Zeta Zeta
University of Virginia
Fall 2024
The Zeta Zeta Chapter of the University of Virginia enjoyed an exceptionally active and successful 2024–2025 academic year. In October 2024, the chapter held its fall initiation, welcoming 26 undergraduate students and one graduate student. A second initiation took place in February 2025, adding 20 undergraduate students and one graduate student. These early spring initiates were able to participate in many activities throughout the semester.
This year was shaped by a strengthened partnership with Casa BolÃvar under the shared leadership of Chapter Advisor Matthew Street, Casa BolÃvar Director Nieves GarcÃa Prados, and the executive board: President Bliss Bodawala, Vice President and incoming President Tara Sury, and Graduate Student Liaison Elizabeth Mirabal. Together, they designed programs that brought students and community members together around language, culture, and shared traditions.
Taller de microcuento grupo
Among the most visible collaborations were the monthly gatherings of La Merienda, which filled Casa BolÃvar with informal Spanish conversation, laughter, and new friendships. The fall also featured a lively DÃa de los Muertos celebration, which included a papel picado workshop, altar preparation, and face painting led by Sigma Delta Pi member Cielo Costanza Uscanga. In both semesters, Noche Bohemia transformed the house into an intimate open-mic space where students, faculty, and community members read poetry and short prose, with Mirabal and faculty members offering powerful readings that inspired the participants.
Mirabal Group 1; Taller de microcuento grupo con Elizabeth Mirabal
The chapter also advanced its own initiatives. In November, Mirabal and Professor Fernando Valverde led En busca del duende y el dinosaurio. This creative writing workshop provided students with the opportunity to experiment with micro-cuentos and poetry. In April, Zeta Zeta hosted filmmaker Ricardo Preve for a screening of Sometime, Somewhere, his documentary on Latino immigrants in Central Virginia. Organized by Tara Sury and Bliss Bodawala, the event drew an audience of more than 100. It sparked a thoughtful dialogue between the filmmaker, students, and members of the immigrant community featured in the film.
Profesor Valverde
Literary programming remained central throughout the year. Conversación en torno a la edición en inglés de Herbarium celebrated the bilingual publication of Mirabal’s poetry and filled Casa BolÃvar beyond capacity. Bliss Bodawala and her fellow student translators read alongside Mirabal, creating an evening that highlighted the strength of UVA’s Spanish students as writers, translators, and public speakers. The spring semester concluded with the second Concurso Literario y ArtÃstico, where Sigma Delta Pi member Cecelia Thomas received first prize in poetry for “Hermana, te amo como amo bailar,” and Mitchell Francis was recognized for his micro-cuento, “Le bon instant.”
Conversación en torno a la edición en inglés de Herbarium 1; Conversación en torno a la edición en inglés de Herbarium 2
Zeta Zeta members also shared their skills beyond Grounds. Former chapter president Arianna Barkhordari, now a Spanish immersion teacher at Mountain View Elementary School, led an initiative that welcomed Sigma Delta Pi members into her classroom. Members assisted with reading in Spanish, interactive storytelling, and school-wide events. Others provided ESL tutoring for adult learners at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center, offering support in hands-on vocational programs.
Several individuals distinguished themselves this year. Cecelia Thomas earned acceptance to the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program in AndalucÃa, Spain. Graduate Student Liaison Elizabeth Mirabal was nominated for the Ana MarÃa Matute Award, a national honor recognizing graduate students who combine scholarship with leadership and service.
Premios 2025
The chapter’s collective work earned historic recognition. Zeta Zeta was named an Honor and Merit Chapter, one of only 13 among 647 chapters nationwide. The recognition marks the fourth time UVA has received this national distinction, following previous awards in 2021, 2016, and 2014. It also received the Ignacio y Sophia Galbis Award, given to the single chapter whose annual report reflects exceptional achievement in advancing the mission of Sigma Delta Pi. Finally, Chapter Advisor Matthew Street received the Lucy F. Lee Award, presented annually to one advisor for exemplary initiative and support of chapter activities. These awards highlight the chapter’s sustained commitment to excellence and service.
Spring 2025