Ruth Barnes, founder, inspiration, and
guiding spirit of Sigma Delta Pi

We remember with
gratitude and appreciation.

History and Description

    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.  Its insignia is the royal seal of Fernando and Isabel, representing Castille, León and Aragón.  The Society's colors are red and gold and its flower is the red carnation.
    With the guidance of such notable Hispanists as S. Griswold Morley, Elijah C. Hills, Rudolph Schevill, Leavitt O. Wright, William Berrien, John D. Fitz-Gerald, Tomás Navarro Tomás, José Martel, Archer M. Huntington, John T. Reid, Stuart M. Gross, James O. Swain, F. Dewey Amner, Carl A. Tyre, T. Earle Hamilton, Dolores Brown, Richard E. Chandler, Ignacio R.M. Galbis, John H. LaPrade and Germán D. Carrillo, the Society has expanded its activities and now has over 500 chapters.  Almost all state universities have chapters, and the few that do not are now considering the founding of one.
    The following reveal the diverse nature of the colleges and universities which form the Sigma Delta Pi family: the Catholic University of America, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Southern Methodist University, Baruch College-CUNY, the University of Hawaii, Oral Roberts University, Georgian Court College, Stanford University, Texas Christian University, Hood College, Brigham Young University, College of William and Mary, Howard University, Friends University, Georgia Southern College, Marquette University, Baylor University, Brown University, Auburn University and The Citadel.
    In order to serve its many chapters most efficiently, the Society has a National President, an Executive Secretary-Treasurer, and five Regional Vice Presidents.  All but the Executive Secretary-Treasurer are nominated and elected by the active chapter members.  The Society is governed by an Executive Council consisting of the seven aforementioned officials, the Immediate Past President, and the Presidents Emeriti.  The sponsor of the chapter, preferably chosen by the student members, but sometimes appointed by the department head, is of the utmost importance, for his/her wisdom, imagination and dedication largely determine the success of the local branch of the Society.

 

Sigma Delta Pi Requirements

 

An institution of higher education that meets the following minimal requirements is invited to apply for a charter in Sigma Delta Pi:

1. The institution must be in good standing, unconditionally approved by a regional accrediting association;
2. Must offer at least twenty-four hours, or the equivalent, of Spanish courses.
3. Must nominate three or more students for active charter membership who meet the following basic requirements:
   • They must have completed at least three years, or the equivalent, of college Spanish, including at least three semester hours of a third-year course in Hispanic literature or Hispanic culture and civilization.  Those students enrolled in these courses are eligible for membership if the instructor will certify that their work is a B quality or better;
   • Their grades in all Spanish courses must average at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
   • They must rank in the upper 35% of their class (sophomore, junior, senior);
   • They must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college work;
   • They must show genuine interest in things Hispanic and be of good moral character.
      

  

 

 

 Sigma Delta Pi - Upsilon Theta Chapter Activities

 

 

 

 

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Page Contact: Ms. Maribelle Pérez

Last updated:  11/07/2005