Four members of the Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter at Utah State University Statewide campuses met up with the Rho Tau Chapter at Utah State University in Logan to attend a reading by David Sedaris at the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan, UT, on November 14, 2024. Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter Advisor Dr. Michaelann Nelson organized the event with assistance from Dr. Christine Cooper-Rompato, the Rho Tau Chapter Advisor. We met at a nearby restaurant, The Crepery, for dinner before the event. Because the Statewide students attend campuses in three different parts of the state, this was the first time that the Alpha Chi Lambda members met in person, so we also held our induction ceremony. It was fun to have the Logan members participate in the induction.
This was the first time any of the students had seen David Sedaris, and only two students had ever heard of him before. He read from his recent New Yorker essay, “David Sedaris Meets the Pope” as well as one that he had just recorded that day that was to be published in an upcoming New Yorker, “The Long Way Home After a Cancelled Flight.” Both essays were hilarious. He tried out a new essay that was a political dystopian piece. We saw this performance a couple of weeks after the 2024 election and anticipated some political commentary. Sedaris also concluded with reading from his diary entries, as well as answering audience questions. One of the questions on everyone’s mind was why he traveled to Logan (about an hour and half away from Salt Lake City) for his performance. The answer was that he liked small towns and also the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake was booked.
After the reading, we got in line to have our books signed as all of the students bought a book to sign. We were at the end of the line and waited two hours for him to sign our books. He talked with the students for awhile and sent them away with the word “dicks” written on an empty box of chocolates. I still don’t quite know what he and the students talked about during that exchange. Kaylee Jo Stocks said, “I absolutely loved going to the David Sedaris event! His work introduced me to a side of nonfiction writing that I had never seen before, and he’s since been one of my favorite authors.”
Is your chapter considering hosting a multi-chapter event, a Spotlight Author event, or a Common Reader event? Submit a Regents Fund Request to receive financial support for your event!
Michaelann Nelson
Alpha Chi Lambda, Chapter Advisor
Utah State University Statewide, Price, UT
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
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