Students studying English and Civic Communications & Media — and other aspiring professional writers — now have access to a new community that supports their job readiness in addition to the robust professional development services offered by Willamette’s Office of Career Development. Led by Assistant Professor of English Teresa Hernández, Willamette’s chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society is creating opportunities for students interested in writing professionally to gain important skills and start building their network.
Founded in 1922 as the English Club of Dakota Wesleyan University in South Dakota, Sigma Tau Delta recognizes academic excellence and improves access for undergraduate students to creative and academic publication opportunities, scholarships, national conferences, and publishing internships.
“Students wanted to learn more about internships, external scholarships, and different types of community service,” Hernández said. “I felt like this organization, which was very strong at my previous institution, would be one that could meet these needs.”
Hernández thought about her own experience as a graduate student and instantly thought of Sigma Tau Delta as a natural fit for Willamette. “I had seen how much fun students had in being able to take those leadership skills and put together events that they were excited about that weren’t faculty-led or university-led, and to see their ideas get off the ground,” Hernández said. “I thought, if we can do this within the English department, where we already have a natural home for it in terms of the major and the minor, then we can also have other students that are not necessarily in the discipline also be a part of it and get that academic recognition.”
“Sigma Tau Delta is important to me as a student because it provides a space where students can work together to accelerate our academic goals and begin thinking about internship opportunities, higher degree levels, academic conferences, and much more,” said chapter Treasurer Eugene Miller BA’24.
Although Sigma Tau Delta is predominantly known as an English Honor Society, the opportunities in the society are not exclusively for English majors. “Students are trying to get the word out that while the society is English-oriented, you’re also eligible to count writing-centered Civic Communications & Media courses. Just because you haven’t taken an advanced English course doesn’t bar you from being eligible to meet the criteria to gain induction within the chapter,” Hernández said.
Sigma Tau Delta members are presented with pathways specifically geared toward their passions. The group gives writing-centered majors various career choices to explore including publishing, academic writing, and creative writing. The society is a place where they can connect with other students who share their interests, and a national network to help get their work more exposure.
“I am excited to see how the society will continue to bring on new members and become another great opportunity for Willamette students,” said Miller.
Ezra Neely BA’26 is a double-major in English and Civic Communication & Media and serves as co-president of Sigma Tau Delta.