Muskegon Community College students who enjoy literature and linguistics will now have a new opportunity to expand their interests with participation in Sigma Kappa Delta, the English Honor Society for two-year colleges.
On April 1, Sigma Kappa Delta officially approved MCC’s request for a local chapter, Sigma Zeta, of the National Honor Society founded in 1996 at Cottey College in Missouri. The Sigma Kappa Delta headquarters is currently located at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama.
With 139 active chapters across the U.S., Sigma Kappa Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate studies.
The Honor Society annually inducts more than 2,500 members, who have the opportunity to share their love of literature and linguistics with like-minded peers, participate in rewarding activities, and be recognized for their accomplishments. They may also apply, or in some cases instantly qualify, for one or more of the Society’s numerous awards and scholarships.
Student membership in Sigma Zeta is by invitation to students currently enrolled at MCC. It is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and most members, upon transferring, are invited to join Sigma Tau Delta, the four-year International Honor Society.
To be eligible for membership, MCC students must have completed a minimum of one college level course in English language or literature, excluding developmental or remedial courses; earned a grade of “B” or better in all English classes; have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in general scholarship; and have completed at least one semester or two quarters of college course work for a cumulative of 12 semester hours. There is a $40 one-time membership fee.
Members of Sigma Zeta will choose a project based on literature, reading, or writing that will benefit either the Muskegon Community College community or the Muskegon community at large. According to faculty sponsor Sean Colcleasure, “Sigma Zeta is a great opportunity for students who really enjoy all aspects of literature and English and want to give back and be involved. And the best part, students do not need to be English majors.”
As an English Honor Society, Sigma Zeta will have the opportunity to work alongside MCC English Honor students to solicit submittals of written work — fiction and non-fiction — and art — photography, drawings, paintings, etc. — to River Voices, MCC’s literary magazine.
Student membership benefits include: academic recognition, scholarships, writing awards and opportunities, an annual convention, student leadership and community services, career advancement, and lifetime affiliation and fellowship.
The 2018-2019 Sigma Zeta student officers are: President Brianna White, Vice President Taylor DePouw, Treasurer Nickolas Ponce, and Secretary Emery Trautner.
For more information on MCC’s Sigma Zeta Chapter, contact either Sean Colcleasure at sean.colcleasure@muskegoncc.edu or Shauna Hayes at shauna.hayes@muskegoncc.edu.