Sigma Delta Pi is the only honor society devoted exclusively to students of Spanish in four-year colleges and universities. Not only the largest foreign-language honor society in existence, it is among the elite as attested by its membership since 1966 in the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), the nation's only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. Sigma Delta Pi offers a growing scholarship program exclusively for its active members with annual undergraduate awards for study in Spanish-speaking countries and offers research grants for graduate students, as well as annual awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement and service. Theta Epsilon Chapter organizes social and cultural events and offers leadership and community service opportunities to active members.
Entre Amig@s is a group of graduate and undergraduate Spanish students working together to improve their Spanish skills, make friends and learn about the language and cultures of all Spanish-speaking countries. All levels of speakers are welcome in our online and in-person sessions. This Spanish club is a great opportunity for students to prepare for the Spanish oral exams and other oral and communicative assignments as well as a safe and friendly space where students can improve their Spanish language skills while they are having fun. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Entre Amig@s representatives here.
How to join
Graduate student members may apply for research grants of up to $2000 to support research abroad. Outstanding students may also be nominated by their local chapters to receive prestigious awards recognizing noteworthy involvement in his/her local chapter. For more information, please visit the organization's website.
Undergraduate student requirements:
- Each candidate must have completed three years of study of college-level Spanish (18 semester credit hours) or the equivalent thereof, including at least three semester hours of a course in Hispanic literature or Hispanic culture and civilization (Spanish for the professions may be considered as a Hispanic culture course provided that culture is the foundation of the course content) at the junior/3rd year level. A student may be admitted to active membership while still enrolled in the second junior-level course if all other requirements have been met and if the instructor of the course certifies that the student’s work is of “B” or “A” quality.
- The student must have a minimal grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale in all Spanish courses taken. (The candidate MUST have earned grades in completed Spanish courses in order to qualify for membership.)
- The student must rank in the upper 35% of their class — sophomore, junior or senior — and must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college work (institutions unable to generate class rank should use a 3.2 cumulative grade point average as this criterion).
Graduate student requirements:
You must have completed two courses towards your degree in the Spanish program. If you are currently enrolled in your first two courses of your degree, you do not qualify at this time. Please note that there will be future induction ceremonies, at least one per year. Also please note that the prerequisites for undergraduate students are distinct and much more detailed. If you qualify and are interested in participating in the induction ceremony, please bring an unofficial transcript to the main office of the School of International Letters and Cultures (Durham Hall, 3rd Floor, SILC Main Office) between the hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and ask the administrative assistant to place it in the mailbox of Cynthia Tompkins, faculty advisor.
If it is confirmed that you meet the requirements, you will receive an official invitation letter. One time, life-membership dues are $40, payable by check or money order to Sigma Delta Pi. The initiation ceremony will be held on Feb. 25, 2022.
Belén Agustina Sánchez, president
Juliana Filles Testa, vice president
Carla León Celaya , treasurer
Bruno Nowendsztern, secretary
Faculty advisor:
Cynthia Tompkins
News and events
Marigolds Installation 2021
A Day of the Dead collaborative art piece by Sigma Delta Pi (Hispanic Honor Society) and ASU students
Carla León Celaya, treasurer of Sigma Delta Pi and a doctoral student in the Department of Spanish, devised and produced a piece of ephemeral art built throughout Monday, November 1st, with more than 300 students, teachers, and members from the ASU community.
This creative and performative activity in Hayden Library allowed us to disseminate information about the marigold flower and its relation with the Day of the Dead and the global reach of the celebration.
In addition, it opened new connections between the Hispanic world and the rest of the vast international community of ASU. The brief gesture of selecting a flower and placing it on the frame along the name of a deceased loved one produced constellations of meanings and emotions. From Honduras to India, marigolds are part of different rituals, offerings, and celebrations. In permanent conversation with the participants, we have learned from all of those who shared anecdotes, stories, and reflections sparked by the yellow flower.
We want to thank everyone that shared their appreciation for the piece until late evening, while the breeze gently rocked the ribbons that held the names of all those people who had a central place in the heart of ASU that Monday.
To see more pictures visit our website.
¡Muchas gracias! Sigma Delta Pi - Theta Epsilon Chapter
The marigold (also known as Tagetes erecta, Aztec Marigold, and cempazúchitl or cempasúchil) is a flower used during the Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated in Mexico, the US, and many other places from October 31st through November 2nd. During the celebrations, gravesites are decorated with marigolds, and the flowers are used to decorate altars constructed in honor of those who passed. It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. The marigold flowers guide the souls to these altars by following the flower's scent and vibrant colors. Marigolds also made their way to India, where they are also used in celebrations. Learn more about the Marigolds in India here.
