Phi gamma
University of California State, Fullerton
Members of Phi Gamma.
Since 2002, when Dr. Pilar Valero-Costa first initiated the Phi Gamma chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) students and professors of the Modern Languages Department have been proudly celebrating the cultural and literate heritage of the vast world of Spanish language. In addition to supporting the national mission of the Society, Phi Gamma motivates students to support the community by participating in different service programs, such as tutoring high school students in Spanish and mentoring young children involved in ESL programs. The Phi Gamma chapter has maintained its prestige and an active participation among the various clubs at CSUF by having a unified and a solid group of members who work hard to enhance our cultural basis. Professors and guest speakers at CSUF have supported our chapter’s events by sharing their own academic experiences and assisting every student willing to learn more about related subjects.
Since its foundation, the Phi Gamma chapter has been privileged to be part of numerous events that promote and commemorate both Spanish literature and culture, including the end-of-the-semester induction ceremony to welcome new members. Among the chapter activities from the last five years are Noches Literarias Estudiantiles, which are performed at least once each semester. These events encourage students to present their literary works about important authors who have contributed to our Spanish background. Student members and non-members alike preent their research before approximately fifty guests. Following each student presentation is a period of questions and answers that is monitored by literature professors. Besides assisting students to overcome the fear of public speaking, this event also enriches and provides perspectives beyond the classroom, thereby affording a great opportunity to gain more knowledge about our field of study. Participating in the Noches Literarias have been CSUF Professors Marcial Prado, Arturo Jasso, George Peale, Pilar Valero Costa, Sandra Perez-Linggi, Ishikawa, Reyes Fidalgo, other scholars from such departments as History, Economics, Business Administration and Latin American Studies as well as professors and students from other academic institutions, including high schools.
At least once per semester with guest professors to help expand student understanding of topics not covered in classes, Phi Gamma hosts a presentation of contemporary issues of Latin America or Spain through poetry, narrative, novels, theater, linguistics, the history of politics, economics, arts, etc. In the chapter’s second event of the fall 2006 term, for example, CSUF Professor Benardo discussed Latin American theater and its possible existence since pre-Columbian times. In the spring of 2004, CSUF history professor Philippe Zacaire presented on “La liga Negra Antillana: an African-Cuban and Caribbean Conspiracy for the Independence of Cuba.”
Phi Gamma’s Poetry Workshop, celebrated once a year, draws students with a passion for poetry. On September 25, 2002, the first Taller de poesía was inaugurated with great success. Two foreign language professors, Dr. Vélez and Dr. Jasso, talked about writing style and different poetic techniques; the event also allowed students to read their own works.
Film festivals and traditional music and folklore are also important events for Phi Gamma. Throughout the past five years of devotion to Hispanic culture, the Phi Gamma chapter has shown a series of movies treating a wide variety of cultural and/or sociopolitical topics. Past films include La mala educación, La puta vida, Mar adentro, Ay Carmela, Diarios de Motocicleta, Y tu mamá también, etc. With each film, a guest professor critiques the film while students also have the opportunity to express their viewpoints.
Also at least once per year students are introduced to the world of música tradicional y folklore. Professor Ángeles Sancho-Velázquez, for example, recently presented “Music: The Other Conquest of Mexico” before over seventy students from different departments. The audience learned that music is more than just rhythm and dancing: it is another way to express the beauty of art and expressing Latino roots.
During the fall of 2006, the Phi Gamma chapter recommended two professors for the highest honors conferred by Sigma Delta Pi. On December 7, 2006 Sigma Delta Pi responded by awarding Dr. Margot Benardo a place in La Orden de los Descubridores. In addition, Dr. Marcial Prado was bestowed the Society’s highest honor: induction into La Orden de Don Quijote. Both professors have devoted a lifetime to the study of Spanish language and upheld the highest standards and meritorious service in the fields of Hispanic scholarship, the teaching of Spanish, and the promotion of good relations between English-speaking countries and those of Spanish speech.
Recently on August 4, 2007, the Phi Gamma Chapter was highly honored by receiving two of the most distinguished awards that Sigma Delta Pi offers: the Octavio Paz and Ignacio and Sophie Galbis Awards.
Members of Sigma Delta Pi have distinguished themselves academically in the Spanish discipline, as well as in their general university studies. Although it has been only five years Phi Gamma’s founding, the passion and love for the Spanish-speaking world has served as a major inspiration for all its members and supporters to continue promoting the modern and past Hispanic history. These five years are just the beginning of generations of Spanish students at California State University, Fullerton.