March 25, 2026
The Hampden-Sydney College Lambda Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) initiated 12 new members in its spring ceremony at College Church on March 22, 2026.
Hampden-Sydney’s chapter of ODK—a national leadership honor society for college men and women—was established at Hampden-Sydney in 1924. Membership is a mark of highest distinction and honor, and member selection is based on an individual’s influence as a campus leader to better campus life and to encourage high standards in all activities.
This semester’s inductees included Alexander L. Albright ’27, Logan J. Benton ’27, Satchel B. Bowling ’27, Justin T. Fraser ’27, Jacob C. Garner ’27, Geffen D. Lamar ’27, Peyton B. Lambert ’27, Hagan A. Strite ’27, Elliott Professor of History James C. Frusetta-Ulfhrahn, Dr. Richard C. McClintock, Elliott Assistant Professor of Chemistry Timothy M. Reichart , and James C. Wheat Jr. Chair in Leadership Hugo F. Rodriguez Jr.
A special moment in an otherwise traditional ceremony was the presentation of the ODK Pillar of Leadership in Service to Campus and Community Award to Maurice Jones ’86. A 1984 initiate to the Lambda Circle and former College trustee, Jones earned this award after decades of unique, impactful service to his community.
“Omicron Delta Kappa is thrilled to recognize Mr. Jones. His extraordinary contributions to public service embody the essence of ODK and what this award represents,” says Dr. Jennifer Waller, ODK CEO and president, who presented the award. “His work continues to inspire and uplift, and we are proud to celebrate his achievements.”
A Rhodes scholar, Jones earned a J.D. degree from The University of Virginia and went on to serve as the United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2012–2014 under President Barack Obama and the Virginia Secretary of Commerce from 2014–2016 under Governor Terry McAuliffe. Jones also served as president and CEO of OneTen, a coalition committed to upskilling and employing one million Black individuals without four-year degrees in sustainable careers. Under his leadership, OneTen expanded to over 70 companies, partnering with more than 100 talent-development organizations and facilitating the hiring and promotion of over 80,000 individuals.
“I am grateful for this recognition from ODK,” Jones says. “I am thankful to H-SC for the transformative impact it continues to have on me and my family. I shall continue to pursue the ideals of ODK and H-SC in my journey through life.”