Sigma Tau Delta chapter hits 10 years

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society celebrated the 10th anniversary of the chapter's chartering Sept. 27, when it also inducted new members.

"In its 10 years, the chapter has supported 36 International Convention presentations by 23 different students. Its members have won $23,500 in nationally competitive scholarships and $2,200 in convention paper awards," Leigh Dillard, co-advisor and professor of English, said. "The chapter has thrice won the Outstanding Chapter Award presented annually by the International Society, most recently for the 2022-23 academic year."

In addition to these accolades, the chapter hosts two Little Free Libraries at UNG's Gainesville Campus and plans to open a third this semester. Members of the group also volunteer with the Books for Keeps literacy nonprofit in Athens, Georgia, Dillard said.

Over 20 new members were recognized, including Madison Tart, the chapter's 200th member.

"I chose to join because I love English and reading," Tart said. "I know that it will give me an excellent head start in my career and stand out on my resume."

Tart, a sophomore from Gainesville, Georgia, is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

 The Dahlonega chapter, which was chartered in 1991, inducted a dozen new members in a separate ceremony on Sept. 27.

It will host "M.R. James: The Chance of a Ghost," a lecture (with ghostly manifestations just in time for Halloween) exploring the works of "the father of the modern ghost story" Montague Rhodes James, Dr. Brian Corrigan, Dahlonega chapter advisor and professor of Renaissance literature, said. The event will be held at the Library Technology Center, room 382, at the Dahlonega Campus Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

On Oct. 25 the chapter will host its annual Halloween costume party with this year's theme being "A Haunted Renaissance Banquet" on the third floor of Dunlap Hall from 7-9 p.m. with refreshments, games and prizes.