Organization and Club Descriptions
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.
The Society strives to:
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Serve society by fostering literacy
With over 750 active chapters located in Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, there are more than 1,000 faculty sponsors, and approximately 8,500 members inducted annually.
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. More information is available at http://www.english.org/sigmatd/ Contact Professor Mary Adams at (309) 268-4311 or madams@lincolncollege.edu.
Black Student Union (BSU)
“Coming Together and Making an Impact.”
The BSU at Lincoln College-Normal is a student-led organization that provides multicultural opportunities for all students on campus. The organization began in October of 2008 and set out to infuse African American and Black culture into the everyday lives of Lincoln College students. Since its conception BSU has held multiple social events and information sessions, as well as, a fundraiser to boost resources for the organization. BSU meets on a weekly basis and encourages students of all races and ethnicities to join. For more information, please contact the Student Life Graduate Assistant at (309) 268-4849.
Sigma Kappa Delta
Founded on April 21, 1996, Sigma Kappa Delta (ΣΚΔ) has its origins in Sigma Tau Delta (ΣΤΔ), the national English honor society for four-year colleges and universities. Many English instructors in the growing two-year college system had been members of ΣΤΔ during college and were interested in offering the same opportunity to two-year college students. For years before ΣΚΔ’s founding, the national headquarters of ΣΤΔ had received calls from instructors asking about possible membership for two-year college students. Few two-year college students qualified for ΣΤΔ membership because membership in that organization is limited to majors in English related fields.
Dr. William Johnson, Executive Director of Sigma Tau Delta and Professor of English at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, suggested a new national English honor society designed especially for two-year college students under the direction of Sigma Tau Delta; ΣΤΔ’s Board graciously agreed. Thus, Sigma Kappa Delta was founded when Dr. Johnson invited four two-year college instructors to meet April 18-21, 1996, at the Chicago Allerton hotel. More information is available http://www.english2.org/. Contact Professor Mary Adams at (309) 268-4311 or madams@lincolncollege.edu.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha International
The letters ESA stand for Education, Service, and Association. Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International is a powerful network that brings good people together to accomplish good things in the local, national, and global communities. Since 1929, ESA has created a powerful network of nearly 1,000 chapters to excel in community education, service, and philanthropy. Hands-on philanthropic endeavors provide more than 650,000 hours of direct service to those in need. Each year, ESA's 12,000 members also help to raise $10 million in cash and pledges for charitable causes.
ESA's unique programs provide each member with the training, education, and support they need to promote successful public service, while developing personal and professional skills in management, public relations, and overall leadership.
ESA members are people who want to make a difference, who welcome challenges, and are gratified by personal involvement. They enjoy working with others, and are touched by the testimonials of others. They are particularly interested in causes that affect families, children in particular. They respond readily to individuals and are especially supportive of fellow members.
The words caring and sharing are important to ESA members as these words have come to characterize the basic spirit of the membership. ESA members are people who care enough to share. Membership success and satisfaction are measured by the degree to which individual members and chapters have been able to achieve positive ideals.
While the orientation of how to achieve these ideals has changed over the years, the basic spirit of ESA has remained constant over its more than 75 year history. More information is available at http://esaintl.com/. Contact Dr. Joyce Reed for more information at (309) 268-4309 or jreed@lincolncollege.edu.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
RHA is a student-led organization designed to represent and provide for the needs of Lincoln College-Normal’s on-campus residents. Every resident on campus is considered a member of RHA; however, various leadership positions exist within the organization for students looking to become more involved. RHA maintains a close working relationship with the administrative members of the Office of Residential and Student Life and allows students to voice their opinion in decisions affecting the living environment of the on-campus population. RHA also incorporates the SLAC and BACCHUS committees providing programming for residents on campus. SLAC, or the Student Life Activities Committee plans social and developmental activities and events, and BACCHUS, Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students, is responsible for health, wellness, and alcohol awareness programming. RHA encourages all on-campus residents to get involved, whether by simply voting at general assembly meetings, joining a committee, or holding an executive position. For more information, please contact the Student Life Graduate Assistant at (309) 268-4849.
Updated 3/25/10