Chapter History

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, was founded in May 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell, South Dakota, by Professor Judson Q. Owen. Its central purpose is to confer distinction upon outstanding students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

The Beta Beta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta began at Cleveland College in December 1926, the first year of the college's existence. Dr. Frederick H. Adler gathered fifteen students with exceptional writing ability to form a writer's club with Mary Esson Reid. On January 3, 1927 this group of students and faculty was recognized by the national STD as the Beta Beta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. The chapter grew to a membership of 63 in 1930, sponsoring many writing contests for members and non-members. The chapter maintained an emphasis on excellence in writing and limited membership to those in advanced writing classes, but still boasted 50 members in 1952. Members were encouraged to publish both prose and poetry constantly in national publications and many members had their own volumes as well. In 1954 Dr. Adler left the college and with his passing the chapter passed as well.

The creation of a writers club was not without precedent at the University and Sigma Tau Delta was preceeded by several other literary societies. In 1828 the "Philozetian Society" whose constitution declared "the principal business of the society shall consist of orations, disputes, compositions, criticisms, declamations, and debates." This group was followed by the similar "Adelphic Society" and "Franklin Society" in 1930 and 1931. Debate topics ranged from "Should there be a Congress of Nations?" to "If a man has hold of a bear's tail, will it be better for him to hold on or to let go?" Several literary and writing societies exsisted concurrently with STD at Cleveland College, including "Parnassus" which encouraged creative writing, both prose and poetry. The Writer's Club that started the STD chapter continued after the creation of the chapter as a seperate entity, holding writing contests, bringing guest speakers, and offering critical evaluation of member's work. The College Poetry Society, also founded by Dr. Adler in 1931, focuses on members' poetry. The Critics Club diversified into the appreciation of film classics, guest lectures, symphony concerts, and interpretive readings of literature.


 

Many of these organizations endured for many years and many more came and left. The Beta Beta chapter remained inactive until 1996 when Eve Proper noticed the apparant lack of an English Honorary on campus and decided to rectify that. With Professor Tom Bishop as a faculty advisor the chapter quickly recruited members and held many events. Unfortunately the chapter lapsed in 2001 with the loss of Presidential leadership. But with Professor Heather Meakin now advising and an enthusiastic new group of students our chapter's future looks bright!

 

1947 Yearbook - Sigma Tau Delta

1948 Yearbook - Sigma Tau Delta

1949 Yearbook - Critics Club (1)
1949 Yearbook - Critics Club (2)

1950 Yearbook - Sigma Tau Delta

[Yearbooks courtesy of CWRU University Archives.]