English
Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society whose purpose is to promote the study and enjoyment of English literature, language, and writing. The local branch at MSU Billings presents occasional programs, sponsors an annual poetry contest for students, manages an ongoing book sale in the Writing Lab (LA 213), and sponsors the annual Writers Roundup, a gathering of local and regional writers who sell and autograph their books. Proceeds from our fundraising activities support a variety of scholarships, awards, and activities. Sigma Tau Delta welcomes all English majors and minors who display academic excellence and meet the standards set by the national office. For further information, please contact the faculty sponsor, Dr. Rachel Schaffer, in the English/Philosophy Department, LA 437, 657-2954.
In the Fall of 1983, Dr. Gary Acton wrote a letter to English students at Eastern Montana College requesting their response to the idea of establishing a chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, whose purpose is to enrich students’ English education. Response was positive and an organization meeting was held in October and a steering committee appointed.
The steering committee (Maureen Manning, Lori Bolenske, Denise Wherley Robison, Dan Bohleen, and Linda Buckingham) drew up a petition and gathered the signatures required by the national organization, which granted EMC its Charter on January 27, 1984.
The first meeting of the EMC chapter was held on November 9, 1983, and Dan Bohleen was elected the first president. Other officers were Peggy Zitur, vice-president, Lori Bolenske, secretary, Denise Wherley Robison, treasurer, and Linda Buckingham, historian. Walter Utroske was the first faculty advisor, followed by Flora Willett.
In 1988, Dr. Rachel Schaffer became faculty advisor and Sigma Tau Delta sponsored the first Writers Roundup (book signing and sale) held in early December. At this sale, Montana and Wyoming authors signed their books and talked with visitors about writing. Proceeds from this sale fund textbook scholarships for English majors. The Writers Roundup has been held each year since.
Join Sigma Tau Delta the first Saturday of each December and meet your Montana authors. For more information contact Dr. Schaffer at 657-2954.
Student Literary Magazine
The first issue of the student literary magazine, Rook, debuted in March, 1997 at Barnes & Noble with readings from some of the student authors. A student editorial team of Lyon Virosko, Anna Elkins, Cory Jaeger, Ken Siebert, and Marla Wick selected entries submitted by students, from all areas on campus, to be printed in this first edition. Ken Siebert edited the second Rook in 1998 and Cory Utterback is edited the third edition for 1999.
Dr. Jim Peterson, former creative writing instructor and advisor to the group obtained a grant from the MSU Billings Foundation to publish this first issue. Dr. Peterson said that he hoped the magazine would dramatize creative writing for the whole community and provide an outlet for student writers.
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Philosophy
Big Sky Philosophy Club
The Big Sky Philosophy Club provides Philosophy minors and other interested faculty, staff, and members of the general public with a forum to discuss pertinent issues and ideas.
Advised by Dr. David Karnos, the group has recently sponsored Tibetan monks, reviewed works by great philosophers, and discussed current ethical issues. For information on participating, contact Dr. Karnos at 657-1611.
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