Double honor

By Matt Hawkins

Bradley English majors swept senior scholarship honors for national English honor society Sigma Tau Delta. Liz Cachey ’15, of Orland Hills, Illinois, and Maggie Cipriano ’15, of Downers Grove, Illinois, received the society’s Elva Bell McLin Scholarship as they prepare for graduate school.

“We didn’t know the other had won, so we were quite excited,” Cachey said. “It’s fulfilling because it says good things about what we’ve accomplished and experienced here at Bradley.”

English department Chair Lee Newton applauded the dual recognition.

"This is a wonderful honor for them, our department and the university,” he said.  “I'm not surprised by their success.  Liz and Maggie have worked incredibly hard.  Their multiple minors, work with campus organizations, community volunteering, and academic excellence have served them well.  I have no doubt that they will be successful in all their future endeavors."  

Sigma Tau Delta annually awards one or two $4,000 McLin Scholarships to graduating seniors who will attend graduate school in the fall. The honor society also awards a scholarship to a junior, which Cipriano won last year.

“I didn’t expect to win again, but it’s great to have money that will make it easier to go to grad school,” she said.

The scholars credited caring department faculty for achievements the past four years.

“We feel that we’re empowered by the English department,” Cipriano said. “Everything I’ve achieved at Bradley is because of the people here. Not only have they supported me, but they’ve had key connections that have helped me gain valuable experiences.”

Cipriano will pursue a Master of Fine Arts in poetry next fall at The Ohio State University. Cachey will pursue a master’s degree in English linguistics at Illinois State University. Both plan to earn doctorates in hopes of teaching at the university level.

Sigma Tau Delta has 9,000 members in 870 chapters nationwide. The Bradley chapter boasts about 40 members annually in a department of 100 majors. Bradley members engage in literary-focused charity work with Peoria School District 150 and sponsor academic enrichment programs throughout the year.