Mercyhurst’s political science honor society earns ‘best chapter award’

Of the 800 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society, Mercyhurst University has earned a Best Chapter Award for 2021-2022.

The university’s Chi Epsilon chapter will be awarded along with five other chapters from institutions of similar size. The awards are intended to recognize local chapters that are particularly active in their institutions and communities and embody Pi Sigma Alpha’s mission to stimulate scholarship and intellectual interest in political science.

In recognizing Mercyhurst, Pi Sigma Alpha Executive Director Dr. Tanya B. Schwarz specifically commended Political Science Chair and chapter advisor Dr. Joseph Morris for his “extraordinary leadership and dedication to the students who are members of the chapter.”

She also recognized 2022 political science graduates Mikayla Vandermeid, Nicholas Brodfuehrer, Douglas Wilsch, and senior Elizabeth Hiles for their student leadership.

Our goal of providing learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom is really a department-wide effort,” Morris said. “For example, my colleague, Dr. Eric Wagner, and student members of our Pre-Law Society, co-sponsored numerous events with Pi Sigma Alpha. This type of collaboration is one the most enjoyable aspects of working with Mercyhurst’s students and faculty, and Dr. Wagner and I are looking forward to another great year for Pi Sigma Alpha and the Pre-Law Society.”

In deciding on the recipients for this year’s Best Chapter Award, Schwarz said of Mercyhurst, “We were impressed with the chapter’s achievements in developing activities supporting civic engagement and preparation for law school, especially given the significant challenges faculty and students around the world continue to face due to the COVID pandemic.” 

The award includes a cash prize of $500 for the chapter, as well as an additional $200 to the advisor. In addition, winners will be announced across Pi Sigma Alpha’s digital platforms and will be featured in the American Political Science Association’s magazine, Political Science Today.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joanne Hosey-McGurk said, “When faculty and students work together to foster belief in the power of civic engagement, when students learn to take the lead in intellectual activity to promote the fundamental value of understanding the rule of law, then Mercyhurst is fulfilling its mission to prepare student for ‘leadership in service to a just world.’”