Penn State Scranton's English and Multidisciplinary Studies programs recently hosted the inaugural induction of students into the campus' newly formed Omega Nu Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. Faculty pose with the new inductees for a group photo. Shown, first row, from left: students Taylor Belknap, Halle O’Neil, Olivia Maikranz and River Moon and Assistant Teaching Professor of English/Program Coordinator Paul Perrone. Second row, from left: students Rowan Mulligan, Ellie Allen and Alexandra Bouselli; Associate Teaching Professor of English Kara Stone; Assistant Teaching Professor of English Jody Griffith; Associate Professor of English Kelley Wagers; and Director for Undergraduate Nursing Education at Penn State Scranton/Assistant Teaching Professor of Nursing Justina Malinak. Third row, from left: students Nicholas Lowe, Evan Bannon, Mary Benitez and Zachary Hensel; Assistant Teaching Professor of History Paul Frisch; and Assistant Teaching Professor of Arts and Humanities Jim Hart.
DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton’s English and Multidisciplinary Studies programs celebrated academic excellence with the inaugural induction ceremony of the Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society.
The event recognized 11 students for their academic achievement in English language, literature and writing and highlighted the chapter’s mission to promote literacy and support the study of English in all its forms.
Assistant Teaching Professor of English and Lead Adviser of Alpha Omega Nu Paul Perrone served as the master of ceremonies.
“This is more than just an academic milestone,” Perrone said. “It’s a celebration of the power of words, the beauty of literature and the dedication of students who have chosen to explore the English language.”
Director of Academic Affairs H. Durell Johnson also spoke at the ceremony and praised the society’s new members for their academic achievements.
Associate Professor of English Kelley Wagers presented the students with certificates, followed by Associate Teaching Professor of English Kara Stone, who distributed the ceremonial stoles. Associate Teaching Professor of English Jody Griffith awarded the honor cords that graduating students would wear at commencement, and Assistant Teaching Professor of History Paul Frisch handed out lapel pins.
Frisch, Griffith, Assistant Teaching Professor of Arts and Humanities Jim Hart, Director for Undergraduate Nursing/Assistant Teaching Professor of Nursing Justina Malinak, Perrone, Stone and Wagers will all serve as advisers for the newly formed Alpha Omega Nu Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society at Penn State Scranton.
The 2025 Alpha Omega Nu inductees are:
- Ellie Alin
- Evan Bannon
- Taylor Belknap
- Mary Benitez
- Alexandra Bouselli
- Zachary Hensel
- Nicholas Lowe
- Olivia Maikranz
- Rowan Mulligan
- River Moon
- Halle O’Neil
Sigma Tau Delta, founded in 1924, is an international honor society for students of English at four-year colleges and universities. With more than 900 chapters worldwide, the organization encourages high standards of academic achievement and fosters interest in the discipline.
