ODK Leadership Honor Society was founded 89 years ago at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. The founding fathers believed that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility, in all phases of college life, should be recognized. ODK was the first national college honor society to be comprised of students, faculty, and administrators brought together to recognize outstanding leadership and service in extra- curricular activities. Today, chapters, which we call Circles, can be found at over 280 colleges and universities across the nation.

In the early 1970’s, the ODK circle at the Florida State University played a pivotal role in forever changing the face of ODK. In 1972, a young law student and member of our circle became the first and only student ever elected national president of ODK. In his two-year term, he criss-crossed the country urging circles to endorse his vision of an all-inclusive leadership society true to the underlying ideals of our founders. In 1974, for the first time, ODK initiated women as leaders and members. That was his vision and ODK benefits from that vision today. This visionary was former ODK National President and Florida State Alum, Wayne Rubinas.

Former Seminole Circle President, Greg Pierce, came up with the idea of holding a monthly Breakfast Club that meets at 7:50am. “Why, 7:50am?” Because the ODK circle at FSU was founded in 1950..... and why do people get up that early? Well, each occasion provides a wonderful opportunity for student leaders, faculty, and administration to come together over something that is rarely had by most college students… a good breakfast! It is here that these contributors of the University can discuss matters pertinent to developing our students and improving our education.

The circle has also been very active in cosponsoring an event called The Champions forum. Two-to-three times a semester, an alum of Florida State, who has done significantly well in their profession, is asked to speak in front of the student body. Former speakers have been Andy Haggard, a member of the FSU Board of Trustees and successful lawyer, Bruce Burg, a former president of Home Depot, and Bill Knight, the chairman of HealthSphear, a thriving medical company. Through the hard work of our ODK members, both the Breakfast and the Forum have quickly become a huge success. The functions could not be possible, however, without our hardworking officers.