Creative Writing Major to Present at International Convention

Laura Berry

In mid-march, undergraduate Creative Writing and Japanese Studies major, Laura Berry, will travel to New Mexico to present her work at the International English Honor Society’s Sigma Tau Delta’s International Convention, which will draw an estimated 1,000 attendees.

Berry, a member of CMU’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter Omega Tau, will present her collection of short fiction stories titled “Rulebreaker’s Vigil” alongside other English majors across the country.

“Sigma Tau Delta members are a select group,” said James Wynn, faculty liaison to the organization who explained that students need at least a 3.5 GPA in their English major to be members. “For Laura to be chosen from out of this group to present at the convention is an honor and gives a sense of the high quality of her scholarly work.”

For Berry the convention is an opportunity to meet peers from other universities.

“Carnegie Mellon University is not a typical English major setting, which is what I like about it,” said Berry.

Many CMU majors branch out into other humanities, STEM, art, or even business, which makes for a unique experience.

“However, I’m looking forward to hearing what my peers across the country are writing and talking about,” said Berry.

Sigma Tau Delta has over 800 chapters internationally. The society honors and brings together English language and literature undergraduate, graduate and professional studies students through campus events, outreach, and organizational programming.

“Sigma Tau Delta is a great way to connect with other people in the department,” said Berry. “I tend to take classes only with other junior Creative Writing majors, so it’s nice to meet the professional writers, technical writers, and Bachelor of Arts in English students, as well.”

The society also connects members with opportunities for academic development including convention presentation experience, publication and academic scholarships.

Sigma Tau Delta’s International Convention will take place March 18-21 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Learn more about CMU’s Sigma Tau Delta chapter Omega Tau by clicking here.