Phi Omicron
Azusa Pacific University
SDP Honorary Member Joe Rocha, Azusa Major with Phi Omicron Members during Vivamos LA (Feria de la comunidad 2012)
Since its beginning in 2004 Phi Omicron Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California has been an active Chapter with at least one induction ceremony every year. Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Chapter adviser Prof. Marcela Rojas the last five years, Phi Omicron has experienced a substantial shift serving students at APU and the Azusa community at large. Starting with the 2011 Frida Kahlo Award for its outstanding website and the 2012 Minaya Álvar Fánez Award SDP’ adviser of the year Phi Omicron has not stopped in its mission of promoting the Spanish language and culture.
The 2012-2013 was a spectacular year for Phi Omicron, and in recognition of the efforts and achievements of its members the Chapter won Chapter of Honor and Merit at the 2013 National AATSP Conference for the third consecutive year. Phi Omicron received the Octavio Paz Prize and was named Chapter of 2013, receiving the prestigious Ignacio and Sophie Galbis award for upholding the mission and goals of the society. Azusa Pacific University referred to this distinction in news and articles at the APU’s newspapers, magazine, etc.
Student Reyna López, Secretary/Treasurer 2012-2014 had the opportunity to represent Phi Omicron at the 1st. Annual SDP Best Practices Session during the 95th Conference of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, in San Antonio, Texas. Students Carina Alonso (President 2012-13) and SDP member Ivy Quintero received scholarships from SDP to participate in Summer school in Spain and Costa Rica respectively.
Among the nearly 45 activities organized by Phi Omicron Chapter in 2012-2013 were: Feria de la comunidad: Vivamos LA; The Film Festival in Spanish; Spanish Chapels; Community Service; Veladas Poéticas; student presentations/participation at the AATSP/SoCal Semestral Conferences; etc. One of the most significant activities in 2012-2013 was the 1st. Spanish Spelling Bee for students in secondary schools. The event was held in April 2013 at the City Hall of Azusa, CA. with the participation of 45 students from 10 high schools of Southern California. Newspapers reported on this event highlighting the work done by SDP promoting Spanish language and Hispanic culture in the United States. The television network Telemundo also reported the event that was sponsored by SDP, AATSP/SoCal, APU, the Embassy of Spain, and Vistas.
Another event that stood out in 2012-2013 year was the startup of Juan Bruce-Novoa Series on The Chicano/Latino Experience. The talk series gave a closer look at the contribution of Hispanic culture in the United States. Professors and students from different disciplines attended the talks.
Phi Omicron Chapter is proud of the awards and recognitions received these past years and looks forward to continue a work of excellence and service.