The Delta Delta chapter of English honor society Sigma Tau Delta will pay tribute to the late Robin Williams Friday as they start a series of charity events scheduled throughout the semester.
The charity events involve a free screening of one of Williams’ films every month where the honor society will sell popcorn for $1. The money to be raised during the event will be matched by Sigma Tau Delta, and all proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the charity Williams’ supported.
Sigma Tau Delta will screen “Dead Poet’s Society” Friday in the Evans Complex room 105 at 6 p.m.
“We have never done anything like this before,” Heather Robbins, Sigma Tau Delta’s president, said. “We hope the entire Evans Theater in room 105 is full, but 50 or so might be a more reasonable turnout. Everyone in the English [department] felt the tragedy of such a great loss when Robin Williams passed away. It was in this grief that we found ourselves redirecting our ideas for charity outreach.”
Stephanie Rodriguez, Sigma Tau Delta’s historian, recommended the idea of a fundraiser in Williams’ name on the chapter’s Facebook page.
“The SHSU motto that ‘the measure of a life is its service’ holds true to our society.” Rodriguez said. “We commit to various charity events every semester and this one seemed most appropriate.”
Faculty and students of the English Department have shown support and encouraged the fundraising effort.
“Good Will Hunting” will be shown Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. and “Good Morning Vietnam” will show Nov. 17, also at 6 p.m. Both will be screened in the Evans Complex room 105 and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Robbins also encouraged Bearkats to attend the Literary Masquerade/Fall Mixer on Oct. 31 and the Cards Against Humanities Game Night in early November. Along with these events the chapter plans out reach out to the Good Shepherd Mission and SAAFE house to help register voters.
“These events are open to everyone, and we hope they provide an opportunity for fellowship and support of the craft,” Robbins said.
Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society, with their Delta Delta chapter present at SHSU. The group will hold a meeting Friday before the screening of “Dead Poets Society” at 5 p.m. in the Evans Complex room 105.
For more information on the Delta Delta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, visit the group’s Facebook page.