Bob Tomaszewski
Staff Writer
On Saturday, Sigma Tau Delta’s Victorian Feast ignited holiday spirit—Dickens style. Two inductees were absent so there was no induction ceremony, but that did not stop the organization from having the feast, trivia games and a costume contest.
Many honors’ society members dressed as literary characters. Food associated with the holidays – turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. — were reminiscent of moments from the film “A Christmas Carol.”
Figgy pudding was among the holiday dishes served, a tradition among the members. After the figgy pudding is lit, members are encouraged to chant, “Bring out the figgy pudding!” while professor of English Jack Shindler leads the group in a holiday song.
According to Visiting Professor of English Dee Anna Phares, the Victorian Feast had served as Sigma Tau Delta’s signature event, but now, the honor society is looking to host two events per term rather than two events per year as previously done.
Sigma Tau Delta President Taylor Harrison said, “I’m really looking to bring about some change.”
Last year, she served as the organization’s secretary and treasurer. Harrison noted how board member depth was limited last year while Phares pointed to this year’s very involved executive board serving as a central reason for changes occurring.
Sigma Tau Delta is expanding and it is “branching out beyond the English department,” looking to recruit students “interested in writing, books, and movies,” and “we want people to come and enjoy themselves,” Phares said.
Assistant professor of English Sohinee Roy revealed how one of the new events is a book club led by Syrian in-scholar resident Riad Ismat, who selected an anthology of Arabic plays.
“The first 10 people get free copies of the book,” Roy said. “Although five people have already signed up.”
This event is open to the whole campus and the club will meet during North Central’s winter academic calendar for weeks two, six and eight.
