Washington and Lee University’s Alpha Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national leadership honor society, welcomed 41 new members, including three honorary members, during its spring induction ceremony on March 27.
The honorary members were Cliff Holekamp, Dr. Carola Tanna and Tasha Walsh.
Holekamp, W&L class of ’96, co-founder and managing director of Cultivation Capital, delivered the keynote address, titled “Leading Beyond Achievement.”
Holekamp’s work is centered at the intersection of entrepreneurship and economic development, and he previously served as professor of practice and academic director for entrepreneurship at Washington University’s Olin Business School, where he was named one of the top 100 entrepreneurship professors in the world and led the entrepreneurship program to a top world ranking. Holekamp has been a member of W&L’s board of trustees since 2018.
Following Holekamp’s keynote, the ceremony continued with the induction of the three honorary and 38 student initiates into ODK, representing leaders from across campus and the greater Lexington community.
Dr. Tanna, one of the three honorary members, has spent the past five years dedicating her time and skills to the service of the Rockbridge community as a physician with Rockbridge Health.
Through her care for patients, mentorship of W&L pre-medical students, commitment to the W&L campus garden and advocacy for marginalized individuals, Tanna has strengthened the community and campus with sustained, values-driven leadership in service to others, said a spokesperson.
Tanna earned her medical degree from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she developed an interest and expertise in treating dementia, hypertension, sleep apnea and other chronic conditions. In navigating health care stigmas in rural communities, Tanna is known for taking time with complex patients, coordinating care for families under strain and offering a standard of compassionate practice that sets an example for others in the local medical community. Tanna — or Lieutenant Commander Tanna — also served as a physician at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois.
Tanna’s commitment to service is also seen in her volunteer work. She has served many years as a court-appointed special advocate and contributes to the well-being and safety of older adults as a community representative on the Kendal at Lexington Risk Assessment Committee. Married to W&L President Will Dudley, Tanna also devotes significant time to W&L students by mentoring them in her clinic and supporting their health and environment through regular work with the campus garden, Campus Kitchen and the student food pantry.
Walsh, the third honorary initiate, serves as the CEO of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice and is a licensed clinical social worker and professional certified coach.
She has been on the leading edge of the health and wellness field for more than 35 years, and she brings extensive experience in positive psychology, organizational and professional development and innovation to her leadership in the health care field.
Walsh previously served as the chief learning officer for an international behavioral company, where she was a key team member for an innovative National Institutes of Health-funded research and practice partnership with Vanderbilt University. She also established an awardwinning leadership development coaching program, which helps organizations develop a positive workplace culture while implementing best practices in their service.
Walsh and her husband, Dave, have been active members of the Rockbridge community since moving to the area in 1989. Walsh has been involved in numerous local organizations, including Hull’s Angels, Inc., Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden, Kendal, Rockbridge Connect and Nourish (CAN), the Lexington- Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce and Rockbridge Outdoors.
-In addition to the induction of the 41 new members, ODK awarded the James G. Leyburn Award to Hamza Zia ’26, an engineering major and the first person from his village in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to pursue an international education.
Besides serving the W&L student body in a variety of roles, Zia is a dedicated advocate for Pakistan’s transgender community and has earned multiple accolades for his work. He is also the first student from W&L to be named a Future Nobel Laureate Scholar by the Nobel Prize Museum.
The James G. Leyburn award is given to a university student or local organization that demonstrates outstanding community service.
The Rupert Latture Award, which recognizes a sophomore who has demonstrated outstanding leadership potential, was presented to Jeremy Fyrer ’28. Fyrer is an active member of the Shepherd Program and volunteers with the Rock Steady Boxing program at FLEX Fitness Studio in Lexington, coaches soccer and basketball with the Rockbridge Area Recreation Organization and serves as head coach of the Lylburn Downing Middle School soccer team.
