Grand Island College - Islander Yearbook (Grand Island, NE)

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Sigma Tau Delta The Sigma Tau Delta fraternity is the outgrowth of the English club ol' Dakota Wesleyan university, and since its establishment as a national organization in 19241 it has grown to include nineteen chapters, of which Grand Island College has the second, or Beta Alpha chapter. The purpose of the fraternity is to promote a mastery of written expression, to en- courage discussion of contemporary writing and first-hand acquaintance with our chief literary masterpieces, and to foster a spirit of good fellow- ship among those specializing in the English language and its literature. lt was through the efforts of Miss Lillian Steckman, former head of the English department, and a member of the national advisory council of the fraternity, that a chapter was established at Grand Island College. Charter members of Beta Alpha chapter are: Pauline Farabee, Mary Gold- enstein, Aubrey Hurlbert, Wayland Rice, LaVerne Loos and Eldon Smith. Members elected subsequently are Ruth Castleberry, Verna Pielstick, C. E. Strong, Frances Shattuck, Lucile Rogers, Ruth Ainslie, Richard Johnson, and Prof. Fred. C. Winship. Officers for 1925-26 are: Wayland Rice, president, Frances Shattuck, vice-president, Lucile Rogers, secre- tary, Ruth Ainslie, treasurer. During the two years of its existence Beta Alpha Chapter has accom- plished much that has been worth-while and pleasurable. Shortly after its formation the chapter was instrumental in bringing John G. Neihardt, poet laureate of Nebraska, and tenth-degree member of Beta Alpha chap- ter, to the college for a reading of his lyric poems. Not only was the re- sponse from the students and residents of the city very gratifying, but the inspiration derived from contact with Mr. Neihardt has been of great value. This year the organization sponso1'ed an entertainment by Bess Gear- hardt Morrison, a reader of national repute, and this undertaking was also very successful. E Sigma Tau Delta looks forward to a future of growing achievement and of progress toward the ideals expressed by the key-words: Sincerity, Truth, Design.

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Pi Kappa Delta The national honorary forensic society, Pi Kappa Delta, has as its purpose the promotion of intercollegiate oratory, debate and public speaking by encouraging a spirit of intercollegiate fellowship, or brotherly co-operation and interest. Pi Kappa Delta promotes intercollegiate forensics in a number of ways. First, by giving recognition, in four different degrees, to expert- ness in public address, it furnishes an incentive to the would-be speaker. Second, it provides a common meeting-ground for debaters, orators and coaches from all parts of the country. At its conventions the fraternity con- ducts debate, oratory, and extemporaneous speaking contests for both men and women, with trophies for the winner of each. The privilege of appear- ing in such a contest does much to keep interest in intercollegiate foren- sics at a high pitch. It provides a national question, upon which schools in every part of the country are prepared to debate. It provides a list of judges certified as competent. It issues certificates of ability to those who wish evidence of collegiate forensic work in getting teaching posi- tions. Through its quarterly magazine, it makes possible a national forum of ideas for the improvement of debate. Pi Kappa Delta stands for fair play, it stands for broadmindedness, holding that in no activity as in debate does one learn the truth of the old adage, There are two sides to every question. The order stands for sportsmanshipg the Pi Kappa Delta man must learn to lose well and win generously. He must learn to treat opponents with courtesy. Pi Kappa Delta stands for an ideal. From time immemorial, the art of speech has been one of the greatest forces for good or evil that the world has seen. This fraternity stands for the carrying forward of that glorious tradition of forensic art, which was established by those who used the art of persuasion for the good of mankind. Officers and members for this year are: Paul Newell, president, Frances Shattuck, vice-president, Robert McWilliams, secretary-treas- urerg Otto Krula, Earl Hayter, Oren Cunningham, Ruth Bryan, Kirk Stub- blefield, Harold Eisele, Lloyd Richards, Edward Caredis, President Wells, Miss Hile, Professor Knox, and Rev. R. R. Coon.

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Alpha Sigma Pi In 1924 a group of students decided there was need for an honorary society at Grand Island College, and acting upon this, they organized the Alpha Sigma Pi fraternity, basing membership upon a three-fold require- ment--ability, scholarship and personality. In this way they sought to emphasize the importance of all-around development of the individual's qualities. Many societies had already recognized ability along some special line without regard to prowess along other lines, or the general character of the individual. Alpha Sigma Pi considers that there is a need for a more inclusive basis for selection-a basis which would include the various phases of a well-rounded personality. Records are kept of those students whose grades are above ninety per cent, and who show aptitude for leadership in college activities and the willingness to accept responsibility. If at the end of five semesters' resi- dent work their grades show an average of at least 90 per cent and they are true college citizens, they are eligible for election to Alpha Sigma Pi. The charter members of this organization are: Gladys McDonald, Margaret Firth, Ruth Shattuck, Carter Simpson, and Esther Hile as sponsor. From the class of 1925 are Edith and Floy Boston and Roy Rehder. From the class of 1926, Minnie Caress, Wayland Rice and Doris Hudson. From the class of 1927, Esther Andersen, Lucile Rogers, La Verne Loos and Robert McWilliams. President - - MINNIE CARESS Vice-President DORIS HUDSON Secretary-Treasurer W AYLAND RICE Sponsor - - - ESTHER HILE ABILITY SCHOLARSHIP PERSONALITY