Eight students from the Epsilon Theta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, attended the international English honor society’s conference in Portland, Oregon. Also attending was Dr. Shannin Schroeder, faculty sponsor, and one alumnus.
Submissions by the students to the conference included academic essays, poetry, and short fiction. Several of the students chaired a session in addition to presenting their own works.
Highlights of the convention included the election of Schroeder, associate professor of English at SAU, as secretary/treasurer of the national Sigma Tau Delta and the second place award in poetry to SAU alumnus Donika Ross. Ross is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in poetry at the University of Texas at Austin. One of her poems has also been published in the most recent issue of The Rectangle, Sigma Tau Delta’s journal for creative writing.
“It was a rewarding time for us all,” said Micah Hicks, a sophomore English major from Hope. “Our group was extremely supportive, always there to provide an audience for other chapter members, even if their presentations were at 8 a.m..”
In addition to attending numerous sessions, the group attended a leadership workshop and the keynote address by Poet Laureate Ted Kooser.
“Chapter veterans and newcomers alike attended this convention, and – as has been true for our chapter for the past several years and despite the relatively small size of our chapter – Southern Arkansas University was one of the best represented universities in attendance,” said Schroeder. “For those members who will soon be graduating, the Portland convention was a great way to wrap up their experiences in the organization, and the convention offered new members an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes and to attend the first of what will be many more conventions to come.”
SAU students who attended the convention include the following:
From El Dorado, Anwar Fairley, a graduate student in teacher education.
From Hope, Micah Hicks, a sophomore English major.
From Magnolia, Michael Counter, a junior English major; and Anna Petersen, a senior English education major.
From Taylor, Sara Bland, a senior English education major; and Lindsay Welsh, a senior English education major.
rom Beeville, Texas, Stephen Hrncir, a graduate student in kinesiology.
From Sofia, Bulgaria, Elena Yakunina, a senior English and psychology double major.
