Epsilon Beta
Southwest Texas State University
Dr. Roberto Galván (front row, third from left) with the 2002 Epsilon Beta Chapter.
Epsilon Beta was installed by the then National President, Dr. T. Earl Hamilton of Texas Technological College, in Southwest Texas State College (now University) on April 6, 1962 at 6:30PM. Dr. Ione D. Young, Honorary Member of the English Department, served as Faculty Adviser until the summer of 1964. She was then replaced by Dr. Roberto A. Galván who has since served as the Chapter Adviser.
During the 40 years of its existence, the chapter has inducted an average of 20 members yearly. On each occasion, the event has been celebrated with a banquet featuring a scholarly presentation or the recital of poetry by either a special guest or Dr. Galván himself.
Since the spring of 1979, Epsilon Beta has published Al principio, an anthology of poetry and prose written in Spanish by the students of SWTSU and by San Marcos-area high school students.
For the last 23 years, Epsilon Beta has also sponsored a poetry contest for area high schools. The six finalists receive award plaques, and all participants receive a commemorative certificate.
As testimony to the merits of these and the many other yearly activities carried out by SWTSU’s chapter, Epsilon Beta’s members have achieved the following distinctions:
- 1995: Ms. Dolores Guajardo was awarded the Premio Minaya Alvar Fañez (literary award) for her short story published in the national journal El Cid.
- 1994 & 2000: Dr. Galván was presented the Outstanding Advisor Award by the The Students Association for Campus Activities of SWTSU.
- 1998-1999: Epsilon Beta received the national Premio Ignacio y Sophie Galbis as the most outstanding chapter of the Society for activities realized during the academic year.
- 2000: Verónica Crisis, Chapter President in 1999-2000, received the national Premio Gabriela Mistral on May 30 as outstanding student member of Epsilon Beta.
- 2001: Dr. Galván was awarded the national Premio José Martel by Sigma Delta Pi for most outstanding chapter adviser for the triennium 1998-2001.
- 2001: Dr. Galván received the Adviser of the Year Award.
- 1981-2001: The following Epsilon Beta members were awarded Sigma Delta Pi summer scholarships: Donald Mueller (1992), Brenda Milanés-López, John Harms y Kathryn Hay-Roe (1994), Jennifer Doerrie (1994), Anissa Turner (1995), Mónica Grisales-Ruiz (2000) and Eva Enciso (2001).
- 1991-2002: Epsilon Beta was named a national Honor Chapter (11 consecutive years).
Sigma Delta Pi congratulates Dr. Galván and all the members of Epsilon Beta for their numerous activities and exemplary commitment to the ideals of the Society for the past 40 years.