On April 29, Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national leadership honor society on campus, hosted its annual Mentor Celebration, an event designed to highlight the importance of mentorship in the academic and personal journeys of student leaders at the university.
Each spring, ODK members are invited to select one or two mentors who have played a significant role in their growth and development. Students then deliver brief, heartfelt speeches in front of an audience celebrating the impact these mentors have had.
While most honorees are faculty or staff, students may also recognize community members or anyone who has supported them through their college experience. The Mentor Celebration is one of several key programs ODK hosts annually, alongside member initiations and participation in major campus events like commencement and award ceremonies.
With around 35 active members on campus, this year’s event featured an emotional evening full of speeches and recognitions, ranging from funny stories to deeply emotional reflections. “It’s one of those rare moments during a busy semester where everyone gets to slow down and just express gratitude,” Quinten Geis, ODK advisor, said. “It’s always a favorite for both students and mentors.”
Abby Willett, a long-time member of ODK, gave a particularly memorable tribute to her mentor, Rebecca Sprouse. According to Geis and compared to her speech last year, Willet appeared more confident and composed this time around. She spoke about how Sprouse had helped her navigate tough decisions and reflect on her future with clarity.
Sprouse, who was also named Advisor of the Year this semester, was visibly moved by the tribute. Her recognition reflected both her dedication to students like Willet and her broader contributions across campus.
The celebration has become a meaningful ODK tradition, especially during the stress of finals season. Faculty and staff attendees commented on how it offered a much-needed moment of reflection and connection. “My colleagues have talked a lot about how it kind of fills their cup as they push towards the end of the semester,” Geis said.
