A Brief History of
Sigma Tau Delta

A Brief History

In May of 1924, at Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell, South Dakota, Professor Judson Q. Owen founded Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. His purpose was to recognize the excellence in scholarship and accomplishments of English students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Today, the society is international and includes more than 600 chapters. Each chapter is unique, reflecting the identity of its school and individual members, but their collective goal remains the same as that of their founder - the advancement of the study of language and literature.

Major Activities

• Publication of The Rectangle, an annual literary magazine.

• Biannual publication of The Newsletter.

• Awarding of the Judson Q. Owen Award of $1,500 in creative writing.

• Awarding of the Eleanor B. North Award of $750 in poetry.

• Awarding of the Frederic Fadner Award of $750 in critical writing.

• Awarding of the Herbert L. Hughes Award of $750 in short story.

• Awarding of annual scholarships and fellowships of $2,000 - $2,500.

• Awarding of several "Outstanding Chapter" awards of $300.

• Annual international convention and regional conventions.