Suffolk Reporter

For the second consecutive year, Stony Brook University’s Eta Theta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, has received a Best Chapter Award.

Eta Theta was one of six chapters in schools with undergraduate enrollment between 15,000 and 25,000 to be honored for 2023-2024. The award recognizes 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.

“Your chapter’s commitment to meaningful engagement over the past year, even in the face of continued challenges, was impressive and serves as a model for all other chapters,” said Pi Sigma Alpha executive director Tanya Schwartz in the award notification. “I was especially impressed by the chapter’s sponsorship of activities supporting student career development.”

Additionally, three members of Eta Theta won the Pi Sigma Alpha Award for Written Excellence in Political Science: Kenan Kepatanovic, Sophia Chambers (a 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award winner), and Zoe Bussewitz. The chapter advisor is Jason Rose.

The chapter holds various activities throughout the year, including meet-the-candidate nights, hosting guest speakers in international relations, providing information for students interested in government internships, conducting research paper writing workshops, and more. Members gain valuable leadership skills and work closely with faculty in the Department of Political Science.

The Best Chapter Award includes a cash prize of $500 for the chapter and an additional $200 to the chapter advisor in recognition of their service and support. Pi Sigma Alpha will announce the winners of the Best Chapter Award on its digital platforms, and they will be featured in a future issue of the American Political Science Association’s magazine, Political Science Today.

Pi Sigma Alpha was organized by Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi in 1920. There are more than 420 chapters of the society in leading institutions of higher education throughout the country. Student membership is conferred based on scholastic achievement.