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

Richard Damstra Spotlight

Richard Damstra

Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO

Steve Smith Spotlight

Steve Smith

Executive Assistant to the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Worldwide Digital Content, Advertising, and Corporate Development

Madelaine Cleghorn Spotlight

Madelaine Cleghorn

Senior Associate, Feldesman Leifer LLP, Washington DC

Reginald Oates Spotlight

Reginald Oates

Program Evaluator for Government-funded Programs

Kyle Huisman Spotlight

Kyle Huisman

Research Analyst at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

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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

Summer Concert Series at Cook Carillon Tower

August 4, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a live outdoor concert in the heart of Grand Valley's beautiful Allendale campus! Enjoy inspiring performances from nationally touring...

GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 3 - RSVP

August 5, 2026 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science & Therapy department, we are hosting a Summer Speaker Series. Our third guest speaker will be GV Alum Megan Doornbos, OTRL, CLT, from...

GVSU Night at the Pit Spitters

August 7, 2026 7:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of baseball and Laker connection as the Traverse City Pit Spitters take on the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. Your registration includes seats on the Oberon Deck, full buffet meal including...

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...

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Page last modified June 21, 2018