Organization Spotlight:

Sigma Tau Delta encourages students to strive for academic excellence in writing and other English related activities. 
Photo courtesy of www.english.org/sigmatd

Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society.  Concord University’s Alpha Sigma Gamma chapter is one of eleven in the state of West Virginia.  Currently, the organization serves over 870 chapters located in the United States and abroad.  With more than 1,000 faculty sponsors, and approximately 9,000 members being inducted annually, it is now the second largest honor society in the Association of College Honor Societies.  According to their website, Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924.  They have modeled their mission to “confer distinction for high achievement, promote interest in English language and literature, foster exemplary character and fellowship, and exhibit high standards of academic excellence. 

"Promoting the English language, exhibiting academic excellence, and high achievement is just what our chapter here at Concord is doing," explains Adam Rose, a current member. He says that Sigma Tau Delta “provides members with opportunities to present their academic achievements and be recognized and rewarded for their excellence.”  

In the past, they've engaged in community philanthropic events, like holding a book drive for children to promote reading at a young age.  When asked what a typical meeting sounds like Rose said; “our meetings occur sporadically, and they are usually used to plan fundraisers, charity events, or discuss conference plans.”

By national standards, in order to join Sigma Tau Delta a student doesn’t have to be an English major, but they must have completed a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. The student must also have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Sigma Tau Delta holds an international conference every year, this year’s conference being in Minneapolis, MN.  Besides traveling and attending a conference where students are able to network with students and professionals in their field of study, members have many benefits that they can reap from the organization.  Members can receive academic recognition, scholarships, writing awards and opportunities, and internships.  Members also get experience in leadership and take part in community service.  Ultimately, Sigma Tau Delta sets members up for career advancement and they gain a lifetime of affiliation and fellowship with not only members from their own chapter, but members around the world.

While Sigma Tau Delta doesn’t have a regular meeting time, if students are interested in joining, they can contact the chapter’s advisor, Dr. Malkovich at amalkovich@concord.edu.  For more information on Sigma Tau Delta as a national organization visit their website at: www.english.org/sigmatd/