Yonathan Ararso Inducted into Leadership Society

2011 Oct 24

On Sunday, October 23, Hampden-Sydney College junior Yonathan Tarekegne Ararso was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society for college men and women. The Lambda Circle of ODK was established at Hampden-Sydney in 1924, and membership is a mark of highest distinction and honor. Selection of members is based on their influence as campus leaders to better campus life and to encourage high standards in all activities.

A Patrick Henry Scholar, Yonathan is President of both the International Club and the Society for Collegiate Journalists and is Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, The Hampden-Sydney Tiger. He is a member of the varsity cross country team, the Union-Philanthropic Society, the Garnet & Grey Society (admissions tour guide), the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and the honor society Chi Beta Phi (scientific). A biology and foreign affairs major, he is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School and is the son of Mr. Tarekegne Ararso & Mrs. Elizabeth Demeke of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

A private college for men, Hampden-Sydney is ranked in the top tier of liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The College is known for its liberal arts curriculum, the Honor Code which stresses individual and collective responsibility, and a focus on the needs of young men.

ODK Initiates, Fall 2011, Left to Right,

Front row: Kyle Gilbert, Christopher Griggs, Frank Rose, Damian Booker, Ryan Carter, Andrew Craver, Nick DeProspero.

Middle row: Tyler Heslop, Raj Clark, Alex Cartwright, Jack Gibson, Kevin Anderson, Ibn Salaam, Chris Turpin, Loren Hubbard.

Back row: Kevin Gutermuth, Nay Min Oo, Tad Grenga, Adam O'Donnell, Stew Neifert, Yonathan Ararso, Connor Winstead.