The Chase

Issue date: 3/17/09 Section: News

Media Credit: James Jiang

There aren't many places where young students contemplating the purchase of anime titles and professors expressing their distaste for Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" could both find common interests, but one event on campus, last week, featured literature from children's books to romance titles.

On a cold and wintry Friday morning, Alpha Xi Psi, the local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, hosted a book sale in the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts building on Friday, March 13.

Laura Holder and members of Alpha Xi Psi held the book sale in the hope of raising funds for an academic trip to Minnesota. "We are trying to raise money for our students to go to the 2009 International Convention," Ginger Smith said, graduate assistance in English, and member of Alpha Xi Psi.

The book sale, which had been advertised on fliers throughout campus, saw a decent turnout. Holder said she was "glad to see people coming with the snow."

The literature featured at the Alpha Xi Psi sale consisted of donated books. ENMU faculty such as Nina Bjornsson contributed to the sale, as well as many others who donated their reading material.

The asking price for paperback selections was just 25 cents, while hardback selections sold for $1. "We plan to raise $100-$150," Smith said.

Dr. Jonathan Wilson, an assistant professor of English at ENMU and a patron of Friday's book sale said he was "perusing for academic books" and went on to say "you should always support the honor society."

Literature "cultivates learning," he said.
According to the Sigma Tau Delta Web site, the honor society holds an annual international convention every spring. The event allows Sigma Tau Deltans from all over the world to gather in one place, share experiences and ideas, be recognized for their achievements and contribute to the society on a national level.

At the convention, attendees could meet other students, faculty and respected authors to make new friends, discuss the disciplines of the English language and literature and enjoy the things offered that surround the convention's location.

Yang Wu, a sophomore and Communication major, said he wanted to carry a whole box home if he can. "I never saw such cheap books in America before," he said.

Wu said he thought Sigma Tau Delta was a very helpful organization for the students who were interested in English and English literature.

"I hope they can raise enough money," Wu said.

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