Archive for March, 2014

Thirteen members of Sigma Tau Delta, along with their families and friends, were in attendance at this year’s induction on March 29th in Chapel on the Hill.

Erica Stallings, from the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, spoke on English after college and the importance of reading, writing, and grammar in the everyday work world. She encouraged the members of Sigma Tau Delta in their plans to enter education, publishing, and marketing, but said that the ability to read and write well is an essential component of many jobs. “Your writing is being judged all the time,” she told the group.

Two senior members, Ashley Alexander and Javan Furlow, officers for 2012-2013, received their certificates and cords at the induction.

After being corded, they assisted Dr. Suanna Davis, sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta, in the induction ceremony for the new members. (This year’s officers were out of town presenting at the Alpha Chi Conference.)

Eleven of the twenty new members of Sigma Tau Delta were inducted into the Honor Society and received a journal and a memorial bookmark, handed to them by either Javan or Ashley.

More than fifty people participated in the ceremony and enjoyed the refreshments afterwards.

New Sigma Tau Delta members at the induction:
Ben Clardy V
Nicholas Fields
Angela Fogle
Abilgail Fransen
Chandler Gum
Emily Moses
Lauren Noack
Kalyn Prince
Amanda Rigby
Tyler Sirman
Alikay Wood

New Sigma Tau Delta members who were unable to attend the induction:
Julia Curtis
Regan Dismukes
Rory Harris
Maggie Marshall
Whitney Pittard
Brandy Rains
Lauren Shrader
Victoria Stowe
Kelsey Weems

Whitney Pittard is a Senior on the Dean’s Honor Roll at Abilene Christian University. She is studying Graphic Design/ Advertising with a minor in English. When she’s not busy with her graphic design internship at Morris&Mitchell, a student-run AD/PR agency, Whitney participates in the Big Purple Marching Band and serves as captain for the colorguard and ACUITY winterguard. Whitney is also an active member in the Alpha Kai Omega social club and Honor’s College. In the fall of 2011, Whitney joined the ACU chapter of the national design organization, AIGA. Whitney enjoys participating in volunteer work such as Relay for Life and Adopt a Highway, as well as Wildcats for Sustainability. After graduation, she plans to attend a design school and work towards a master’s degree.

Kalyn Prince is a junior at Abilene Christian University, and is currently earning a double major in English and Political Science.

During her time at ACU, Kalyn has been involved with the Undergraduate Research Festival, Student Congress, the Honors Senate, the study abroad program in Oxford, and the First-Year Program as a Peer Leader. During her summers, Kalyn has interned at the U.S. District Court in Dallas and for a Congressman in Washington D.C.

As of last spring, Kalyn is also a fellow in the Jack Pope Fellows Program for students pursuing careers in public service. She is a member of the Honors College, as well as a member of the Alpha Chi Honors Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society. After graduating Kalyn would like to pursue law school or graduate work, with the hopes of eventually teaching at the university level.

Abigail Fransen is a sophomore at ACU majoring in History with a minor in English. Abby is involved with W-Club and the Honors College on campus. She is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and Phi Alpha Theta.

Abby plans to pursue further education after she graduates. Outside of school, she enjoys film and volunteering with the high school youth at a local church.

Abby would like to thank her parents for instilling a love of reading and learning, as well as many teachers who have encouraged her throughout her education.

Chandler Gum is a sophomore from Boerne, Texas and an English major with a minor in International Studies. She is also a part of the Honor Society Phi Eta Sigma and spent last semester in Oxford, England with the study abroad program.

In the future Chandler would like to write for some form of nonprofit or mission organizations that focuses on humanitarian work around the world.

Chandler would like to thank her family, especially her mother and father who have always encouraged and supported her in her love for writing, and most importantly she would like to thank the Lord for placing her at such a wonderful place as ACU to pursue her passions.

Lauren Shrader is a sophomore English major from Fort Worth, Texas, minoring in professional writing. Though she has no set plans for the future, she is considering being involved in either publishing or editing.

She wants to thank her family and all the wonderful teachers she has had over the years who have helped encourage and inspire her.

Angela Fogle is a Missions major, with minors in English and Theatre. So far she has enjoyed helping with costumes for Les Miserables and several other ACU theatre productions. She is a member of the Service Action Leadership Team, and loves getting to serve the Abilene community every week.

Next semester Angela is looking forward to Studying Abroad in Oxford, England.

After graduation, Angela would like to serve as an international missionary, fostering people’s spiritual growth and creative expressions. She would like to thank her always supportive parents, as well as her Savior Jesus for guiding her in all of her decisions.

Tyler Sirman is a sophomore English major from Decatur, Texas. He is also pursuing minors in Philosophy and History. Outside of class he is a member of Seekers of the Word Drama Ministry and Trojans Social Club and works as an RA for ACU. He plans to pursue a graduate education in English in order to teach. He would also like to express his thanks for the support of his family, friends, and the numerous English teachers who helped him to fall in love with the discipline.

Lauren Noack is a senior at Abilene Christian University majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minoring in English. She has been involved with The Shinnery Review as a staff member, with the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and with W-Club. In the spring of 2012, Lauren was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and in the spring of 2013, Lauren was inducted into Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Since 2011, Lauren has served as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters. This fall, Lauren will be attending ACU’s graduate program for Communication Sciences and Disorders to receive her master’s degree.

Emily is a senior English major with a minor in Psychology who is graduating in May of 2014. In her time at ACU, Emily has participated in an array of clubs and organizations, including W-Club, Sing Song Production Staff, the women’s social club Ko Jo Kai, Emerging Leaders, and Freshman Action Council. Emily is a Co-Editor of The Shinnery Review, and has some of her work published in the 2013 edition of the literary magazine. Emily is presenting her research over the relationship between fathers and daughters in Shakespearean tragedy at the 2014 Undergraduate Research Festival, as well as at the Phi Alpha Theta Northeast Texas Regional Conference in April of 2014. Emily currently works as a student writer and copyeditor in the Marketing department of ACU’s Graduate School.

Emily will be pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a focus in Creative Nonfiction in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University in Washington, D.C. starting in August of 2014.