying Information Science. He leads Cumberland Hall as RHA President, frequently represents youth perspectives on mental health panels, and regularly testifies on state legislation. Alex is also an A/V Technician in STAMP and founded a jazz band called SWing Set.
Reema Ayache
Reema Ayache is a Neuroscience major and President’s Scholar in the ILS Honors College. She is a Research Assistant in the Hart Lab, founder of and IMPACT grant recipient for STORY, Honors Ambassador, Outreach Officer at International Youth Neuroscience Association, musician, and a conversation partner and calligraphy instructor at UMD’s Roshan Institute.
Chase E. Baldwin
Chase Baldwin is an Aerospace Engineering major from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. This President's Scholar is a member of the University Honors and QUEST Honors programs. He actively participates across thirteen student organizations, serving as Executive Board member for Engineers Without Borders and Treasurer for Club Basketball, while additionally conducting research in ocean energy.
Harshita Dasot
Harshita Dasot is a pre-law Psychology major and Global Terrorism Studies minor from Fremont, California. A Dean's List Recipient, she is a PSYC221 Teaching Assistant, Crisis Text Line volunteer, Hospitality Chair for Maryland Minza, and dancer with UMD Entouraas. Currently, she's researching cyberfraud and cyberterrorism trends with a tech-consultancy firm.
Aditi V. Desai
Aditi Desai is a Neurobiology and Physiology major in the Integrated Life Sciences Honors program from Timonium, Maryland. She is an Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant and serves on the ILS Leadership Council. She volunteers as an EMT in Baltimore and PG County and conducts stem cell research for organ transplantation at UMMC.
Utkarsh Mandsaurwale
Utkarsh Mandsaurwale is a Finance and Information Systems major from Sykesville, Maryland in the QUEST Honors Program. This BSE Scholar serves as an Associate Director in Snider Consulting Group, an Academy Associate in the Smith Investment Fund, and Co-Brotherhood Director of Delta Sigma Pi, while contributing to outreach with HC DrugFree.
Emma J. Martin
Emma Martin is a Government and Politics major from Parkton, Maryland. This Honors Global Challenges and Solutions student serves as a Co-Director for the UMD SGA Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and chairs UMD's Facilities Student Advisory Subcommittee. She serves Maryland's Second Congressional District as a Legislative Intern for Congressman Olszewski.
Emily E. Noonan
Emily is a Public Policy and Journalism double major from Timonium, Maryland. This Civic Engagement for Social Good Scholar serves as a BridgeUMD leader and a Legislator for UMD SGA. She serves as a member of KOA, the Public Policy Fraternity, and as Head of People for Digital4Good, a Digital Safety Nonprofit.
Aisiri Prasad
Aisiri Prasad is a Computer Science student in the ACES Honors College and a Banneker-Key Scholar from Frederick, Maryland. At UMD, she is involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon, Bitcamp, the CMNS Ambassadors Program, Honors Ambassadors, and Indian Student Association. Beyond academics, she leads Aisiri’s Art, collaborating with nationwide clients.
Alina Ureña
Alina Ureña is a first-generation college student, Management major, and Prince George’s County native. She serves as the first-year representative in the UMD SGA and Director of Marketing for the Women’s Empowerment Institute. She is the founder of Alina's Study Hub, promoting educational equity and student success for over 1,000 users across the globe.