ONU English

05/14/2026

Kaitlyn Altman is a Creative Writing major with a minor in Theatre.

She’s a dedicated member of the Honors Program serving as an Honors mentor for the past three years. She is the core leader of the teach team for Northern Christian Fellowship and the current Vice President of ONU’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. In addition to all that, she has also stage managed four shows at ONU and had the opportunity to present her poetry at two Sigma Tau Delta Conferences.

When asked what creative works she felt particularly proud of, Kaitlyn shared a heartening story about Dr. Clingerman challenging her to aim higher. The experience resulted in many poems, including one of her favorites “Namesake.”

After graduation, Kaitlyn looks forward to doing campus ministry.

05/13/2026

Lily James is a Language Arts Education major with a minor in TESOL. She has served in several integral roles for Polaris Literary Magazine including most recently, Senior Co-Editor-in-Chief. She is a member of several campus orgs and honors such as Sigma Tau Delta, Kapp Delta Pi, Teachers of Tomorrow, University Singers, National Society of Leaders and Service, and much more.

Lily has presented her work at the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention and “How to Grow a Presence for your Literary Magazine on a College Campus” at MediaFest25 in Washington, D.C.

When asked to share something she felt proud to have worked at ONU, Lily pointed to her English capstone, “I researched how ADHD affects second language acquisition and how teachers can help alleviate setbacks.” In the fall, Lily will be teaching seventh grade English Language Arts at Celina Middle School. 

05/13/2026

Carys Williams is a Philosophy, Politics & Economics major with minors in Ethics, Pre-Law, and Public Policy.

She is a member of numerous honor societies, a contributing member of the ONU Ethics Bowl Team ranked 9th at nationals, an Editor on Northern Review, Delegate for Model UN, and served as Housing Representative on Student Senate.

Those who work with Carys often praise her thoroughness in research, which will certainly serve her well as she pursues law school.

05/08/2026

Kelley Hale is a Creative Writing and Art & Design double major with a passion for video games and screenwriting.

She’s the Art and Design Editor for Polaris Literary Magazine and Historian for the local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta.

During Kelley’s time at ONU, she’s written an original 90-page screenplay and a fantasy theme criticism essay titled "How Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Subverts Narrative Expectations" which was published in Aurora, ONU’s Undergraduate Research Journal.

05/08/2026

Allison Davis is a Literature and Music double major with a concentration in Music Performance.

She’s a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Vice President for Sigma Alpha Iota. She has presented her work at both the 2025 and 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Conventions.

Allison looks forward to pursuing a graduate program in publishing or education.

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Mallory is a Literature major with minors in Pre-Law and Creative Writing. She’s a world traveler and involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success, Polaris Literary Magazine and Mortar Board.

In March, she presented her paper on Heart of Darkness at the Sigma Tau Delta Conference in New Orleans.

Her future plans include attending graduate school at the University of South Carolina for English.

04/28/2026

Sunny Lloyd is a Philosophy, Politics and Economics major with minors in Pre-Law, Ethics and Philosophy. She’s a bright and hardworking presence at ONU and it shows in the countless student orgs she’s been a part of.

A few of her notable achievements include serving as VP of Student Senate, a fellow for ONU’s Institute of Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) and contributing as a member of the ONU Ethics Bowl Team recently ranked 9th at nationals.

There is so much more about Sunny to highlight, but one of the things we find most impressive is her ability to problem solve and bring people together.

04/27/2026

Elyse Lortz is a Creative Writing major with minors in Theatre and Multimedia Production. They are known for their sharp wit, love of stationary and deep knowledge of the Sherlock Holmes canon.

In their time at ONU, Elyse has held several positions of leadership such as Managing Editor for Aurora, ONU’s Undergraduate Research Journal, President of the Fencing Club, President of ONU’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and member to several other honor societies.

Elyse has had the pleasure of presenting their work at both the 2025 and 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Conventions including their paper, “The Spectrum Sleuth: Autistic Representation in the Sherlock Holmes Canon.”

After graduation, Elyse plans to pursue a masters degree at the Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland.

04/21/2026

The Department of English, Philosophy & Religion had a lot to celebrate this Honors Day! We want to thank all the students, faculty and family members that made today so special!