Lincoln University Students Inducted into Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society

LU students were recognized during the induction into the Omega Pi chapter of Sigma Tau Delta.

Five Lincoln University of Missouri students — Yessnia Austin-Dixon from Jefferson City, Missouri, Cassandra Fierro from Mexico, Missouri, Malachi Holliman from Kansas City, Missouri, Cheyene Koetting from Eugene, Missouri, and Keilen Watts from St. Louis, Missouri — were inducted into the Omega Pi chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, on April 23 in Pawley Theatre in MLK Hall. 

The students were nominated by a faculty member and received membership invitations due to their exceptional academic achievements in English language and literature and their overall scholarly excellence. They were welcomed into the Sigma Tau Delta family by the chapter's faculty advisor, Professor Eli Burrell, and DeAni Blake-Britton, chapter president and Midwest region associate student representative for Sigma Tau Delta.

"It's always such a joy to see Lincoln's students inducted into the International English Honor Society,” Burrell says. “This year, our inductees' studies reach across multiple disciplines. Two of them are majoring in agriculture with minors in English creative writing, one of them is a wellness major with a minor in English creative writing, one is a psychology major minoring in English creative writing and one is studying English education. We love to see students from all these different areas excel in English as well. We should see the students inducted this year as terrific examples for the rest of our student body: They are curious, imaginative, industrious, compassionate and truly care about constructing a better world around them. English helps them build that."

Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. With over 770 active chapters, more than 1,400 faculty advisors and approximately 7,500 members inducted annually, Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature. The society aims to recognize high achievement in English language and literature while fostering cultural stimulation and promoting interest in literature and language. 

The induction ceremony coincided with the LU Spring Reading Series, providing an opportunity for faculty, staff and fellow students to celebrate the inductees' academic achievements. Refreshments were provided for the student inductees and their guests, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.