Elon University’s Sigma Delta Pi celebrated 16 new members, recognizing academic excellence, intercultural understanding and the power of language to build bridges between cultures.
Elon University’s Rho Eta Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, welcomed 16 new members during its Fall 2026 induction ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the McBride Gathering Space in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
Students, faculty, alumni, families and friends gathered to celebrate academic achievement, dedication to the Spanish language and appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Sigma Delta Pi recognizes students who excel in Spanish language, literature and Hispanic cultures while promoting intercultural understanding and meaningful connections across communities. Its motto, Spanías Didagéi Proágomen, reflects the society’s commitment to advancing under the inspiration of the Spanish language.
Celebrating academic excellence and the power of language
The ceremony was organized and led by Ricardo Mendoza, assistant teaching professor of Spanish and president of Elon’s Rho Eta Chapter, alongside student leaders Jinelle Gonzalez, Annabelle Richardson and Sam Montgomery.
A highlight of the evening was an inspiring address by Elon alumnus Cal Patrick Dougherty ’18, whose personal and professional journey demonstrates how language learning can open unexpected doors.
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Dougherty participated in a Rotary Youth Exchange program in Brazil before attending Elon, where Dougherty majored in Spanish and international studies, studied abroad in Jordan and Argentina, and worked for two years in the Department of World Languages and Cultures.
Following graduation, Dougherty taught English in Spain, worked in education and pursued graduate studies in communication at Syracuse University. In 2025, Dougherty joined the New England Patriots as Spanish Content Lead and was promoted to International Content Manager in 2026, overseeing content in Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic.
Dougherty’s heartfelt and spontaneous remarks reminded students that learning another language is about more than professional opportunities. It is also about empathy, human connection and understanding people whose experiences may differ from our own.
The ceremony featured live music by Colombian musician and Music Local teacher Maestro Oscar Oviedo and poetry readings by faculty members Ketevan Kupatadze and Mina García, celebrating the beauty and expressive power of the Spanish language.
A celebration made possible by the Elon community
The ceremony reflected the generosity, collaboration and dedication of many members of the Elon community.
“We’d like to share special appreciation to Annetta Womble, program assistant for World Languages and Cultures and Interdisciplinary Programs, for her invaluable coordination and support, and to the WLC student assistants for their contributions throughout the event,” said Ricky Mendoza Castano, assistant teaching professor of Spanish. “The chapter also thanks Helen McLeod for the beautiful decorations; Oscar Oviedo for the music; Ketevan Kupatadze and Mina García for the poetry readings; and Patti Gibbons for her assistance with the ceremonial gowns.”
Mendoza Castano also acknowledged Dallas Smith, the Media Services team, the student assistants who provided technical support, Aramark and Elon’s Moving and Set Up team. He also thanked Jinelle Gonzalez, Annabelle Richardson and Sam Montgomery for their leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.
“Above all, the chapter recognizes the faculty of the Department of World Languages and Cultures for their commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring students,” he said. “The support of families, friends and the broader Elon community also made this celebration especially meaningful.
The Rho Eta Chapter welcomes its 16 newest members:
- Valerie Ceballos Franco
- Camille Christeon
- Catherine Dierker
- Amanda Draznin
- Olivia Evener
- Abigail Fioramonti
- Sarah B. Hanchey
- Ella Grace Hearn
- Elinor Elizabeth Lowe
- Taehlyn Grey Martin
- Abigail Makena Naylor
- Ellie Neil
- Samantha Perez
- Amanda Claire Roman
- Alexa Sarmiere
- Gabriella Scales
Membership in Sigma Delta Pi recognizes students who have demonstrated academic distinction through advanced study of Spanish language, literature and Hispanic cultures while meeting the society’s academic requirements.
The ceremony also reflected Elon University’s commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, global engagement and preparing students to become informed, compassionate and responsible global citizens.
Learning a second language is more than fulfilling an academic requirement. It is building a bridge between cultures, discovering new perspectives and developing the ability to connect with people beyond our own experiences.
Through its “Don’t Place Out” message, the Department of World Languages and Cultures encourages students to see language placement not as the end of their language-learning journey, but as an opportunity to continue growing.
Students who have already developed language skills are encouraged to build on that foundation by taking additional courses, exploring advanced language study, participating in study abroad experiences and discovering how multilingualism can enrich their academic, personal and professional lives.
Dougherty’s journey is a powerful example of these possibilities and of Elon’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with meaningful experiences beyond campus.
For Sigma Delta Pi, the induction ceremony celebrated not only what students have accomplished, but also the opportunities ahead. Learning another language teaches us to listen, to understand and, perhaps most importantly, to recognize our shared humanity.