LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky's Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa inducted 36 new members last month, recognizing undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership across multiple areas of campus life, according to a report from UK News.

Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society founded in 1914 that recognizes excellence in five key pillars: scholarship, athletics, service, communications and the arts. UK's Nu Circle, established in 1925, has honored student leaders for nearly a century. The ceremony also recognized several students with prestigious awards honoring their exceptional achievements.

The Maurice A. Clay Award, named for a longtime UK educator who served more than 60 years in the university community, was presented to 13 outstanding graduating seniors representing each of UK's academic colleges. Recipients included Malena Hughes from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Mallory Sparks from the College of Arts and Sciences, among others from across the university.

The Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarships, honoring the former UK football coach known for his integrity and academic achievement, were presented to Jessica Kidd and Aleisha Morris, both from the College of Social Work. Claiborne served as head football coach at UK for eight years and was known for his integrity and good moral values.

Hayley Hoffman, lecturer in the College of Communication and Information, and Leslie Sweeney, also from the College of Communication and Information, were introduced as the new faculty advisors for the society. The ceremony recognized outgoing leaders Drew White, past president, and Payton Veerspej, communications chair, for their service as graduating seniors.

The new inductees came from across the university, with the largest cohort of 18 students from the College of Social Work, followed by eight from the College of Arts and Sciences and four from the College of Health Sciences. The inductees represent all five pillars of the honor society, spanning majors from agriculture to social work.

For more information, students and faculty can contact ODKattheUKY@uky.edu.