Sigma Tau Delta

Department of English and Foreign Languages

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, it was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Sigma Tau Delta's central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.

Membership Eligibility

  • be a registered student at Barry University;
  • have completed 30 credits of college work (undergraduate) or 6 credits (graduate);
  • have completed at least two literature, creative writing or professional writing courses beyond first-year courses. The literature courses may include foreign language, humanities or liberal studies courses with a strong literary focus. If you have a question about any of the courses on your transcript, contact the faculty sponsor (see below).
  • have at least an overall GPA of 3.0 and a B average in all English-related courses;
  • pay the $50 membership fee (includes lifetime national membership in Sigma Tau Delta and one year local dues)

Faculty Sponsors

Dr. Lillian Schanfield, lschanfield@barry.edu
Dr. Patricia Feito, Pfeito@barry.edu

Our chapter also publishes a distinguished literary journal, What Oft Was Thought, and runs a yearly writing contest.

Congratulations to the newest inductees of the International English Honor Society!

For their high achievement, students Anthony Bennetti, Alyssa Diaz, and Alexander Orozco were welcomed into Barry’s Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta during a special ceremony in November. Faculty co-sponsors Lillian Schanfield, PhD, and Patricia Feito, PhD, presided over the event, while student member Joyce Azonye delivered the invocation.

Barry’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta is one of 900 active chapters around the world, conferring distinction on undergraduate, graduate, and professional-studies students for excellence in English and literature. The chapter also publishes the literary journal What Oft Was Thought and hosts an annual writing contest open to all Barry students.

2023 Writing Contest Now Open!

Barry students in any major are invited to submit to Sigma Tau Delta’s annual writing contest! Send us your best Fiction, Hint Fiction (stories of 25 words or less), Graphic Fiction, Poetry, and Essays by March 6, 2023.

A First-Place winner and Honorable Mention will be selected in each category and receive a Certificate of Award from the Department of English & Foreign Language at the Spring Honors Convocation. Each First-Place winner will also receive:

  • $50.00 cash prize
  • Inscription on a permanent department plaque
  • Participation in group readings of their work

Contest Rules and Guidelines:

  • Open to all registered Barry University students
  • Submit up to 5 entries (3,500 words max)
  • Maximum of 5 entries per person
  • Format: Word, Times New Roman, 12-point font
  • Email submissions as attachments with the subject line “Writing Contest Submission” to
  • In separate attachment titled “Personal Information,” please provide the following information: Name, student number, permanent address, telephone number, e-mail address, academic major, and a short biographical sketch (no more than three sentences) that reflects your particular interest in writing

Contest results will be announced by late April.

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