West Virginia University’s chapter of the Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic honor society has been named an “Honor Chapter” for its outstanding activities in 2014-2015. Only 11 other chapters were given such an honor.
This is the fourth distinction for WVU’s Delta Tau chapter of the honorary, after previously winning in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Sandra Dixon, assistant professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics has served as adviser for more than 20 years.
“The purpose of the organization is to promote an awareness of Hispanic cultures and also promote understanding between English and Spanish speaking peoples,” Dixon said. “This group was very dynamic and very active in achieving those goals. They were very serious in their desire to promote language and the cultures of the Hispanic world.”
In addition to the drive of the whole group, Dixon credited the 2014-2015 president, Maeve Cerezo Magee, for her leadership.
“She is an amazing young woman. She got the group motivated, and they followed her,” she said.
The national honor reflects the group’s wide diversity of activities across campus. A total of 12 events were hosted across campus, including conversation partner programs, movie screenings, food festivals and bake sales.
Each May, the more than 600 chapters of Sigma Delta Pi across the United States are asked to submit an annual report detailing their numerous activities and projects from the academic year. Based on these reports, the National Executive Committee chooses approximately 10-15 “Honor Chapters”. This recognition is based on the caliber of chapter projects that reflect the Sigma Delta Pi mission of honoring excellence in the study of the Spanish language, contributing to cultural understanding and upholding the goals of the society.
The WVU chapter of Sigma Delta Pi will host induction ceremonies later this Fall, and is always accepting new members. For eligibility information, and to find out more about the group, visit http://sigmadeltapi.studentorgs.wvu.edu/.
-WVU-
dr/08/26/2015
CONTACT: Devon Copeland, Director of Marketing and Communication, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, 304-293-6867, Devon.Copeland@mail.wvu.edu
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