by junior Abigail Helfrich
On Wednesday April 27, Western New England University’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society inducted seven new members. Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society, founded at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1924. It serves to offer distinction for achievements in literature, foster the study of English and promote literacy, provide culture stimulation and interest in literature, and exhibit academic excellence.
Current Sigma Tau Delta president Kristian Staev, Associate Professor of English Edward Wesp, and Chair and Professor of English Chip Rhodes were present to welcome new inductees.
“I'm really honored to be accepted as a member of Sigma Tau Delta because I've worked really hard these past two years, and it feels great to be recognized for my achievements in and out of the classroom,” inductee Gina Lanzano says. Lanzano was one of the seven inductees, along with Joshua Ayers, Rachel Azzara, Erin-Nicole Conti, Ernad Minic, Samantha Palumbo, and Ryan Shea.
Ryan Shea, Rachel Azzara, Dr. Chip Rhodes, Joshua Ayers, Gina Lanzano, Erin-Nicole Conti, Dr. Ted Wesp, and Samantha Palumbo
At the induction meeting, elections were held to decide new officers for the next year, naming Nina Kublan as President, Abigail Helfrich as Vice President, Gina Lanzano as Secretary, and Ryan Shea as Treasurer. “I’m excited to get more English majors engaged through trips and activities, as well as continuing to spread awareness of Sigma Tau Delta and our appreciation of literature,” Kublan said.
Each semester, Sigma Tau Delta takes a field trip to a nearby historical author’s house, like last fall’s trip to the Herman Melville house. In the past, Sigma Tau Delta has hosted an English Professor Appreciation week, a book drive for local charities, and a box tops collection for local schools. Each year around induction time, the society also holds an English social gathering so the University’s English majors can get to know each other and their professors.
