English Club

Mission and Purpose

English Club is a dynamic organization whose mission is to foster the love of literature in the community. It is open to all students, regardless of major or minor, and hosts several themed events with the goal of bringing people together to share in the fun. Whether interests are in the classics or popular literature, students of all backgrounds can see the benefits of collective engagement that English Club has to offer.

Poe Party

Held annually during October, this party celebrates the master of Gothic and mystery. Come dressed in your favorite costume (prizes awarded) and ready to engage in trivia, mad libs, or other games. Enjoy the traditional reading of “The Raven” and try your skills at “The Raven” parody contest. Food and fellowship are in abundance as well as the customary telling of ghost stories.

Shakespeare by the Pond

Held annually in April, this event honors the Bard’s influence and impact. Come dressed as your favorite Shakespeare character or in the spirit of the Renaissance (prizes awarded). Test your skills in various games, the duet or scene presentations, or the Shakespearean-sonnet parody. Free food and lively interactions fill the evening.

Service Learning

Members of English Club engage with the local community through various service projects including book drives, Operation Christmas Child, and after-school reading groups.

Sigma Tau Delta

Each semester, English Club hosts inductions to Sigma Tau Delta, an English international honor society which recognizes the top students at their respective universities. The Delta Beta Chapter, chartered at UMHB in 1927, is one of the oldest west of the Mississippi. Membership, by invitation only, allows inductees access to unique publishing and scholarship opportunities.

Literary Hand Turkey Contest

Every November, English Club sponsors this contest to design a mock book cover featuring a hand turkey. Past winners include Hedda Gobbler, Don Turkeyote, The Gizzard of Oz. and As I Lay Frying. Competitors vie for various prizes including the coveted “Baste in Class.”

Study-Break Brunch

Each semester, usually the weekend before final exams, English Club hosts a brunch featuring an abundance of food, comradery, music, and good vibes in order to counter the stresses of studying. Come as you are and bring a friend.

Game/Fun Nights

English Club also finds ways to stem the tide of a hectic semester with various fun and game nights including outings to a local movie theatre, trips to Austin or Waco to take in a play, “Word Nerds” – playing games such as Taboo, Balderdash, Catchphrase, Mad Gab, etc., or karaoke.

Public Contact

Faculty Advisor: Jacky Dumas

President- Emma Smith (ejsmith@mail.umhb.edu)