Language honor societies
Celebrate academic excellence. Build community. Deepen cultural engagement.
The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures recognizes outstanding student achievement through national honor societies in French, Italian and Spanish. These organizations create opportunities for leadership, cultural exploration and connection with fellow language scholars.
Joining a language honor society highlights your commitment to language study and distinguishes you academically and professionally.
Students who join:
- Receive national recognition for academic excellence
- Connect with high-achieving peers
- Participate in cultural and intellectual events
- Build leadership and service experience
- Strengthen your resumes and graduate school applications
- Deepen engagement with global communities
Honor societies foster both scholarly achievement and meaningful cultural exchange.
National French Honor Society
Pi Delta Phi recognizes students who demonstrate high achievement in French language and Francophone studies. Members participate in events and initiatives that celebrate French language, literature and cultures across the Francophone world.
Members may:
- Participate in cultural events and discussions
- Engage with French and Francophone literature and media
- Connect with other students passionate about French studies
Faculty Advisor
National Italian Honor Society
Gamma Kappa Alpha recognizes outstanding achievement in Italian language, literature and culture. The society promotes scholarship, leadership and engagement with Italian cultural traditions.
Members participate in events that highlight Italy’s global cultural contributions and the vitality of Italian communities worldwide.
Eligibility
To be considered for membership, students must:
- Be actively studying Italian language, literature or linguistics
- Have at least a B average in Italian coursework
- Be in the upper 35% of their class
- Complete at least two college-level Italian courses beyond the intermediate level
Membership
Students inducted into the society receive:
- A Gamma Kappa Alpha honor cord
- An official certificate
- Recognition in the national annual bulletin
A one-time $30 membership fee applies. Depending on available funding, the department may help cover this cost.
Scholarship opportunity
Gamma Kappa Alpha awards a $500 national scholarship recognizing outstanding undergraduate scholarship in Italian literature, civilization or linguistics.
Eligible seniors may be nominated by the department and invited to submit an essay in Italian.
Recent Inductees
Spring 2025: Chelsea Buitron and Kiara Florentin.
Please note that each inductee’s name will be included in the national annual bulletin.
Faculty Advisor
National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society
Sigma Delta Pi honors students who demonstrate excellence in the study of Spanish language, literature and Hispanic cultures.
Members participate in cultural programming, academic events and community engagement that support the Spanish-speaking world locally and globally.
Students may:
- Attend lectures and cultural events
- Participate in community and service initiatives
- Connect with peers and faculty in Hispanic studies
Faculty Advisor
If you are excelling in your language courses and want to deepen your academic experience, consider joining one of our honor societies.
Participation reflects your commitment to intellectual growth, intercultural understanding and global engagement.