By Kathryna Hoyman · Managing Editor
Along with adding 14 inductees to its ranks this semester, Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) formally recognized Bobbie Riddle and English Professor Jeff Bilbro for their contributions to the Grove City College community.
Riddle, a current housekeeper at the college, was chosen to be ODK’s newest honoris causa member. This honor is given to non-faculty individuals related to Grove City College and the local area who are chosen for their character and community contribution.
Riddle has served the college faithfully for 11 years. During this time, she worked for Bon Appétit for five years and is now in her seventh year with the housekeeping staff. Over her many years in this community, she has continuously loved the students and staff with warmth, energy and intentionality. She takes great care in remembering the names of those she encounters and has developed quite the repertoire of ongoing jokes with current students and alumni alike.
Riddle is a joyous part of many students’ college experience, and she recognizes how far complimenting or teasing “the kids” can go in helping them relax into the community.
She is certainly fond of the student body at Grove City, and she expresses that fondness daily through genuine and diligent love and service. “I work with the kids, not against them, (asking) ‘how can I help them?’” she said. “I’m just blessed to know them. I am. I just feel blessed to know them, because they’re all like my kids,” Riddle added. She could not choose one most memorable student interaction, saying, “That’s really rough, because it’s the love from all of them.”
Bilbro was recognized as a faculty associate member, a title given to faculty who “exhibit exemplary character, enthusiasm and high-quality teaching, genuine rapport with students, wise advising, significant scholarship, responsible leadership and faithful service to the campus and community,” according to ODK’s leadership.
Bilbro has taught at the college since 2021, all the while maintaining a dedication to the thriving of individual students. He is known on campus for his humor, eagerness to hear students out, diligence in teaching, opinions on AI and fast grading.
He is beloved and respected in the Department of English and beyond, and has balanced his role as a professor expertly alongside releasing frequent publications and serving as editor-in-chief of Front Porch Republic.
Our cherished community owes much to these members who serve with intention and love people well, and ODK has undoubtedly chosen qualified and compelling individuals to honor.
