Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society (La Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica), was established on November 14, 1919, at the University of California in Berkeley.

The Society’s purposes are: 1) To honor those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking peoples; 2) To honor those who have made the Hispanic contributions to modern culture better known in the English-speaking world; 3) To encourage college and university students to acquire a greater interest in and a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture; 4) To foster friendly relations and mutual respect between the nations of Hispanic speech and those of English speech; 5) To serve its membership in ways which will contribute to the attainment of the goals and ideals of the society.

For more information, contact Dr. Cristina Francescon 910.630.7082, or francesc@methodist.edu or visit the national web site at www.sigmadeltapi.org.

The first intallation ceremony for the Spanish honor society, SIGMA DELTA PI, chapter PSI TAU, was held on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 2:30 pm in Hensdale Chapel.

Three top honor students were inducted: Francisca Frisone, major: Communications with minor in Spanish, Wilson Cedeno major: Spanish and Biology, Summa Cum Laude, Nicole Yard, major: Spanish.

Two faculty members were inducted as honorary members: Prof. Rocio Ochiltree and Prof. Juan Bobadilla.

Dr. Cristina Francescon (member since 1987) presided over the ceremony. Classical Spanish guitar selections were played by Anthony Liuzza and Antonio Fish. Many other faculty members from French, English, and Sociology attended also. A reception was held immediately after in T-109 where all enjoyed good, homemade food, music and conversation.