After nearly a decade since its initial founding, AUBG has officially inducted the first cohort of Sigma Tau Delta members into the reactivated Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter of the International English Honor Society. Originally established in 2015, the chapter entered a period of dormancy before being reenergized in 2024, culminating in a landmark induction ceremony this spring.
The inaugural cohort represents a vibrant mix of faculty, administrators, and students committed to academic excellence and literary engagement. Among those inducted were Provost J.D. Mininger, Professor Krasimir Spasov, and students Zlatara Chakarova, Niya Manditsch, Aleksandra Krasnova, Boris Slavchev, Gabriela Stefanova, Angel Grozdanov, and Marko Mazepa.
Steven London, the Chapter Advisor and Coordinator of the Filitsa Sofianou-Mullen Writing Center, has been a driving force behind the chapter’s revival. “Bringing Sigma Tau Delta back to AUBG is more than just restarting a club – it’s about reaffirming the university’s commitment to the humanities and to fostering a community of thinkers, writers, and scholars,” London said.
“This first cohort is symbolic. It’s a foundation. And they’re already showing us what this society can be.”
The induction ceremony was both celebratory and reflective, acknowledging the historical roots of Sigma Tau Delta while emphasizing the forward-looking mission of the AUBG chapter. Each member was recognized for their academic achievements, dedication to the literary arts, and desire to contribute to a dynamic intellectual community on campus.
For many students, membership in Sigma Tau Delta provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with English language and literature beyond the classroom. “We envision writing workshops, poetry readings, student publications, and outreach to local schools and communities,” London shared. “Sigma Tau Delta is not just a line on a resumé. It’s a platform for creativity, collaboration, and leadership.”
The society’s return also strengthens the broader academic fabric of AUBG. With faculty and administration among the inductees, the chapter embodies the university’s hallmark interdisciplinary spirit. Provost Mininger’s participation, in particular, signals institutional support for cultivating excellence in the liberal arts.
Looking ahead, the Alpha Phi Lambda Chapter plans to host a series of campus events and participate in international Sigma Tau Delta conferences, giving members the chance to connect with a global network of scholars and writers.
“I’m proud of this cohort,” said London. “They’re curious, committed, and collaborative—the kind of people who will not only uphold the values of Sigma Tau Delta but expand them in ways that are uniquely AUBG.”
