The original founder of Sigma Tau Delta was Judson Q. Owen, who sponsored the English Club at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota in the 1920's. From the beginning, the English Club was only open to outstanding students. The success of the club attracted the attention of many other campuses nation-wide. This popularity encouraged Owen to make the English Club a national English honor society. On May 1, 1924, at Dakota Wesleyan University, Sigma Tau Delta made its first appearance. The order promoted the mastery of written expression, encouraged reading, and fostered fellowship among students in English language and literature. At first the national convention it adopted the first twelve chapters, insignia, and started the discussion of The Rectangle; the newsletter and publication of the Society.