Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was established at the University of Texas in 1920. It is the only national honor society for college and university students of government. There are currently 621 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha around the United States, including the Kappa Phi chapter at Grand Valley State University. https://www.apsanet.org/~psa/

Initiation into to Pi Sigma Alpha is a prestigious award for upper division students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in political science and related majors and minors. Initiation into Pi Sigma Alpha also establishes one's eligibility to participate in Pi Sigma Alpha scholarship and internship grant programs, and to publish research in the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics. For information about eligibility requirements and campus activities contact Paul J. Cornish, Advisor to the Kappa Phi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, at (616) 331-3502 or [email protected].

PLS Alumni Spotlights

Ethan Haan Spotlight

Ethan Haan

Clerk's Assistant with Oakland Township

Khalil Rahal Spotlight

Khalil Rahal

Director of Economic Development, DTE Energy

Erion Veliaj Spotlight

Erion Veliaj

Mayor of Tirana, Albania

Patrick Miller Spotlight

Patrick Miller

Teaching at United States Military Academy

Mollie Smith Spotlight

Mollie Smith

Sales account manager at Learning Care Group in Novi, Michigan

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News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.

Dec 3, 2025

Kilburn Publishes New Book

Kilburn Publishes New Book

This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Sep 12, 2025

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan

Sep 12, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

Diven Honored with Award

Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.

Jun 23, 2025

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.

May 13, 2025

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Events

Move-In 2026

August 26, 2026 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Help welcome our newest Lakers home on August 26! Move-In is one of the most exciting moments for incoming students, and you can be part of it! Help us create a warm Laker welcome by volunteering...

GVSU Men's Basketball Golf Outing 2026

August 29, 2026 9:30 AM

Please join us for the GVSU Men's Basketball Golf Outing! Connect with teammates, friends, and supporters of our basketball team. Join our coaches, staff, and current Laker players...

GVSU Men's & Women's Golf Team Outing 2026!

August 30, 2026 10:00 AM

Join us on the green for our first annual GVSU Golf "combined" Team Outing! This outing will take place on Sunday, August 30, at The Meadows Golf Club in Allendale. Your registration...

When the Declaration of Independence Was News

September 1, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Most of us think of the Declaration of Independence as something fixed in history, a document whose importance was obvious the moment it was signed. But in 1776, nobody knew what would come of it,...

Young Alumni Night at GVSU Football

September 3, 2026 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Kick off the football season at Lubbers Stadium as GVSU takes on West Texas A&M. Enjoy a special ticket package for $22, which includes your game ticket, parking, a drink ticket, and a buffet...

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Page last modified June 21, 2018