For the second time in five years, Epsilon Kappa, St. John’s University’s chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, has received The Order of Octavio Paz. The fraternity was first recognized with this prestigious award in 2004.

The award was presented at the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society’s triennial convention, which was held August 4 in San Diego.

Under the advisement and leadership of Dr. Marie-Lise Gazarian, the chapter was
honored in 2001 with the Chapter of Merit and Honor award, which recognizes those chapters that have distinguished themselves through outstanding activities.

Subsequently, the Honor Society’s National Committee established the Order of Octavio Award, created specifically for those chapters maintaining their Merit and Honor award status for the three consecutive years.

Dr. Gazarian has been the Moderator of Epsilon Kappa for more than 30 years. During this time, she has received numerous accolades, including her appointment as Vice President for the Northeast and her presentation with the Order of Don Quixote award. Dr. Gazarian has also published more than a dozen books and articles on Hispanic culture and literature.

Epsilon Kappa publishes Entre Rascacielos, a literary journal aimed at sponsoring and strengthening poetic and scholarly compositions. This publication has been treasured by Dr. Gazarian as one of the major accomplishments of this chapter.
The journal was first published on October 26, 2001 and continues to be published biannually, during Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 and in April during National Poetry Month. Dr. Gazarian serves as its Editor-in-Chief.

The chapter facilitates Tertulias, or discussions intended to create discourse among members of the Hispanic community and Epsilon Kappa about literature and personal compositions. Dr. Gazarian has also organized several events attended by Nobel-Prize recipients and literary figures of Spain and Latin America.