Erin O’Donnell, left, and Alexandria Bournonville are pictured with their awards at the Sigma Tau Delta national conference in Pittsburgh. (Journal photo courtesy of Kel Sassi)

MARQUETTE — Two Northern Michigan University undergraduates and one alumna presented their work at the annual convention of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, March 19-22 in Pittsburgh, as both earned notable awards.

Erin O’Donnell presented her creative nonfiction story, “Dive Bar Daguerrotype,” in a panel session with two other writers.

Kailey Buettner presented “Five Poems from Lake Superior” in a panel titled Original Poetry: Place-Based with four other poets.

Alexandria Bournonville presented her creative nonfiction story, “Worms, Rats, Frog Spiders” in a panel titled Holding Things Together. NMU English professor Dr. Kel Sassi served as a panel member for this session.

These papers were selected for presentation through a competitive review process.

Bournonville received a second-place award in the Isabel Sparks President’s Award for Creative Nonfiction, which included a $300 prize.

O’Donnell received an honorable mention award in the Stemmler Dennis LGBT& Award for Creative Work, which included a $100 prize and an invitation to apply for the Lambda Literary Emerging Writers retreat.

Sigma Tau Delta 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.

NMU’s chapter is Eta Phi, and it was established in 1986. Sassi serves as chapter adviser.

Membership is by invitation and requires a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. The candidate must have a minimum of a B or equivalent average in English and in general scholarship, must rank at least in the highest 35 percent of their class, and must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college course work.

Candidates for undergraduate membership need not be majoring or minoring in the discipline of English. Where class rank is unavailable, the candidate shall have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

Candidates for graduate membership who did not hold undergraduate membership must be enrolled in a graduate program in English or one of its specializations, have completed six semester hours of graduate work or the equivalent, and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.