From left, Row 1: Dr. Betsy Partyka (Advisor), Shayla Cohen, Jacqueline Menchaca, Alexis McCollough, Ali Russo, Caroline Tee, Della Harmison, Analee Davis
Rows 2, 3: Jessica Minarchek, Gustavo Velázquez, Claire McIsaac, Prestin Minter, María Díaz Martín, Hannah Posedel, Zoe Kiourtsis, Madeleine Case, Carli Henman, Alyssa Leaton, Alex Hiser, Andy Kostival, Joe Brucker
The lights are low, the candles are lit and there is a knock at the door. Enter now 19 future members of Sigma Delta Pi led by advisor Dr. Betsy Partyka adorned in her finest black medieval garb. Four officers of Sigma Delta Pi stand behind a table topped with candlesticks, red carnations and a book, silently watching the newcomers take their seats in the semi-circle. A guitar playing softly in the background is the only sound in the room as the initiation ceremony begins.
The president invites the initiates to volunteer their loyalty and cooperation with the organization’s activities and practices with utmost sincerity and goodwill: “Repeat after me…”
The initiation ceremony for the fall semester, held on Oct. 21, welcomed 19 new members to Sigma Delta Pi who demonstrate academic achievement and elevated interest in the study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. In attendance were several current student-members and some faculty-members to congratulate the newly initiated members, four graduate students and 16 undergraduates. Following the ceremony, a dinner reception organized by the officers featuring a build-your-own taco bar and several homemade desserts commenced where members could mingle and get to know other people affiliated with the organization.
The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi, honors those who surpass expectations in the study of Spanish language and literature, acknowledges those who make Hispanic contributions to other cultures better known in the English-speaking world and encourages university students to develop a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture to foster mutual respect and friendly relations among all. Ohio University’s Pi Rho/Tau chapter of Sigma Delta Pi values these principles and last year received awards recognizing their efforts in adherence to the organization’s mission.
This semester, Sigma Delta Pi has maintained steady activity by organizing events that welcome both members and non-members to participate and by raising funds to support future endeavors. The organization is happy to see such great interest and passion for sharing knowledge and promoting cross-cultural relations on behalf of its current members and is hopeful to continue putting forth the same effort with support from its new members.
Congratulations to all new members and thank you for volunteering to uphold the principles of Sigma Delta Pi with dignity and respect.
The build-your-own taco bar at the Sigma Delta Pi initiation was a hit.
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