By C. Lynn Hiler and Ryan Girves
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 18, 2025) — The University of Kentucky's Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, commemorated its 100th anniversary on campus at a ceremony March 30.
Maurice A. Clay Awards
Maurice A. Clay was an educator and professor at UK for more than 60 years. Established more than 30 years ago, the Maurice A. Clay Award honors one outstanding graduating senior from each academic college. Recipients exemplify academic excellence, leadership and dedicated service to their college community.
2025 Maurice A. Clay Award Recipients:
- Gage Tucker, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
- Ryson Neeley, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Maxwell Mason, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
- Abigail Cutrer, College of Communication and Information.
- Austin Hirtzel, College of Design.
- Emery Etzel, College of Education.
- Nolan Harvey, Pigman College of Engineering.
- Faith Lindsey, College of Fine Arts.
- Kelly Chism, College of Health Sciences.
- Michael Ackiss, College of Nursing.
- Emma Grace Hague, College of Public Health.
- Avery Powers, College of Social Work.
- Lauren Spencer, Martin School for Public Policy and Administration.
Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarships
Named for the beloved UK alumnus and former football coach, the Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarship honors students who embody compassion, integrity and humility in their leadership. To be eligible for this award, one must be a member of UK’s Omicron Delta Kappa Circle, be enrolled in a degree program and apply for the award. The recipients were chosen from their peers and received a $500 stipend.
2025 Recipients:
- McKenna Johansen, Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Samantha Jones, College of Public Health
- Aliyyah Sadek, College of Arts and Sciences
Great Teacher Awards
In partnership with the UK Alumni Association, Omicron Delta Kappa recognized the 2025 recipients of the Great Teacher Award. Learn more about these exceptional educators in UKNow.
Spring 2025 Inductees
The induction of new members remains a hallmark of Omicron Delta Kappa’s mission. The Spring 2025 class includes undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across UK’s colleges. They are:
- Amir Al Khaiat, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
- Ariana Favetto, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
- Tonya Bates, College of Education.
- Lindsay Cohen, College of Education.
- Renee Lacy, College of Education.
- Regan Miller, College of Education.
- Samuel Thompson, Pigman College of Engineering.
- Ghazal Jawed, College of Public Health.
- Raphael Garcia Jr, College of Social Work.
- Harmony Gugliemino, College of Social Work.
- April Hill, College of Social Work.
- Gretchen Hyler, College of Social Work.
- Jessica Kidd, College of Social Work.
- Amanda Macdonald, College of Social Work.
- Gina Tarducci, College of Social Work.
- Emily Trendle, College of Social Work.
- Ashton Croudep, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
- Hannah Sullivan, Gatton College of Business and Economics .
- Angie Bushroe, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Madison Clarke, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Katelyn Huffaker, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Addyson Miles, College of Arts and Sciences .
- Mariah Moore, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Peyton Wilson, College of Arts and Sciences.
- Abigail Smith, College of Health Sciences.
- Ayviana Olsen, College of Public Health.
- Siena Pilati, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership
During the event, the Nu Circle also honored the contributions of outgoing student leaders Nora Sypkens, past president; and Safiyah Sadek, social media coordinator, for their service. Both are graduating seniors.
Applications for new officers are under review.
As Omicron Delta Kappa celebrates this historic 100-year milestone, the organization remains committed to developing ethical, inclusive and effective leaders who will shape the future.
Follow @ODKattheUKY on social media to join in celebrating this momentous year and to recognize the extraordinary leaders of today and tomorrow. For more information, contact ODKattheUKY@uky.edu.