April 20, 2009
News View Article
Swanson School of Engineering Senior Receives Omicron Delta Kappa Senior of the Year AwardThe award is given to students who possess and exhibit outstanding leadership qualities in service to the University.
University of Pittsburgh senior Robert Sumter Link III, majoring in civil engineering with a minor in economics received the 2009 Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Senior of the Year Award during Pitt's annual Honors Convocation February 27 in Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland.
ODK, founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., is an honorary society that recognizes students who maintain a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities. The award is given to students who possess and exhibit outstanding leadership qualities in service to the University.
Link, who graduated in December, is originally from Columbia, South Carolina. He served as Pitt's Student Government Board (SGB) president in 2008 and was previously an active member of SGB. He used his position to set an example and worked to improve Pitt programs for future students.
Link demonstrated a desire to give back to the community by participating in groups like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Keep It Clean Oakland, Ronald McDonald House, and Shadyside Boys and Girls Club. During his term as president, he helped create Pitt Make a Difference Day where Pitt students give back to Pittsburgh by taking part in service projects around the city. In addition, Link recruited potential engineering students as a member of the Freshmen Engineering Leadership Team. He also worked to have Pitt's chapter of Triangle Fraternity, an engineering fraternity, rechartered to give students a community that provides lasting positive influence.
James Ostendorf, majoring in history and political science, also received the award.
