Thrond receives honorary membership
The Upsilon Sigma chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society at MSUM, awarded Professor Mary Thrond an Honorary Membership in a ceremony on November 12, 2009. Professor Thrond has worked as an adjunct and fixed term professor in the department of Languages and Cultures for over 5 years. She was recognized for her commitment to and demonstrated record of foreign language education both at the university and in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Along with Professor Thrond, nine new members were inducted: Kelsey Indergaard, Andrew Kadlec, Michael Lobdell, Jena Ondricek, Traci Pesta, Kristin Potts, Gina Strafelda, Mary Sussenguth and Claire Campbell (Schlangen).
These students were recognized for their devotion and commitment to Spanish language learning and promoting the culture of Spanish speaking countries, but particularly for their academic success at the University level. Students receiving membership in the honor society need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA although the average among those inducted this year was well above that mark at 3.5. Members of the honor society are also members of the very active MSUM Spanish Club – performing service projects and promoting the most positive aspects of Hispanic culture in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The induction ceremony was conducted by MSUM Chapter President Amanda Heller under the direction of Sigma Delta Pi advisor and Associate Professor of Spanish, Benjamin Smith.