by Katherine Williams
Southwestern Student Representative, 2012-2013
Arkansas Tech University
Saturday, November 3, marked the fifth year for the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Language and Linguistics Student Conference in Edmond, Oklahoma. The conference features undergraduate and graduate student presentations on a wide variety of topics related to language, linguistics, literature, and teaching. This year’s keynote speaker was famed humorist Dr. John Morreall.
Of the 71 presenters at the conference, 22 were Sigma Tau Delta members, and 6 members attended as guests. I had the opportunity to meet many students who were excited about their presentations and enthusiastic about Sigma Tau Delta.
Something new this year was that Sigma Tau Delta members held a Southwestern regional business meeting immediately following the conference. Students from several universities in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas discussed future projects, chapter activities, and the upcoming international convention in Portland. Other topics included fundraising ideas, the Southwestern regional journal (Open Ear of the Universe), as well as scholarships, internships, and awards available for students and chapters. One highlight was discussion of a regional service project to collect supplies for homeless shelters.
The UCO conference provided a great opportunity for Sigma Tau Deltans to present their work at a conference and to meet members from throughout the Southwestern Region. Members were encouraged to stay connected through the Society’s social media community, including Facebook, Twitter, and the WORDY by Nature blog.
UCO’s 6th Annual Language and Linguistics Student Conference is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2013. Talks are already underway to include another regional business meeting. I look forward to continuing this promising partnership.
