Sigma Kappa Delta (ΣΚΔ) is an American collegiate honor society for students of English at two-year colleges. The society sponsors the National English Honor Society, a program for high school students of English.

History

William Johnson, executive director of the collegiate English honor society Sigma Tau Delta and a professor of English at Northern Illinois University, convened a meeting of community college professors in Chicago on April 21, 1996, to discuss creating an English honor society for students of two-year colleges. The result was Sigma Kappa Delta. Its first president was Susan LeJeune, an associate professor of English at Louisiana State University at Eunice. Sigma Kappa Delta encourages an interest in and recognizes academic excellence in English language and literature in undergraduate students at two-year colleges. The society also honors professional writers who have made contributions to the fields of language and literature. In addition, it supports literacy and creative and technical writing. The first chapter was established at Northern Illinos University. Its second chapter was established at Louisiana State University at Eunice on November 13, 1996. On April 20, 2008, a Sigma Kappa Delta chapter erected a monument at the burial site of 19th-century humorist George Washington Harris. Its national headquarters are located at Cahoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama.

Symbols

Sigma Kappa Delta adopted its seal and key in 1996. Its motto is "Sincerity, Knowledge, Design". The society's colors are green and gold. Graduating members may wear green and gold honor cords. Its flower is the English ivy.

Activities

Sigma Kappa Delta publishes an annual literary journal, Hedera helix. Chapters sponsor various literacy activities, such as hosting a writing workshop, offering continuing education credits for teachers, or collecting supplies for elementary school students. Sigma Kappa Delta is a sponsor of the National English Honor Society, a program for high school students of English. The organization partners with Sigma Tau Delta to plan and promote an annual convention where members can present and attend educational sessions. It also presents scholarships and awards to its members.

Membership

Sigma Kappa Delta inducts some 2,500 members annually. Eligible members have completed one academic semester and at least one course in English language or literature, with at least a 3.0 GPA in English and overall.

Chapters

As of 2024, Sigma Kappa Delta has chartered more than 140 chapters in the United States.