Loyola’s chapter of the national economics honors society Omicron Delta Epsilon inducted its first 14 members this past Saturday. The organization is new this year to Loyola but nearly did not receive its school charter.

James Ianelli, economics senior, was the driving force behind bringing ODE to Loyola. This year’s senior class had a large number of students involved in Loyola’s economics program, said Ianelli. He said he felt the honors society would be an opportunity for Loyola students to be recognized internationally. Based on the strong academics of Loyola’s economics students, Ianelli was able to secure a national charter from ODE for Loyola.

“It’s a really prestigious honor,” Ianelli said, “and this is the one year we’ve been able to have it.”

Ianelli missed the April 1 deadline for submitting his proposal and constitution for ODE to the Student Government Association for approval, disqualifying his organization from receiving its school charter.

After being turned away by the SGA, Ianelli consulted with his adviser William Barnett, associate professor of economics, and lobbied Pat O’Brien, Dean of the College of Business, to get an extension for ODE’s charter. O’Brien approved the extension and called Chris Cameron, director of student activities, to have ODE put before the SGA Congress again.

“It’s a rather non-controversial organization,” O’Brien said, “and we’re happy to have honors societies.”

On April 19, the Omicron Delta Epsilon charter was voted on by the SGA Congress and denied by a 15-10 vote. Chief Justice of the SGA Court of Review Candace Walker upheld the denial.

On April 20, the decision was brought to Cameron who overruled congress’ decision and allowed the Omicron Delta Epsilon to receive its charter.

The school administration has the power to do this, despite the decisions of the SGA. The student handbook states: “The director of the Danna Center and student activities may uphold Congress and the court of review’s decision or approve the application for university recognition.”

“I’m absolutely sure there are people in the congress who disagree with my decision,” said Cameron. “In my role as adviser I think they made the right decision.”

He said that, as he understood it, the organization was voted down because two or three other groups had came in after the deadline seeking a school charter, and the congress thought it best to treat every group equally. Cameron said he felt that in his role as director it was his responsibility to take into account the special circumstances surrounding the case.

Inductions for Omicron Delta Epsilon took place last Sunday at Canon’s Restaurant. Three of the 14 inductees were faculty members.

As long as ODE goes through the rechartering process and elects a president, said Cameron, it will continue to exist at Loyola.

Kevin Corcoran can be reached at [email protected].