Since the 1920s, the University of Pittsburgh chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society, has recognized one recently graduated or graduating senior who exemplifies leadership of exceptional quality and versatility.
The award recipient is recognized at the Senior Distinguished Awards Convocation in April. Additionally, the award recipient will have their name engraved on a stone in the ODK Leadership Walk between the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Memorial Chapel.
Purpose:
- Recognize a student for meritorious leadership and extracurricular activities;
- Recognize a student who has developed as a whole person, both as a member of the Pitt community and as a prospective contributor to the greater world;
- Recognize exemplary character, responsible leadership, service in campus and/or community life, scholarship, genuine fellowship, and dedication to democratic ideals;
- Recognize the type of student who the University aspires to produce;
- Inspire others to strive for similar conspicuous attainments.
Application
Applications for the 2025 ODK Senior of the Year Award will be available in January 2025.
Congratulations to 2024 ODK Senior of the Year Award winner Joshua Nguyen!
2024 Omicron Delta Kappa Senior of the Year Award Finalists
- Bianca Dunay, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Bianca Dunay is graduating with a B.S. in Psychology, with minors in Teacher Education and Chemistry and certificates in American Sign Language and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Bianca balances serving as the Panhellenic President for the University of Pittsburgh with a position as volunteer Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions, as well as doing work as a research assistant.
- Isabel Lam, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Isabel Lam is graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Chinese and a certificate in Asian Studies and Sustainability. Isabel has been an Elsie Hillman Honors Scholar at the Institute of Politics, and also worked as a legislative intern for Congressman Matt Cartwright in 2023. On campus, Isabel has served as the Vice President of Operations for the Student Government Board.
- Madelynn Lederer, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Madelynn Lederer is graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and Public and Professional Writing. On campus, she served as the President of the Blue and Gold Society and the co-President of Omicron Delta Kappa. She has balanced her campus leadership with several public service internships across Pittsburgh. Next year, Madelynn will be a J.D. Candidate at Harvard Law School.
- Benjamin Leslie, Swanson School of Engineering
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Benjamin Leslie is graduating with a B.S. in Bioengineering and a Minor in Chemistry. He has received several Honors College fellowships and scholarships to support his research, which he has presented at conferences nationwide. He was named the American Society for Engineering Education National Co-op Student of the Year for his role at ZOLL Medical. He is co-founder and CEO of his medical device startup, for which he has received several grants to fund its development, and he has served as a Captain and Vice President of Pitt's Men's Ice Hockey team. Next fall, Benjamin will attend Pitt's School of Medicine.
- Hattie Lindey, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Hattie Lindey is graduating with a B.A. in Politics and Philosophy as well as a degree in Museum Studies. Throughout Hattie's time at Pitt, she was awarded a William J. Keefe Congressional Fellowship to pursue a summer internship with Congressman Conor Lamb, has interned with Pitt's Institute of Politics, and has worked as a political research intern for Global Strategy Group. She has also served as Team Captain for Pitt’s Mock Trial Team and is a Lead Global Ties Mentor.
- Joshua Nguyen, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Joshua Nguyen is graduating with a B.S. in Microbiology and a B.A. in History of Art and Architecture. While leading multiple cultural organizations like the Asian Students Alliance, Joshua has received numerous awards at Pitt for incorporating Southeast Asian art into the HAA curriculum and for his scientific research at the School of Medicine.
- Tri Raynes, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Tri Raynes is graduating with a BPhil in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies with a certificate in Public and Professional Writing. Tri interned with the City Council of the City of Pittsburgh while also working as a Resident Assistant and Communications Director for the ACLU Club at Pitt. Tri also co-founded, and served as President of, the Homeless Queer Youth Action Group.
- Ryan Young, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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Ryan Young is graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics & Astronomy, with a certificate in Quantum Computing and Quantum Information. While balancing several research projects, Ryan also served as President for Pitt’s Student Government Board and was Lead Resident Assistant for Pitt’s Residence Life.
Past ODK Senior of the Year Award Winners
- 2023
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Danielle Obisie-Orlu
Colin Uher - 2022
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Aboli Kesbhat
- 2021
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Morgan Ottley
- 2020
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Jordan Fields
- 2019
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Madeline Guido
- 2018
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Javhon Dockerty
- 2017
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Marcus Robinson
- 2016
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Eleanora Kaloyeropoulou
- 2015
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Dhanalakshmi Thiyagarajan
Michael Nites - 2014
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Louie Al-Hashimi
Zachary Patton - 2013
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Katherine Malekoff
- 2012
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Molly Steiber
Kelvin Luu - 2011
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David Gau
- 2010
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Marc Schutzbank
Max Greenwald - 2009
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James Ostendorf
Robert Sumter Link - 2008
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Shady Henien
- 2007
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Joseph Pasqualichio
Andrea Youngo - 2006
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Greg Heller-LaBelle
- 2005
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David Gorley
Elizabeth Blasi