Purpose Statement:
Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. The Alpha Pi Iota chapter will work to promote networking, social interaction, and a stronger community in the English department, along with creating opportunities for English majors to reach out to the community and work towards professional goals.
International History:
In May 1924 under the direction of Professor Judson Q. Owen, the students of Dakota Wesleyan founded a small university English club. As the years continued, Dakota Wesleyan attracted enough attention from other English departments to lead Owen to propose the idea of "Sigma Tau Delta, The Professional English Fraternity." By its second annual convention in 1928, 71 chapters had been chartered.
A fire broke out on the Dakota Wesleyan campus in 1970 causing Sigma Tau Delta to lose most of its records. A reorganization convention was held at Northern Illinois University. During the convention, the delegates adopted a new constitution and voted to apply for membership in the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).
Now under Executive Director William C. Johnson, the society has more than 750 active chapters located in Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States. Sigma Tau Delta is the third largestACHS society.
Sigma Tau Delta is also the proud sponsor of The National English Honor Society (NEHS). NEHS, a program of Sigma Tau Delta, serves students and faculty in high schools throughout the country and provides an outreach to thousands of students and faculty who share a commitment to excellence in English language arts.
The History of Alpha Pi Iota:
A part of the Eastern region of Sigma Tau Delta, the Alpha Pi Iota chapter was founded in the fall of 2008. The Alpha Pi Iota chapter strives to uphold the values of Sigma Tau Delta and works to promote networking, social interaction, and a stronger community in the English department of the Ohio State University, along with creating opportunities for English majors to reach out to the Columbus community and work towards professional goals.
Values:
The Society strives to:
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
Heritage
Motto: Sincerity, Truth, and Design
Symbols: The quill pen, the torch, and star
Primary Colors: Cardinal Red and Black
Publications:
The Rectangle- This is an annual literary journal of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry of Sigma Tau Delta members.
The Sigma Tau Delta Review- This is an annual literary journal of critical essays on literature, essays on rhetoric and composition, and essays devoted to pedagogical issues.
The Newsletter- Published since 1971, The Newsletter contains news of international and regional conventions, international writing contests, new chapters, honor members, and local chapters. The Newsletter is issued biannually fall/spring.
For more information on joining the Alpha Pi Iota chapter of Sigma Tau Delta please contact sigmataudelta.osu@gmail.com.
For more information on Sigma Tau Delta at the international level check out www.english.org.
