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Virginia Military Institute’s Omicron Kappa Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, has been named an honor chapter for its outstanding activities in academic year 2022-23, an award that was bestowed to only 12 chapters nationwide in 2023. This is the first time in the chapter’s 30-year history that VMI has earned this distinction, and Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, faculty adviser to the chapter, and associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, was instrumental in earning this award for her student group.
In addition, Laroussi has been named this year’s recipient of the Lucy F. Lee Award, which is granted annually to a chapter advisor for exemplary initiative in encouraging and assisting with chapter activities.
Since arriving to VMI, Laroussi has aimed to organize Sigma Delta Pi events that not only touch on Hispanic culture, but also interest and involve a broader audience. “All of our events focus on collaboration and inviting others to join in the mission of Sigma Delta Pi. One example is our Life, Culture and Society Film Series, which was launched in 2021 with the VMI Building BRIDGES Service Club and Preston Library.”
Each summer, the 634 chapters of Sigma Delta Pi nationwide are asked to submit an annual report detailing their numerous activities and projects from the academic year. Based on these reports, the National Executive Committee chooses approximately 10-15 honor chapters annually. This recognition is based upon the caliber of chapter projects that reflect the Sigma Delta Pi mission of honoring excellence in the study of the Spanish language, contributing to cultural understanding and upholding the goals of the society.
Founded in 1919 and with its national office at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, Sigma Delta Pi is also a member since 1966 of the Association of College Honor Societies, the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies.
