Students of English Unite in Pittsburgh

Every year Sigma Tau Delta, one of the world's largest Honor Societies, holds an international convention, bringing together members and alumni from around the globe to share their love for literature and writing.

This year, the convention is coming to Pittsburgh.

Sigma Tau Delta (or, STD for short) is an English Honor Society that has over 600 chapters and inducts approximately 7,000 members annually. Their central purpose is to "confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies" while also recognizing "the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature."

The convention will include "over 100 sessions to choose from, featuring the works both of Sigma Tau Delta students and of members of Sigma Kappa Delta, the English honor society for two-year colleges."

There will be opportunities to take part in a variety of chapter and leadership workshops including "Fundraising," "Publishing A Literary Journal" and "Chapter Administration."

The keynote address will be presented by Sharon Olds, who has published eight books of poetry. Her most recent work, "Strike Sparks," was chosen as STD's Common Reader.

The goal of the Common Reader is "to celebrate the works of our featured speakers" and "to provide a common text for our own reading and enjoyment." Sigma Tau Delta offers $150 for the best presentation featuring the Common Reader.

Other featured speakers include David Rakoff and Jim Daniels.

Rakoff is the author of two books, "Fraud" and "Don't Get Too Comfortable" and is a regular contributor to NPR's "This American Life." He has also been published in Vogue, Esquire and The New York Times.

Daniels is the director of the creative writing program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and is the author of nine books of poems, including "Show and Tell: New and Selected Poems" and "Street." He will have a book of short stories published in 2007.

Those who want a few good laughs can attend the Dry T-Shirt Contest and the Bad Poetry Contest, or if you want to show off your creative talents, you can do so at open mic night.

Each year STD chooses a "theme" in which students and alumni are asked to submit original fiction, poetry or personal and analytical essays focusing on the theme. Those whose work is chosen will present their piece at the convention.

This years theme is "confluence," which is defined by Webster's Dictionary as, "a flowing together of streams; their place of meeting" and "the coming together of people," or as STD defines it: "the Ohio River being formed by the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers" and "the international convention formed by members of Sigma Tau Delta and the city of Pittsburgh."

STD will also be holding a book drive in support of The HCEF (Homeless Children's Education Fund), a non-profit organization that helps children in the Pittsburgh area. You may either give a cash donation or donate items such as picture books, bookmarks, art supplies and crayons.

The convention will be held March 28-31 at the Hilton in downtown Pittsburgh.

You may register early or on-site; however, those who register early will pay less.

The cost of registering early (before February 23) will be $50 for presenters and $60 for non-presenters, faculty, alumni and guests. After February 23 the cost will be $80 for everyone.