English students’ papers accepted to conference
For the first time, the University of Indianapolis Sigma Tau Delta English honor society had all submitted papers accepted to the international Beyond Words convention. The convention will take place in Pittsburgh, PA March 23-26.
Seniors Kara Lamb, Zhenzhen Liu, Meagan McCann, Melanie Orr and Casey Pennington submitted their academic papers.
The Sigma Tau Delta English Honor society was founded in 1924 and recognizes students’ achievements in the study of English. Membership requires a 3.0 GPA. After being accepted, members are required to attend meetings and are urged to participate in conferences.
Kyoko Amano, associate professor of English and associate director of the Honors College, is the faculty sponsor for the UIndy chapter of the organization, called Nu Xi. Amano explained the 100 percent acceptance rate is a great honor for Nu Xi’s members, as well as the entire English department and university.
“This conference is very selective,” Amano said. “Last year, according to the national office, only 50 percent of the critical papers [were] accepted and only 30 percent of the creative pieces [were] accepted.”
William Dynes, faculty chair of English, stressed the importance of these five UIndy students’ achievement.
“It’s evidence of how accomplished our students are and how committed they are to their academic work,” Dynes said.
He also praised Amano and the role she played in the students’ success.
“It’s a testimony to the good work Dr. Amano has been doing…since she is the one who encourages the students to submit their essays. The entire English department supports [her] work organizing and inspiring the students,” Dynes said.
Senior Meagan McCann’s winning paper was entitled “A Stifling Society.”
“Being a part of Sigma Tau Delta has introduced me to a group of people who are very academically strong and constantly trying to better themselves,” McCann said.
She also praised the quality of the English department.
“It has been an honor for me to be a part of [our English department] and to learn from the excellent professors that we are so fortunate to have,” McCann said.
Dynes recognized that the honor reflects on both the students and the department.
“We’re very proud of the creativity and originality of these scholars,” Dynes said, “and we’re delighted that they will be representing our department and the University like this.”
 
 