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

Marc Plooster Spotlight

Marc Plooster

Former Accounting Supervisor for the Holland Public Schools and current Ph.D. student in PhD student

Quinlyn Mork Spotlight

Quinlyn Mork

Studying Abroad in Ghana

Ted Woodcock Spotlight

Ted Woodcock

City Planner/Zoning Administrator for the City of Norton Shores, Michigan

Khalil Rahal Spotlight

Khalil Rahal

Director of Economic Development, DTE Energy

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

Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Celebration of Graduates

April 30, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

This spring, we are thrilled to celebrate the newest class of Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Fellows. As our 2026 graduates prepare to enter the next season of life, we will gather to celebrate...

Laker Trivia

May 6, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Come test out your trivia knowledge with fellow Lakers! Join us for a fun evening of trivia and connecting with other Grand Valley alumni. Question topics will cover both GVSU and pop culture. Two...

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

May 13, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...

GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2026

May 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for the 6th Annual GVSU Cornhole Tournament! Registration is free — just pick a teammate and a team name. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate. The first...

GVSU Day at Rate Field + Alumni Social

May 30, 2026 11:00 AM

Connect with Lakers in the Chicago area and watch the White Sox take on the Detroit Tigers! Enjoy exclusive GVSU group ticket pricing and designated seating with fellow Lakers. Before the...

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Page last modified June 21, 2018