From left, Lee Sigma Tau Delta members Harrison McCroskey, Ashley Mulligan, Delight Ejiaka, Josie Moore and Eliza Souers at the 2022 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in Atlanta
Five students from Lee University were selected to present at the Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society for graduate and undergraduate students, holds this convention annually. Lee is home to the Alpha Beta Iota chapter of Sigma Tau Delta.
The theme of the four-day 2022 Convention was “Action.”
Each Lee student submitted their creative works in October and were accepted in the conference in December. Members of Sigma Tau Delta read their accepted submissions at the Convention, followed by a Q&A session. Several of the students served as moderators for sessions.
The selected students include Maggie Bell, Delight Ejiaka, Harrison McCroskey, Josie Moore, and Eliza Souers. Dr. Chad Schrock, associate professor of English, and Ashley Mulligan, assistant professor of English, served as trip leaders and sponsors.
“The Sigma Tau Delta Conference will forever be one of my favorite memories,” said Ms. Moore. “Having the chance to present my creative writing work, as well as listen to other original stories and critical essays, heightened my love for being an English major. It was a trip filled with inspiration and the best people.”
Ms. Moore and Ms. Ejiaka read short stories, Mr. McCroskey presented his academic paper “Mary Shelley’s Critique on Morality,” and Ms. Souers read from her flash fiction collection, “Deity.” Ms. Bell was scheduled to present her academic paper “Walking on the Beach: Eliot’s Search for Community,” but had to leave before presenting.
Two keynote speakers presented during the convention. Richard Blanco, inaugural poet for Obama’s second inauguration, read his poetry and presented on his definition of “Home.” The second speaker was Nic Stone, who talked about her book “Dear Martin.”
The event ended with the Convention Awards Luncheon, where awards were presented to alumni, chapter advisors, and graduate and undergraduate student presenters.
“This group of students had a great time together, supporting each other and enjoying each other’s company,” said Dr. Schrock. “I could see the good memories building in real time.”
The Sigma Tau Delta International Convention is an annual event that allows hundreds of Sigma Tau Deltans from around the globe to gather in one locale, share experiences and ideas, be recognized for their achievements, and participate in the official side of the Society. At the convention, opportunities abound to meet face to face with other students, faculty, and respected authors, make new friends, discuss the disciplines of the English language and literature, and enjoy the offerings of the convention’s location.
For more information about Sigma Tau Delta, visit english.org/index.shtml.