Sigma Tau Delta is an outgrowth of South Dakota's Dakota Wesleyan University's English Club. Other institutions followed Wesleyan's lead, and by 1924 Sigma Tau Delta chapters appeared around the country. The honorary society became national in 1988. The Alpha Alpha Pi chapter has been active since 1990. The objectives of Sigma Tau Delta are to confer for high achievement in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies in English language and literature, to provide cultural stimulation on college campuses through local chapters, to foster community interest with English departments and to encourage creative and critical writing.
Initiations take place fall and winter terms.
Dr. Ottenhoff is the advisor of Sigma Tau Delta.