2011-2012 Scholarship Recipients

Recipients [PDF]

E. Nelson James Junior Scholarship ($3,000)
	Bradley Wierbowski University of Scranton (E) Mu Omicron Chapter Bradley Wierbowski is a senior at The University of Scranton in Scranton, PA, where he is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, and English with a minor in History. Brad engages in biochemical research as a member of Scranton's Undergraduate Honors Program, works as a consultant in the university's writing center, serves as production manager of Scranton's literary magazine, and has presented critical work at the Sigma Tau Delta international convention in both 2011 and 2012. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Cellular Biology and remain engaged in his literary interests as a member of Sigma Tau Delta's Alumni Epsilon Chapter.
Runners-up ($1,500 each)
	Christine Stark University of North Carolina, Wilmington (S) Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter Christine Stark is a senior working toward a B.A. in English and a B.F.A in Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is also pursuing a minor in Sociology and a certificate in publishing. Christine is currently studying abroad at Swansea University in Wales.
	Katelyn Bruffy The College of New Jersey (E) Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Katelyn Bruffy is a senior at The College of New Jersey, in Ewing, NJ, completing a B.A. in Elementary Education and English. She served as Treasurer for her school's Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter for one year. When she graduates in May 2013, Katelyn hopes to teach elementary school, where she will strive to pass on to her students her love of reading.
	Matthew Hill Ohio Wesleyan University (E) Eta Sigma Chapter Matthew Hill is a senior, originally from Prior Lake, MN, studying at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH, where he is completing a B.A. in English Literature and double-minoring in the Humanities and Film Studies. Upon graduating in spring 2013, he plans to take a year off from academia before pursuing a Ph.D. program in English.
Elva Bell McLin Senior Scholarship ($4,000)
	Kristin Chang University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (MW) Theta Zeta Chapter Kristin Chang, recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earned a B.A. in English Education and a minor in Spanish Education. She served as the President of the Theta Zeta Chapter for two and a half years. Kristin is looking forward to teaching English at a local middle school.
Runners-up ($2,000 each)
	Jon Michael Mitchell University of Southern Mississippi (S) Alpha Nu Gamma Chapter Michael Mitchell is a recent graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, where he majored in English with an Instructional Technology minor. He hopes to pursue his master's in Library Science.
	Emily Rose Cole Mansfield University (E) Mu Xi Chapter Emily Rose Cole graduated magna cum laude from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, where she completed a B.A. in English and a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies. She currently is pursuing a master's degree in Literature at SUNY Albany and hopes to earn her Ph.D. in Contemporary American Literature so she can teach and be a folk singer.
	Travis Lau University of California, Los Angeles (FW) Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Travis Lau, recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Classical Civilization. He graduated with both college and departmental honors after having completed an honors thesis on issues of spectacular embodiment in the eighteenth-century Gothic novel, and he has been a member of Sigma Tau Delta since 2010. Travis plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English beginning this fall.
Edwin L. Stockton, Jr., Graduate Scholarship ($4,000)
	Michael Winston University of North Texas (SW) Tau Delta Chapter Michael Winston is currently an M.A. candidate in English at the University of North Texas, concentrating in Creative Writing (Fiction). He holds a B.A in English and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of North Texas. He served as Vice-President of the Tau Sigma Chapter for 2011-2012.
Runners-up ($2,000 each)
	Jennifer Doyle-Corn Florida State University (S) Rho Epsilon Chapter Jennifer Doyle-Corn is pursuing a Ph.D. in Literature at Florida State University, focusing on post-1900 Irish literature and culture, specifically modern Irish drama and the contemporary novel. She is the graduate student representative to the American Conference for Irish Studies and currently serves as President of the Rho Epsilon Chapter. Jennifer received a B.A. and M.A. in English from Western Carolina University.
	Jessica Reyes Kansas State University (S) Alpha Theta Eta Chapter Jessica Reyes is a first year M.A. student in English at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, and the outgoing President of the Alpha Theta Eta Chapter. In addition to taking classes and teaching composition courses, Jessica likes to spend her time tutoring in the writing center. She is delighted to be serving as the Student Representative for the High Plains Region.
	Jamee Larson Minnesota State University, Moorhead (MW) Mu Gamma Chapter Jamee Larson, currently an M.F.A. candidate with an emphasis in creative nonfiction at Minnesota State University Moorhead, teaches English Composition as a Graduate Teaching Instructor. Upon graduation, she intends to continue teaching while pursuing her writing career. In addition to serving as President of the Mu Gamma Chapter, she spends her free time writing and editing children's book reviews for the Great Plains Reading Review, a regional publication produced by MSUM.
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship ($5,000)
	Jennifer Ross University of Michigan, Flint (MW) Alpha Theta Gamma Chapter Jennifer Ross recently completed dual degrees in Honors English and History and dual minors in Spanish and Creative Writing at the University of Michigan-Flint. This fall she will begin pursuing her M.A. in English Literature and Language. After earning her master's degree, Jennifer plans to enter a Ph.D. program and eventually teach English as a university professor.
Runner-up ($3,000)
	Hannah Biggs Otterbein University (E) Alpha Rho Upsilon Chapter Hannah Biggs, recent graduate of Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, double-majored in English Literary Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (focus on Gender and Literature). This fall she will pursue a Ph.D. in English Literature at Rice University in Houston, TX.
Sigma Tau Delta Study Abroad Scholarship ($3,000 each) First Round
	Emily Witkowski The College of New Jersey (E) Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Emily Witkowski is a senior at The College of New Jersey, pursuing a B.A. in English with a minor in Interactive Multimedia. After graduating in May 2013, she plans to pursue a master's degree in Library and Information Science.
	Clifford Venho State University of New York, New Paltz (E) Pi Tau Chapter Clifford Venho is pursuing his B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing at the State University of New York, New Paltz. This year he is studying abroad at the University of Graz, Austria, where he has begun to translate German and Austrian literature. He also is currently at work on his first collection of poetry, translation, and prose, entitled The Book of Sun & Moon.
Second Round
	Hannah Covington Oral Roberts University (SW) Alpha Iota Psi Chapter Hannah Covington is a senior at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, where she is a Fellow in the Honors Program double-majoring in English Literature and Spanish and minoring in Journalism. In addition to working as a research assistant in the English Department and as a senior writer for her campus newspaper, she serves as President for her local Sigma Tau Delta chapter. This scholarship helped to pay for her summer study abroad program in Spain at the University of Salamanca.
Second Round Runnder-up ($1,000)
	Jenna Lanzaro The College of New Jersey (E) Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Jenna Lanzaro is a senior at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, pursing a B.A. in English and Secondary Education with a minor in Creative Writing. She will student teach at an international school in Rome this fall, and hopes to pursue urban or international education and creative writing after she graduates.
Regent Scholarships ($1,000 each) Eastern
	Rebecca McNulty The College of New Jersey Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter Rebecca McNulty recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, where she majored in English Arts and minored in Creative Writing and International Studies. She has published a paper in The Sigma Tau Delta Review and served as co-President for the Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter. This fall she will begin pursuing an M.A. in English and 20th Century Studies at the University of Florida.
Far Western
	Sarah Faulkner Chapman University Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter Sarah Faulkner is a recent graduate of Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she served as President of her chapter. She also served as the Far Western Student Representative 2011-2012 and planned a regional event on her campus. This fall Sarah will attend the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to pursue her master's in 1700-1900 British literature.
High Plains
	Kelsey Hixson-Bowles Kansas State University Alpha Theta Eta Chapter Kelsey Hixson-Bowles will start her M.A. in English on the Composition and Rhetoric track this fall at Kansas State University, where she received her B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Kelsey enjoys combining her interests in writing across the curriculum with helping others as a writing tutor and soon-to-be Graduate Teaching Assistant. In her free time, Kelsey serves on Sigma Tau Delta's Student Leadership Committee as one of the Student Advisors.
Midwestern
	Christine Blasi Mount Mary College Chi Epsilon Chapter Christine Blasi is currently a senior at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, WI, majoring in English Literature. She serves as President of the Chi Epsilon Chapter and volunteers teaching English to Spanish-speaking immigrants. In the fall of 2011, Christine presented a literary criticism piece she wrote on a poem by Aphra Behn at the MMLA conference in St. Louis. Christine plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English and eventually teach at the college level.
Southern
	Madison Elkins Maryville University Alpha Rho Kappa Chapter Madison Elkins is currently in her fourth year of undergraduate education at Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She has been active in Sigma Tau Delta since her induction in 2010, serving as Treasurer of her chapter in 2011 and as President in the 2012-2013 academic year. After completing a B.A. in English Literature, with minors in Art History and History, she intends to earn a Ph.D. and teach at the university level.
Southwestern
	Tabitha Lowery Southern Arkansas University Epsilon Theta Chapter Tabitha Lowery earned a B.A. in English with a minor in History at Southern Arkansas University-Magnolia in May 2012. She served as her local chapter's Historian and also worked for the Writing Center at her university. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Early American Literature with an emphasis on captivity narratives.
P. C. Somerville Teaching Awards ($2,000 each)
	Melissa Miller University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (MW) Theta Zeta Chapter Melissa Miller earned a double major in English and Spanish Secondary Education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is honored to have served beside her fellow Sigma Tau Deltans as the Treasurer of her local chapter, and looks forward to beginning her teaching career this fall.
	Amanda Hendricks University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (MW) Theta Zeta Chapter Amanda Hendricks is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, having majored in English Education and minored in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She served as Secretary for the Theta Zeta Chapter throughout her college career. Amanda is excited to begin life as a middle or high school English teacher this fall.