Chi Mu
Kean University
Members of Chi Mu.
The Chi Mu Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi at Kean University was founded on May 25, 2006 by Dr. Berta Bermúdez, current chapter adviser, with nine student inductees. Student members have since collaborated to uphold the principles of the honor society and promote cultural and academic standards among all students and the university community. The students have participated in a variety of activities with the support of the university’s faculty.
Although never a very large group due to the graduation of active members, Chi Mu has found ingenious ways to utilize their resources and uphold the standards of Sigma Delta Pi and Kean University. They have generously donated their time, effort and many talents to help create an atmosphere of learning and cultural exchange. To offset the cost of decorations, end of the year celebrations, awards, certificates and other necessities, students hold frequent bake sales throughout each semester. They also participate with other groups on Campus Awareness Day and other activities.
In May 2006, Chi Mu helped to create the Spanish Club as a way to engage non-Sigma Delta Pi members in their projects. Both groups have worked together in a commendable display of collegiality. In the two years since its founding, Chi Mu has earned three major national recognitions by the National Office: the inaugural Frida Kahlo Award in January 2007 for its outstanding website, and an Honor Chapter designation in 2007 and 2008 for outstanding initiative and effort.
Besides enriching their cultural experience by organizing and attending the Repertorio Español presentations of Spanish and Latin American playwrights such as Federico García Lorca and Gabriel García Márquez, students have sought ways to include the Kean University community in their activities. Following Sigma Delta Pi’s national standards and Kean University’s spirit of diversity, multiculturalism and interdisciplinary collaboration, the students initiated an ongoing lecture series entitled “All Things Hispanic.” Guest speakers include Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre, from the History department, and professor Janette González, librarian and library information instructor. Dr. Argote-Freyre discussed his then recently published biography on Fulgencio Batista, touching upon the research and writing process. Professor González gave a presentation on the Nancy Thompson Library resources for Hispanic studies.
In the fall of 2007, Chi Mu collaborated with University Galleries to co-host an “All Things Hispanic Event,” which included a lecture and a photograph exhibit. The lecture was presented by Dr. Angela López on Cuban women immigrants who came to the United States as children through the Peter Pan organization. After the lecture, the audience attended a reception hosted by Dr. Neil Tetkowski, director of University Galleries, and all attendees had the opportunity to view the work of Cuban photographers in the U.S. on loan from the Lehigh University collection.
Among other annual activities conducted by Chi Mu are tutoring services provided for those who wish to learn the Spanish language, end-of-the-semester festivities to recognize participants in various activities, and past collaboration with “Partners in Communication Club” of the Spanish Speaking Program. “Partners in Communication” offers the opportunity for students with limited English proficiency to get together with English speakers to practice their language skills. Chi Mu students met in the past with members of the club to offer their help.
Chi Mu organized a poetry contest in the fall of 2007 and a short story contest in the spring of 2008. The students created a certificate for first, second and third places, and award ceremonies were held during end-of-the-year celebrations for each semester. Students who participated in the poetry contest read their original poems. The award ceremony for the short story contest included poetry reading and declamation, singing, and guitar playing by some of Kean’s students.
In collaboration with the Spanish Club, students created a logo for the club that they incorporated in the certificate for poetry and short story contest winners. Together with other student groups at Kean University, Chi Mu participated in the Food Bank activity in December of 2007 to serve the surrounding community by packaging food for distribution in Hillside, New Jersey. Special recognition is extended to student officers Diana Lizardo, Diana Paipa, Karol Andino, Silvana Cottiss, Laritza Alonso, and Dania Villarreal.* A great collaborator in the activities has been Lucas SanJuan of the Spanish Club, who offered his talent in the area of technology for numerous events and for the creation of the Spanish Club logo.
*Andino, Cottiss, Alonso and Villareal are alumni as of May 2008.