11/18/2022 -- Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu President Kicks-off Inaugural Speaker Series Event
On Friday, November 18, 2022, the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series officially launched and highlighted the expertise of Pi Gamma Mu president, Dr. Susan Kinsella. Kinsella's lecture focused on Animal Assisted Interventions. Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, four Pi Gamma Mu faculty will showcase their expertise as they discuss new and important themes in the social sciences.
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Winfield, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/23/2022 --Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is pleased to present a new online Speaker Series. The series is open to both members of Pi Gamma Mu and to non-members interested in learning more about the topics being presented. Beginning in the fall of 2022, the Series is offered via Zoom and spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter faculty sponsors. Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, four Pi Gamma Mu faculty sponsors will showcase their expertise as they discuss new and important themes in the social sciences.
On Friday, November 18, 2022, the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series officially launched via Zoom. The event highlighted the expertise of Pi Gamma Mu president, Dr. Susan Kinsella, social work scholar and former dean of the College of Education and Social Services at Saint Leo University. Currently a professor in the online graduate Human Services Administration Program, Dr. Kinsella's lecture focused on "Animal Assisted Interventions". Topics included details about how specially trained animals and trainers can help people and communities, how animals impact human lives, a new bachelor's degree program and certificate programs at Saint Leo University, a new online book, and what we understand about this growing field of study and practice. Dr. Kinsella was joined by Dr. Nancy Wood and Dr. Rhondda Waddell, experts in the field and professors at Saint Leo University. Dr. Suzanne Rupp, executive director of Pi Gamma Mu, also spoke during the inaugural event and provided a review of the history of Pi Gamma Mu and the benefits of membership. The lecture was followed by a live question and answer session.
Pi Gamma Mu members, chapter faculty sponsors, and other interested individuals attended the live Zoom event which was recorded and made available to all members of Pi Gamma Mu and the public via Pi Gamma Mu's YouTube Channel. The recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_vnRXnKRbU&t=54s
The next speaker in the Series is Dr. Joshua Weikert, associate professor and department chair of the Department of Civic Engagement at Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. Weikert will speak about "Legislative Politics and Leadership" based on his work with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. Topics will include the structure of legislatures and how they function in practice, the challenges of legislating in politically contentious bodies with multiple veto actors, and how policy ideas develop as they work through the adoption/legitimation process. The lecture will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Weikert is the chapter faculty sponsor of the Pennsylvania Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at Immaculata University.
The third event in the Series will feature Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Kitkowski of South University in Georgia on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 3 p.m. (ET). Rodriguez-Kitkowski is the chapter faculty sponsor of the Georgia Sigma Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at South University.
Details and links to the online Zoom sessions will be available at https://pigammamu.org/speaker-series.html
Dr. Susan Kinsella, President of Pi Gamma Mu
Dr. Rhondda Waddell
Dr. Nancy Wood
09/08/2022 -- Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu President to Kick-off Inaugural Speaker Series
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is pleased to present a new Speaker Series open to members and non-members alike. On September 30, 2022, at 3:00 pm (ET), Pi Gamma Mu's president, Dr. Susan Kinsella, President of Pi Gamma Mu, will kick off the series with a lecture focusing on animal-assisted interventions in the field of Human Services.
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Winfield, KS -- 09/08/2022 --Pi Gamma Mu President To Kick Off Inaugural Speaker Series
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is pleased to present a new Speaker Series open to members and non-members alike. On September 30, 2022, at 3:00 pm (ET), Dr. Susan Kinsella, President of Pi Gamma Mu, will kick off the series with a lecture focusing on animal-assisted interventions in the field of Human Services.
On September 30, 2022, at 3:00 pm (ET), the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series will officially launch and will highlight the expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's president, Dr. Susan Kinsella, social work scholar and former dean of the College of Education and Social Services at Saint Leo University. Currently a professor in the online graduate Human Services Administration Program, Dr. Kinsella's lecture will focus on animal-assisted interventions, a new bachelor's degree program at Saint Leo which was one of her initiatives while dean. Dr. Kinsella will discuss what we understand about these interventions and how they can be used to help people and communities.
Pi Gamma Mu members, chapters, and other interested individuals can access Dr. Kinsella's presentation by using the following Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86400775521?pwd=T000emxIRVBwYmtWWWxQSzFUcm1Bdz09
We hope you will join us for this very special event!
Your friends at Pi Gamma Mu
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Founded in 1924, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society, with campus chapters in the US and around the world. The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the social sciences and to support and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. Its headquarters today are in Winfield, Kansas, USA. The society has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter.
Dr. Susan Kinsella, Pi Gamma Mu President
05/20/2022 -- Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society a Good Fit for Small Colleges
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is a Good Fit for Both Large and Small Colleges and Universities.
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Winfield, KS -- 05/20/2022 --I teach at a small college with approximately six hundred traditional and online students. The college is known primarily for its nursing program, and for many years, the only honor society that existed was for nursing students. New programs developed over the years, and in 2011, I considered how a Pi Gamma Mu chapter would be ideal since all majors require social science courses. In addition, for students who qualified, a Pi Gamma Mu chapter would be a great way to recognize them regardless of their programs. I met with department chairs, program directors, and the Vice President for Academics to explain why I thought Pi Gamma Mu would be a good fit for our small college. This included a list of reasons that can be found on the Pi Gamma Mu website at
https://pigammamu.org/professors.html. Foremost among the reasons I gave is that Pi Gamma Mu encourages "interdisciplinary thinking about society, humanity, and public affairs" and promotes the social sciences as a means "to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service." Both of the statements supported the institution's mission statement well. Furthermore, Pi Gamma Mu's focus on the social sciences includes a broad range of academic fields including "anthropology, criminal justice, economics, cultural geography, history, international relations, social philosophy, social work, sociology, political science, and psychology." This meant that students, regardless of their major, who took at least twenty hours of social science credits and had a "B" or better average in those courses could be recognized for their academic success. Indeed, students from a variety of programs, in addition to majors that are specific to the social sciences, have met the requirements and been inducted over the past ten years of our chapter's existence. Finally, since our college enrollment is small, it made more sense to have an honor society that would collectively serve outstanding students in fields such as criminal justice, human services, and psychology as opposed to having separate honor societies. This multidisciplinary approach has been a major factor as to why a Pi Gamma Mu chapter is a great fit for a small college.
Unlike many other honor societies, Pi Gamma Mu has a one-time induction fee of $50, and then an individual is a member for life. Members receive newsletters, the Pi Gamma Mu journal International Social Science Review, information about upcoming triennial conventions, and can apply for graduate school scholarships. It is also important to note that Pi Gamma Mu is a reputable member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS); whereas some honor societies can be shams. As a member of the ACHS, Pi Gamma Mu members could possibly qualify for a GS-7 pay grade if employed by the federal government. Individual chapters are also encouraged to take advantage of the new speakers program that will support guest lectures from other chapter faculty sponsors.
There are many universities who induct more members in one year than my small college has inducted in its first ten years. However, in that short time, two students received Pi Gamma Mu graduate school scholarships, and at least one student benefitted from the GS-7 federal government pay grade. Needless to say, a Pi Gamma Mu chapter could very well be suitable for even a small college.
For more information about Pi Gamma Mu, see the following.
Pi Gamma Mu – International Honor Society in Social Sciences homepage
https://www.pigammamu.org/
"Start a Chapter"
https://www.pigammamu.org/start-chapter.html
"Pi Gamma Mu Scholarships"
https://www.pigammamu.org/scholarships.html
"Pi Gamma Mu Lectureship and Chapter Event Grants"
https://www.pigammamu.org/lectureships.html
Media Relations Contact
Suzanne Rupp
Executive Director
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
1-620-221-3128
[email protected]
PiGammaMu.org
Related Images
The Christy Administration Building at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. Southwestern College houses the Kansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences and is one of its founding chapters
Presentation College in South Dakota houses the South Dakota Zeta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences.
J. M. Pile Residence Hall at Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska. Wayne State College houses the Nebraska Delta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences.
03/09/2022 -- Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society Members Present Posters
Although virtual conferences have become common over the past couple of years, the 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Virtual Triennial International Convention lived up to its billing both virtually and internationally. Attendees experienced keynote addresses, paper presentations, the opportunity to participate in the popular Leadership Development Program, and a variety of poster presentations.
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After postponing the Pi Gamma Mu 2020 convention, the 2021 Virtual Triennial International Convention, which was held November 3-6, 2021, proved to be a great success. Although virtual conferences have become common over the past couple of years, the 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Virtual Triennial International Convention lived up to its billing both virtually and internationally. Attendees experienced keynote addresses, paper presentations, the opportunity to participate in the popular Leadership Development Program, and a variety of poster presentations.
While a selection committee evaluated student paper submissions, any Pi Gamma Mu member, whether a current student or any life-long member, could present a poster. According to Brad Tennant, who chaired the poster sessions, "The presentations featured a variety of social science disciplines with several international presenters coming from chapters thus reflecting that Pi Gamma Mu is truly the preeminent international honor society in the social sciences." Furthermore, recorded presentations accommodated presenters who came from various time zones and allowed others to listen during the assigned sessions or at a later time. In addition to the research posters, posters that reflected various chapter activities, history, service projects, or programs were also presented. All poster presentations were limited to no more than ten minutes.
The following are the topics, presenters, and their Pi Gamma Mu university chapter.
Research Poster Presentations:
- "Worldwide Perspectives of the Death Penalty" by Eliana Varrucciu, Wayne State College (Nebraska Delta Chapter)
- "Covid-19 Effects on Perceptions of Student Safety, Anxiety, and Recovery" by Caitlin McGettrick, Manchester University (Indiana Theta Chapter)
- "Beyond the Transmission View of Disinformation: Exploring the Intersection of Algorithms and Rhetoric in Marcos Historical-Revisionist Propaganda" by Juven Nino A. Villacastin, University of the Philippines - Diliman (Philippine Alpha Chapter)
- "Income & Happiness of Marriage" by Olivia Swarts, American Public University System (West Virginia Iota Chapter)
- "James Earle Fraser's Images of the American West" by Brad Tennant, Presentation College (South Dakota Zeta Chapter)
- "Paradoxes of Civility and Incivility: How Civil or Uncivil Online Discussions of Support or Dissent Influence Online Opinion Articulation or Concealment" by Ma. Rosel S. San Pascual, University of the Philippines - Diliman (Philippine Alpha Chapter)
- "Spirals of Civility and Incivility" by Ma. Rosel S. San Pascual, University of the Philippines - Diliman (Philippine Alpha Chapter)
- "Translating History to Film" by Shelby Hagerdon, Wayne State College (Nebraska Delta Chapter)
- "Exploring Race, Gender, Marital Status, and Longevity" by Jordan Hall, Avana Thompson, Jada Starks, Bryson Bradford, Grambling State University (Louisiana Eta Chapter)
Chapter Showcase Posters:
- "Sociability, Social Service, and Sacrifice – Pi Gamma Mu Membership in the Florida Lambda Chapter " by Shelby Hearn-Belluso, Saint Leo University (Florida Lambda Chapter)
- "Community Service Experience" by Clementine Johnson, Saint Leo University (Florida Lambda Chapter)
- "Almost 50 Years: Kansas Chapter Theta of Pi Gamma Mu Newman University, Wichita, Kansas" by Kelly Mai and Brendan Schwartz, Newman University (Kansas Theta Chapter)
- "Chapter Theme for a Year" by Olivia Camarena and Larry Heck, Newman University (Kansas Theta Chapter)
- "The History and Benefits of Pi Gamma Mu" by Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director, Pi Gamma Mu
- "Social Science Essay Contest – Fostering Scholarship at an Online University" by Katherine Im, University of Maryland Global Campus (Maryland Theta Chapter)
Media Relations Contact
Suzanne Rupp
Executive Director
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
1-620-221-3128
Related Images
09/07/2021 -- Permalink
"Social Scientists Leading the Way" – Pi Gamma Mu 2021 Virtual Triennial Convention
The 2021 Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences Triennial International Convention will be held online this November 3-6, 2021. This will be a fully online, virtual experience featuring student research presentations, speakers, a leadership development program, and much more.
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It's that time again for the Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Honor Society Convention. This year promises to be exciting, affordable, and safe. It is the first virtual convention attempted by the organization, but one that is sure to please everyone during this COVID period. Students in chapters of this organization have waited for this convention to have the opportunity to present papers and posters, hear notable speakers, and meet other honor students from colleges and universities nationwide. With the continuing issues with the COVID pandemic, and decreasing revenue available for student travel, this year's virtual convention will be a crowd-pleaser. Dr. Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director of the organization is enthusiastic about the shift to a virtual convention. "The Board of Trustees is excited to be offering an up-to-date format for the convention so that more chapters can participate. Having a virtual convention is very affordable for the students, and we expect that more chapters will be able to attend". The virtual event will be offered from Wednesday, November 3rd through Saturday, November 6th. Webinars and Zoom sessions will highlight speakers in our Leadership Development Program and awards will be given to honor students and chapters who have excelled in academics and service to their communities.
At this year's convention, we will recognize historical and current Pi Gamma Mu members who have demonstrated excellence in their field. We are proud to bring impressive speakers to our conventions for students and faculty. Pi Gamma Mu has an illustrious history of members who include such famous leaders as Admiral Richard E. Byrd and President Lyndon B. Johnson. One such member is Dr. Judith Rodin who has been selected to receive our Distinguished Alumni Award at this year's 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Virtual Convention. Dr. Rodin, a Pi Gamma Mu member since her undergraduate days at the University of Pennsylvania, has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the world's most powerful and influential women. Over her 22 years at Yale University, she held various professional and academic positions as Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Provost of the university. Rodin was appointed president of the University of Pennsylvania in 1994 and became the first female president of an Ivy League institution and the first graduate of the university to take on its highest leadership role. From 2005 to 2017 she served as President of the Rockefeller Foundation and in her philanthropic role authored, "The Resilience Dividend," which has become a strategic guide for leaders around the world.
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (IA) will also join us for a keynote message to the Convention participants. Senator Grassley completed his Political Science undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is a lifetime member of Pi Gamma Mu. He has been instrumental in American policymaking as an American politician.
Other speakers include Congresswoman Diane DeGette, a U.S. Representative serving Colorado's 1st Congressional District who has been a leading proponent and expert on cutting-edge scientific research, including the use of human embryonic stem cells. She has been instrumental in expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program of health insurance for low-income children, and assisted President Obama in drafting the Affordable Care Act. DeGette is best known for advocating the 21st Century Cures Act, which has modernized research in the nation's medical system.
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (Iowa) will also join us for a keynote message to the Convention participants. Senator Grassley completed his Political Science undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is a lifetime member of Pi Gamma Mu. He has been instrumental in American policymaking as an American politician.
Another feature of the Convention is the popular Leadership Development Program, a series started at the last convention in Kansas City, MO. which focuses on numerous concepts in leadership. Lectures include discussions about leadership in academia, leadership in special circumstances, and leadership in nonprofit organizations. The program also offers a series of workshops helping students to better understand their own leadership skills, the characteristics of strong and weak leadership, and the importance of team collaboration. Students who attend all of the workshops, lectures, and complete all of the leadership program pieces will receive a certificate of completion from Pi Gamma Mu for their resume. Leadership speakers include a program administrator, emergency manager, college dean, journal editor, and experts from the Marine Museum on leadership in military combat. Under the direction of professor and board member, Allison Knox, the 7-hour event will feature segmented sessions on Leadership in Literature, featuring what's been written about leadership as a social science, with a discussion about what the United States Marine Corps teaches its officers about leadership. Leadership in Special Circumstances will focus on leadership concepts under pressure and the skills needed by leaders in emergency or dangerous situations, with discussions about leadership in combat, leadership in the back of an ambulance, leading a group of people from the "bottom up" as well as the importance of internships. In this section, we'll be taking a virtual field trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps to learn about what is taught to Marine Corps officers. Students will then have the opportunity to apply these concepts to different events in history through the museum's special leadership program. Professor Knox, Chancellor of the Southeast Region for Pi Gamma Mu and faculty at the American Military University, Eastern Kentucky University & Western Connecticut State University, currently serves as the At-Large Director for the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and is an active advocate for EMS and participates annually with legislative issues informing members of Congress and their staff about current issues affecting Emergency Medical Services. She will discuss the importance of leadership skills in emergency and crisis situations. Leadership in Academia will address management issues in education as well as how to write effectively as a leader. Dr. Katrina Smith, Director of International Studies and Associate Professor of Psychology, at Reinhardt University in Georgia, will share her experiences leading students and colleagues on travels abroad as well as developing service opportunities in her community. She will discuss her experience and academic training to teach those around her about the importance of developing empathy, good listening skills, and action plans. Dr. Susan Kinsella, Professor of Human Services and Dean of the College of Education and Social Services at Saint Leo University, will assist students in learning about their own leadership style with interactive activities and a discussion on lessons learned in academic leadership. She has over 25 years of teaching and administrative experience in higher education, having developed and taught in undergraduate and graduate programs in Human Services and Social Work. She has numerous research interests and publications in social service journals which include such topics as child welfare worker competencies, university, and community collaborations, building leadership capacity, service learning, and global and social entrepreneurship. Dr. Candice Quinn, editor-in-chief of the International Social Science Review, Pi Gamma Mu's peer-reviewed journal, will finish the segment by providing information on how to successfully publish your work, a topic important for students who are in or heading to, graduate school. Dr. Quinn has lead Pi Gamma Mu's flagship publication for the last eight years and has overseen the transition of the journal from a printed magazine to an open-access online journal. She has been an active member of several non-profit boards, including serving as president and then honorary president of the American Women's Club of Southern Ontario. Ms. Emma Grace Thompson, student representative from 2018-2021, will give a presentation on the process of election for a student representative on the Pi Gamma Mu Board of Trustees. Students will finish the Leadership Development Program with a presentation and virtual field trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Certificates of completion will be awarded to all students who attend and finish the assignments.
Dr. Susan Kinsella, Pi Gamma Mu board member and convention committee chairperson indicates, "The convention is open to all Pi Gamma Mu members, undergraduate and graduate. It is chock-full of surprises with a social networking event and webinars and interactive sessions through Zoom, allowing students to socially network with other chapters in attendance." If you have ever wanted to present a paper in your discipline, attend a leadership program, virtually visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, or listen to an address by a leading authority in the social sciences, then this is the year to advance in your discipline. You can begin to network with other professionals in your area and find out what careers await you with your degree. There are also opportunities to be a part of the student caucus if you want to run for a student seat on the board of trustees for Pi Gamma Mu. We encourage students to come meet other honor students from around the country and for faculty to meet other chapter sponsors and share their ideas about activities conducted on their campuses. The Pi Gamma Mu 2021 Convention promises to be a worthwhile scholarly event, and we will look forward to meeting everyone there. Visit
https://whova.com/web/pgmti_202111/ for more information and to register or contact Dr. Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, at
[email protected]
07/14/2021 -- Permalink
Membership in Pi Gamma Mu Provides Boost in Federal Pay
Membership in Pi Gamma Mu meets one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in numerous professional and technical occupations in the Federal service.
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When Chera P. applied for membership in Presentation College's South Dakota Zeta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, she felt that her academic success not only reflected her determination as a student but also for her career aspirations. Chera, who is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, commented that she wanted "not only her advisors but future employers to know that I gave it all I had to make good grades." Of course, the recognition of being inducted into Pi Gamma Mu meant that she would also be able to wear the honor cords and stole, but then the pandemic hit, and her graduation became a remote virtual affair. Still, there was the satisfaction of being recognized for her academic success in the variety of social science courses she took on her way to earning her baccalaureate degree in nursing.
The invitation to join Pi Gamma Mu stated that "Pi Gamma Mu has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) since 1953. In fact, the US Government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers incoming federal employees a two-level pay grade increase for 'Superior Academic Achievement,' which can be obtained through membership in ACHS-certified honor societies such as Pi Gamma Mu." Little did she realize how important her lifetime membership would mean for her career. During her job interview, the recruiter who reviewed her credentials brought her Pi Gamma Mu membership to her attention.
Since graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in August 2020, Chera has been hired by the Indian Health Service, and she learned that, instead of beginning at a GS-5 category, she received a GS-7. Elated, Chera emailed Dr. Brad Tennant, the South Dakota Zeta Chapter faculty sponsor, and said, "Thank you for encouraging us to be part of the [Pi Gamma Mu] Honor Society!" Chera's advice to all students is to stay strong and do not give up. When she reflects on her induction into the South Dakota Zeta Chapter, she said that it was definitely worth it and now realizes the significance of Pi Gamma Mu being ACHS-certified.
Tennant commented that "Being ACHS-certified is a mark of distinction over other groups who simply want dues without any true benefits. In addition to lifetime membership and access to newsletters and the International Social Science Review journal, Pi Gamma Mu has been a recognized ACHS-certified honor society for almost seventy years providing those who gain employment with the federal government the benefit of a GS-7 pay grade. The fact that the interviewer noticed Chera's Pi Gamma Mu membership proved to be an important benefit for her as she began her career."
April 27, 2021 -
Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society Presents 2021 Leadership Development Program
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences proudly presents its Leadership Development Program to be held during the November 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Convention.
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Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences' Leadership Development Program is part of a new initiative to help student members work on their leadership skills. The program has three main components: Leadership in the Literature, Leadership in Academia, and Leadership in Special Circumstances. The program features a discussion about what has been published in the scholarly social science literature about leadership and features special discussion topics including leadership in academia and leadership in special situations.
The program will feature lectures by Laura Shaw of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Dr. Susan Kinsella, Dean of the College of Education and Social Services at St. Leo University, Dr. Katrina Smith, Associate Professor of Psychology at Reinhardt University, Dr. Candice Quinn, Editor of the International Social Science Review, and Emma Grace Thompson, Pi Gamma Mu's Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. Lectures include discussions about leading a top academic journal, leading an academic department during new COVID-19 restrictions, leadership styles, and leading from the bottom up during critical situations. The program will also conclude with a special discussion about the Leadership Principles taught at the Marine Corps University and the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps. Students who attend all components of the Leadership Development Program will earn a certificate of completion they can add to their resume. The program is open to undergraduate, graduate, and alumni members of Pi Gamma Mu.
A grant program is available to student members who need financial assistance to attend the Leadership Development Program during the Convention. The grant program will assist students with the program's registration fee. It is not available to students who have already had their paper accepted for presentation during the Convention. Interested students must submit their grant application no later than June 1, 2021.
Questions about the program should be directed to the Leadership Development Program Chair Allison G. S. Knox, (Chancellor of the Southeast Region of Pi Gamma Mu) at: [email protected].
To learn more about the 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Convention, please visit pigammamu.org/convention-2021.html
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
April 14, 2021 - Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society Conducting Paper and Poster Competitions
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is Conducting Student Research Paper and Poster Competitions.
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The international social science honor society Pi Gamma Mu is conducting social science research paper and poster competitions for members in advance of its 2021 Triennial Convention this November. Paper and poster presentations provide a unique opportunity for students and alumni members to demonstrate and develop their research skills in a student-oriented professional convention, which this year for the first time will be held virtually. The paper submissions will be evaluated by a selection committee which will evaluate the papers blindly – i.e., without knowing the name or institution of the author. The top ten rated papers will get special publication consideration by the International Social Science Review, the peer-reviewed professional journal of Pi Gamma Mu, plus free registration for the convention. The next five rated papers will also get free registration for the convention. The invitation or call for papers, plus submission information, is in the March Newsletter of the society at Pi Gamma Mu International Newsletter: March 2021, and is also available on the society's website at http://pigammamu.org/convention-2021.html, along with details of the poster contest. The deadline for paper submissions is October 8, 2021.
The society's 2020 convention, originally scheduled for Washington, DC, had to be postponed a year due to the pandemic, but the 2020 research paper competition was held anyway. The top ten rated submitted papers were made eligible for publication consideration in the International Social Science Review. The full list of the 2020 top ten papers can be viewed in the March 2021 issue of the society's Newsletter, at www.pigammamu.org/newsletter/march2021/article12.html.
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Founded in 1924, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society, with campus chapters in the US and around the world. The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the social sciences and to support and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. Its headquarters today are in Winfield, Kansas, USA. The society has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter.
March 1, 2021 - Permalink
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society to Offer Virtual Convention in 2021
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society to Offer Virtual Convention November 3-6, 2021. Events will include student paper presentations, a leadership development program, student elections, speakers, roundtable discussions, and more.
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Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent international honor society in the social sciences and is the only interdisciplinary social science honor society. Its purpose is to award academic excellence and service. Started in 1924 by the Deans of Southwestern College and the College of William and Mary, its headquarters today are in Winfield, Kansas. Throughout its 97 years of existence, it has produced many well-known scholars, diplomats, political leaders, business leaders, and pioneering professionals.
Over the last several decades, members of the prestigious Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society have attended the Triennial Convention in various cities across the United States. Students in chapters of this organization have waited for this convention for the opportunity to present papers and posters, hear notable speakers, and meet other honor students from colleges and universities nationwide. This year will be no different but with the continuing issues with the COVID pandemic, and decreasing revenue available for student travel, this year's convention will be held virtually. Dr. Suzanne Rupp, executive director of the society is enthusiastic about the shift in offering the convention. "The board of trustees is excited to be offering the convention online this year so that more chapters can participate. Having a virtual convention is very affordable for the students and we expect that more Pi Gamma Mu members will be able to attend".
The virtual event will be offered from Wednesday, November 3rd through Saturday, November 6th. The keystone of the convention is student paper presentations in which selected students will present their research to convention attendees. Webinars and zoom sessions will highlight speakers in our Leadership Program and awards will honor students and chapters who have excelled in academics and service to their communities. We will also recognize historical and current Pi Gamma Mu members who have demonstrated excellence in their field. Dr. Clara Small, Professor Emerita Salisbury University, Pi Gamma Mu board member, and author of several African American history texts, presented at the 2017 convention. We are proud to bring such impressive speakers to our conventions for students and faculty. Pi Gamma Mu has an illustrious history of members who include such famous leaders as U.S. Admiral Richard E. Byrd and U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Another feature of the Convention is the popular Leadership Development Program, a series started at the last convention in Kansas City, MO. Under the direction of professor and board member, Allison G. S. Knox, the 7-hour event will feature segmented sessions on Leadership in Literature, featuring what has been written about leadership as a social science, Leadership in Special Circumstances, focusing on the skills needed by leaders in emergency or dangerous situations, and Leadership in Academia, addressing management issues in education as well as how to write effectively as a leader. Information on how to successfully publish your work will be important for students who are in or are heading to, graduate school. Students will finish the Leadership Program with a presentation and virtual field trip to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Leadership speakers include a program administrator, an emergency manager, a college dean, a journal editor, and experts from the Marine Museum on leadership in military combat. Certificates of completion will be awarded to all students who attend and finish the assignments.
Dr. Susan Kinsella, convention committee chairperson indicates, "the convention is open to all Pi Gamma Mu members, undergraduate and graduate. It is chock-full of surprises with a social networking event and webinars and interactive sessions through Zoom, allowing students to socially network with other chapters in attendance and learn what service projects they are engaged in, especially during this time of COVID". Service is part of the mission of Pi Gamma Mu and projects during the convention allow students to participate in assisting non-profit organizations with needed supplies and resources. Over the years students have collected and donated stuffed animals to a children's residential home, sent books to military veterans, and provided toiletries to the homeless. This year an online project will allow students to participate in another service project.
If you have never presented a paper in your discipline, attended a leadership program, visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps, or listened to an address by a leading authority in the social sciences, then this is the year to advance in your discipline. You can begin to network with other professionals in your area and find out what careers await you with your degree. There are also opportunities to be a part of the student caucus if you want to run for a student seat on the board of trustees for Pi Gamma Mu. We encourage students to come meet other honor students from around the country, and for faculty to meet other chapter sponsors and share their ideas of the activities conducted on their campuses. The Pi Gamma Mu 2021 Convention promises to be a worthwhile scholarly event and we will look forward to meeting everyone there. Pi Gamma Mu conventions are open to all members of Pi Gamma Mu. Visit pigammamu.org/convention-2021 for more information or to register.
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
January 29, 2021 - Permalink
Prominent Members of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society
Pi Gamma Mu prominent members include heads of state, dynamic leaders in public policy, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize Winners, prominent scholars and academic leaders, judicial and court leaders, as well as corporate leaders.
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Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society was founded in 1924 by Dr. Leroy Allen at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas and Dr. William Hamilton at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. It remains the most distinguished honor society in the area of social sciences. Memberships are extended to students with top grades in the areas of anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography - human, gerontology, history, history of education, human services, international relations, political science, psychology, social philosophy, sociology, social work, as well as related interdisciplinary programs anchored in the social sciences.
In 1924, Dr. Leroy Allen drove extensively across the United States starting chapters and Pi Gamma Mu was underway and growing rapidly. Our Pi Gamma Mu honorary president, adventurer, and Naval Admiral Richard E. Byrd carried the Pi Gamma Mu flag with him to the Antarctic in 1928, where it remains today. He noted that the study of the social sciences and being honored by becoming a lifetime member of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society is an adventure! A spirit of adventure and academic discovery into the unknown is something we value as we recognize the scholarly accomplishments of our members.
We support our lifetime members through our Pi Gamma Mu scholarships, conventions, our newsletter, and our peer-reviewed journal, the "International Social Science Review," which encourages student, faculty, and member publications. We are a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) which assures the highest standards and that our members selected for Federal Service get higher ratings and salaries. "Membership in an ACHS-certified honor society, like Pi Gamma Mu, provides members with credible recognition of superior academic achievement and tangible lifelong benefits," said Suzanne Rupp, executive director of Pi Gamma Mu. "Some of the most tangible benefits of membership include our scholarship program and the potential for increased pay for federal jobs. At Pi Gamma Mu we strive to maintain a robust array of benefits for our members."
So that new Pi Gamma Mu members are aware of the outstanding accomplishments of those who once stood in their place, we maintain a list of prominent members to inspire new members about long-term possibilities in their own lives. Please overview our list of prominent members and nominate colleges and universities in your state that do not have chapters of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society.
Selected Distinguished and Prominent Members of Pi Gamma Mu
Prominent Public Policy Leaders
Henry J. Abraham – internationally recognized constitutionalist, and "Social Science" (Pi Gamma Mu journal) assistant editor (1956-1967)
Katharine Lee Bates - a prolific American writer, college professor, scholar, social activist, and author of "America the Beautiful"
Ernst Philip Boas - famous cardiologist, inventor of the cardiotachometer, and early proponent of national health insurance
Michael Copps - Commissioner of the US Federal Communications Commission (2001-2011)
Robert D. Eilers - originator of health care management and health management organizations (HMOs)
Michael S. Heimall - Colonel (ret.) Medical Corps, United States Army Chief of Staff, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2015 - 2017), and Director of the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center (2018 -present)
Michell Hicks - Principal Chief of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, 2003-2015. He is a leader in economic development with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
David M. Kennedy - US Secretary of the Treasury (1968-1971), and US Ambassador to NATO (1972-1973)
Marilyn McAfee - career diplomat and U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala (1992-1997)
Distinguished Corporate Leaders
Paul Finkelstein - President and Chief Executive Officer (1996-2017), and Chairman of the Board (2004-2017) of Regis Corporation - the world's largest hair salon industry and a Fortune 500 corporation
Robert B. Goergen - founder and incumbent Chairman and CEO of Blyth, Inc.
Reginald H. Jones - Chairman and CEO of General Electric Co. (1971-1982)
Presidents, Heads of State, and Global Leaders
Ricardo Joaquín Alfaro – President of Panama (1931-1932)
Richard E. Byrd - US admiral and polar explorer who was first to fly over the North and South Poles, and Pi Gamma Mu Honorary National President (1931-1935)
Lyndon Baines Johnson - US President (1963-1969)
Charles P. Kindleberger - M.I.T. economist and chief architect of the Marshall Plan
Jacques Paul Klein – Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (1996-1999)
Jose P. Laurel – President of the Philippines (1942-1945)
Salvador H. Laurel - Senator (1967-1973) and Vice-President of the Philippines (1986-1991)
Ferdinand E. Marcos – President of the Philippines (1965-1986)
Lester B. Pearson – Prime Minister of Canada (1962-1968) and winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace (1957)
Gustavs Zemgals – President of Latvia (1927-1931)
Nobel and Pulitzer Prize Winners
Jane Addams - early social worker and founder of Hull House (America's original settlement house), and first female winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1931)
Matthew Bolton - team member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize
Simon S. Kuznets - former Pi Gamma Mu chapter officer, internationally renowned economist, and winner of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Economic Science
Roy F. Nichols – winner of the Pulitzer Prize in History (1949)
Lester B. Pearson – Prime Minister of Canada (1962-1968) and winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace (1957)
Emily Welty - Vice Moderator of the World Council of Churches Commission on International Affairs and Main Representative to the United Nations for the International Peace Research Association. Team member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize
Judicial and Court Leaders
Teresita Leonardo de Castro - Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (2007-present)
William T. Coleman, Jr. – author of the winning legal brief in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) outlawing racial segregation in public education, and US Secretary of Transportation (1975-1977)
Hilario Davide, Jr. – Chief Justice of the Philippines (1997-2005), and Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations (2006-2010)
Mark Martin - senior justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court (1998-2014), and Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court (2014-2018)
Conchita Morales - the first woman Justice to administer the Oath of Office to an incoming President of the Philippines
Michele Price - Municipal Judge, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (1999-present) Legal Counsel, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society (2002-present). She is recognized for her outstanding groundbreaking work with youth
Miriam Defensor Santiago – constitutionalist and Senator of the Philippines (1995-2016)
William French Smith – US Attorney-General (1980-1985)
Legislative and Congressional Leaders
Edgardo J. Angara – Senator of the Philippines (1987-1988 & 2001-2013) and Secretary of Agriculture – Philippines (1999-2001)
Hilario Davide, Jr. – Chief Justice of the Philippines (1997-2005), and Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations (2006-2010)
Diana L. DeGette – US Congresswoman from Colorado (1996-present) and Chief Deputy Whip of the US House of Representatives (2006-present)
Juan Ponce Enrile – Senator of the Philippines (1987-2013)
Charles Grassley – US Senator from Iowa (1980-present)
Spark M. Matsunaga - US Senator from Hawaii (1976-1990)
Prominent Scholars and Academic Leaders
Henry J. Abraham – internationally recognized constitutionalist, and Social Science (Pi Gamma Mu journal) assistant editor (1956-1967)
Leroy Allen - Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Southwestern College in Winfield Kansas and Founder of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in 1922. He served as President of Pi Gamma Mu from 1924-1931
P. Kay Anderson - Professor of Social Work at Mary Hardin-Baylor and first Female President of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, 1996-2002
Panos Bardis - Professor of Sociology at the University of Toledo and Editor, "International Social Science Review" from 1959-1993 and author of 23 books
Charles Abram Ellwood – eminent sociologist, founder of Duke University's Sociology Department, and Pi Gamma Mu National President (1931-1937)
Ina Turner Gray - Executive Director, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, 1976-1996. She prioritized growth and building a Pi Gamma Mu Foundation
Grace Raymond Hebard – political economist and pioneering historian of the Native Americans, and Pi Gamma Mu co-founder and National Vice-President (1924-1931)
Cheryl Lovell - President of Adams State University, 2018-present. She is a leader in providing educational access to students of all economic levels.
Margaret Mead – pioneering cultural anthropologist and 1956 Pi Gamma Mu Convention keynote speaker
S. Howard Patterson – noted labor and social economist, author of microeconomics textbooks, and longest-serving Pi Gamma Mu National President (1937-1951)
Judith S. Rodin - groundbreaking experimental psychologist, first female Ivy League university President (The University of Pennsylvania 1994-2004), and President of the Rockefeller Foundation (2005-2017)
Edward A. Ross – pioneer in criminology and Pi Gamma Mu honorary National President (1937-1951)
Clara Small - Professor Emerita at Salisbury University and Second Vice President of Pi Gamma Mu. She is a leading author on Blacks fighting for Union in the Civil War and has written, "Men of Color to Arms!" with David Briddell and "They Wore Blue and Their Hearts Were Loyal: Dorchester County, Maryland's United States Colored Troops, " written with Teresa Neld. Her many books on Black Union Troops fighting in the Civil Ward have been widely recognized
Pitirim Sorokin – renowned sociologist, founder of Harvard University's Sociology Department, and Pi Gamma Mu National Vice-President (1937-1941)
In talking about prominent members that inspire us our faculty advisers often cover our ideals of service, idealism, and sacrifice and give examples of distinguished lifetime members that inspire us to reach our full potential in life. Pi Gamma Mu prominent members have excelled in areas like public policy, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize Winners, prominent scholars and academic leaders, judicial and court leaders, as well as corporate leaders. "One of the striking things about our prominent members is that in most cases they have had global influence and have impacted history in significant ways." Said Gordon Mercer, professor emeritus at Western Carolina University and Immediate Past-President of Pi Gamma Mu. "While our list of prominent members continually grows, we want to congratulate all of our prominent members, as they are an important inspiration to Pi Gamma Mu." These prominent members have often achieved the impossible and followed the advice of one of our honorary past presidents, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, to travel into the unknown with a spirit of adventure. Faculty advisers emphasize that new members have already proven that they are among the best and urge them to continue to build on their accomplishments, remembering our ideal of service. Faculty advisers as they cover our ideals like service, sacrifice, and scholarship, in membership inductions, often advise new members to follow their inner truth and dare to take flight into the unknown and use their ideals and knowledge to light the path.
Pi Gamma Mu membership is for life. Our Pi Gamma Mu newsletter has an Alumni Spotlight feature that gives continual updates on member accomplishments. Through our electronic Listserv, our newsletter, the "International Social Science Review," Alumni Council, Triennial Conventions, and Outstanding Alumni Award, we have many supportive services for lifetime members. Our list of prominent Pi Gamma Mu members is not exhaustive, and we invite suggestions, as we are proud of our members and are continually updating our list of prominent members and our Listserv of all members. For accredited colleges and universities wanting to start a chapter or if you want to nominate a college or university to start a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu or get information, you should contact Dr. Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director: at 620-221-3128 or [email protected]
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (http://www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Press Release - January 4, 2021
Volume 96, No. 4 of the International Social Science Review Is Now Live
Volume 96, No. 4 of the International Social Science Review, Pi Gamma Mu's keystone journal, is now live. The journal is available free-of-charge, online.
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Winfield, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2021 --The Board of Trustees of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is thrilled to announce the publication of Volume 96, No. 4 of the International Social Science Review. This issue includes four articles, "Examining the Effect of Pregnancy on Women's Power in Ancient Egypt and Greece" by Sara Divija Varadharajulu (UCLA), "The Intersectionality of Blackness and Disability in Hip-Hop: The Societal Impact of Changing Cultural Norms in Music" by Matthew Gavieta (Cornell University), "The Cooperative Business Model in the Near West Side of Milwaukee" by Brendan Shine (Goldsmiths University of London), and "The Mere Extinguishment of [Human] Life" by Anthony Cosentino (Columbia University). The journal's book review editors, Blake Duffield, Benjamin Sorensen, and Eric Bell, have curated twelve book reviews on recently published books related to social sciences. The issue also includes Dr. Clara Small's (Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University & Second Vice President of Pi Gamma Mu) keynote address given at Pi Gamma Mu's 2017 Triennial International Convention, and Rising Scholar Narayan Kini's article "A Cycle of Slavery: Migrant Labor and Human Rights Violations in the United Arab Emirates."
The International Social Science Review has been in continuous publication since 1925 and is one of the oldest social science academic journals in North America. In 2014, this enduring journal moved online, making it free and accessible to all at https://issr.ung.edu/. As Dr. Susan Kinsella (Saint Leo University, Georgia & First Vice President Pi Gamma Mu) notes, "Pi Gamma Mu's International Social Science Review is a scholarly journal with quality publications from authors in top U.S. universities as well as from a growing number of international social scientists. The readership includes faculty, practitioners, and students from around the globe with Pi Gamma Mu's membership reaching at least 22,000 members. We are proud of the contributions of this journal and have increased the editions to four (4) per year as a result of its popularity."
The International Social Science Review invites the submission of manuscripts in anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography - human, gerontology, history, history of education, human services, international relations, political science, psychology, social philosophy, sociology, social work, as well as related interdisciplinary programs anchored in the social sciences, particularly those that focus on age, environment, ethnicity, gender, race, and regional studies. Being published in a peer-reviewed professional journal, such as the ISSR, can help boost a career in academia or aid in gaining admission to graduate school. Articles are accepted on a rolling basis. Articles are accepted on a rolling basis. Send submissions to the editor of the ISSR, Dr. Candice Quinn, as attachments to [email protected]. As Dr. Quinn shares, "Publishing with an established, well-respected journal does not need to be intimidating; professors and students alike should feel welcome to email me to discuss potential research articles, policy point-counterpoint pieces, writing book reviews, or, in the case of established academics, blind peer-reviewing for the journal."
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (http://www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Gordon Mercer, Clara Small, and Larry Heck. Small was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu Hall of Fame, the Society's highest honor, at the 2017 Triennial International Convention, where she also provided the keynote address.
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Student Poster Session at the Pi Gamma Mu 2017
Triennial International Convention.
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Press Release – November 23, 2020
Pi Gamma Mu Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients
Pi Gamma Mu is proud to announce its 2020 scholarship recipients. Nine members of Pi Gamma Mu were awarded scholarships to attend graduate school this year. Pi Gamma Mu's scholarship program is one of its most cherished and enduring endeavors.
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Winfield, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/22/2020 --One of Pi Gamma Mu's most cherished and enduring endeavors is the annual awarding of scholarships to worthy social science scholars. Members of Pi Gamma Mu are eligible to apply for scholarships in order to pursue a masters or a doctoral degree in the social science disciplines of anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography - human, gerontology, history, history of education, human services, international relations, political science, psychology, social philosophy, sociology, social work, as well as related interdisciplinary programs anchored in the Social Sciences, particularly those that focus on age, environment, ethnicity, gender, race, and regional studies. The Social Sciences also includes those disciplines which emphasize the scientific studies of human societies and social relationships. Visit www.pigammamu.org for details.
The following students received a Pi Gamma Mu scholarship in 2020: Gregory M. Rivera (Pace University, NY), William S. Godwin (Campbell University, NC), Mehak R. Advani (Soka University of America, CA), Peter J. Varga (The Catholic University of America, DC), Elisabeth S. Noland (Valparaiso University, IN), Nicole Balbuena (University of California – Irvine, CA), Gabrielle M. Etzel (Grove City College, PA), Madelyn M. Cittadino (LeMoyne College, NY), and Aiyana A. Gonzalez (Barry University, FL).
Once the scholarship applications are submitted to Pi Gamma Mu's International Office, the Scholarships and Awards Committee carefully examines the following items: the applicant's curriculum vitae, the applicant's letter of interest and intent, the three letters of recommendation which have been submitted on the applicant's behalf, and the transcripts of the colleges and universities attended by the applicant. Those items are scrutinized by the Committee to determine the best-qualified candidates for the scholarships.
Since 1951, Pi Gamma Mu members numbering in the hundreds have been recipients of the scholarships which have been utilized to help further their educational pursuits. Of the scholarships awarded annually, several are designated for specific disciplines, such as the Gordon E. Mercer Scholarship for Public Policy and the Daniel E. Quigley Scholarship for Law. The scholarships are specifically designed to assist scholars in their first or second year of graduate work. Once the finalists are selected by the Scholarship Committee their names are forwarded to the members of the Pi Gamma Mu Board of Trustees, the recommended recipients are voted upon and approved, and then the International Office notifies the recipients of their awards. Dr. Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director of Pi Gamma Mu, makes the telephone calls to notify and congratulate the recipients. Rupp said, "The students are always incredibly happy and honored to receive the good news and it is a privilege and a joy to share that moment with them. The scholarships are competitive, and the applicant pool is always of a high caliber. Pi Gamma Mu scholarship recipients should be immensely proud of their achievements and it is our pleasure to assist them in their continued education in the social sciences." As soon as the recipients are officially enrolled at their respective institutions and verified by the university's Registrar's Office, the checks are sent to the recipients for their personal use, and not to the universities. The students can use the funds however they would like (for example for books, food, rent, room and board, etc.)
Dr. Clara Small, Chair of Pi Gamma Mu's Scholarships and Awards Committee and Second Vice President of the Board of Trustees, said, "Pi Gamma Mu is exceptionally proud of the scholarship recipients and sincerely hopes that the funds have helped past scholars and will continue to help future scholars achieve their educational goals. The Scholarships and Awards Committee is also hopeful that the scholarship recipients will continue to embody the ideals of Pi Gamma Mu in their daily lives as the future leaders of not just their local communities, but the state, the nation, and the world. We wish them the best in all of their endeavors."
The annual deadline for scholarship applications is February 15. Visit Pi Gamma Mu's website to learn more. The Scholarships and Awards Committee of Pi Gamma Mu encourages all eligible members to apply. This year's deadline for applications is February 15, 2021.
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (http://www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Visit our website to learn more about starting a chapter. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Mehak Rajesh Advani
Peter J. Varga
Elisabeth S. Noland
Press Release - October 22, 2020
Pi Gamma Mu's Response to COVID-19 Includes Innovation and Opportunities
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences' response to COVID-19 has been swift and includes both innovation and opportunities for students.
Winfield, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/22/2020 --Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences' response to COVID-19 has been swift and includes both innovation and opportunities for students. Founded in 1924, the honor society has adapted to many challenges over the years, although none quite like COVID-19. Judith Tilton, Executive Director of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), said, "In a matter of months, education as we knew it was turned upside-down: from grading (many colleges moved to pass/fail options) that helps determine honor society qualification and scholastic excellence, to chapters no longer being able to meet in person, to campuses shutting down permanently." These challenges have had an enormous impact on both higher education and academic honor societies alike.
Pi Gamma Mu responded quickly to the pandemic by launching a new online member registration system in March of 2020. The system allows invited students to register online for the first time in the Society's almost 100-year history. It went live just in time to help chapters with their spring membership drives as campuses around the globe began shutting down due to COVID-19. The system is revolutionary for chapters of Pi Gamma Mu and advisers have been pleased with its ease of use. Dr. Brad Tennant, Chapter Adviser at Presentation College (South Dakota) and Pi Gamma Mu Chancellor of the North/Northwest Region, used the system for the first time this fall. Tennant said, "As with many campuses, we have been impacted by quarantined students and an increase in students who participate by synchronous online classes. This also affected our induction of new members to Pi Gamma Mu this fall. Nonetheless, the students were able to complete their membership information and pay online, which made the process much easier for the inductees and for me as the Chapter Adviser." The system also provides a long-term solution for chapters as colleges and universities continue to move toward more online solutions.
Campus closures also led many chapters to hold meetings and initiation ceremonies online. The University of Maryland Global Campus held its first-ever online-only initiation ceremony on May 12, 2020. The Chapter Adviser and Pi Gamma Mu Chancellor of the Northeast Region, Professor Katherine Im, mailed out an initiation kit to each student before the ceremony. Following the ceremony, Professor Im stated that "Students contacted us with words of thanks and appreciation. Many were feeling disappointed because their commencement exercises had been canceled. The online ceremony was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy graduation season."
The pandemic also impacted Pi Gamma Mu Conventions. During an April 19, 2020 meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Trustees decided to postpone the 2020 Triennial International Convention. The Convention has been rescheduled for November 4-6, 2021. It will be held either in-person in Washington, D.C. or virtually, depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the postponement of the Convention, the Society remains dedicated to providing opportunities to its members and is currently holding a "Call for Student Papers" with a submission deadline of November 20, 2020. Up to the top ten rated papers will receive consideration for publication in the Society's keystone journal, the International Social Science Review, and, if published, will be accepted for oral presentation at the 2021 Convention. The Convention will include student paper presentations, a Student Leadership Development Program, a keynote address, an awards ceremony, student elections to the Board of Trustees, and more.
About Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences, (http://www.pigammamu.org), based in Winfield, Kansas, provides recognition and opportunities to high achieving Social Science students at chapters located on college and university campuses around the world. Pi Gamma Mu was founded in 1924 and has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Source: Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:06 AM CDT - Permalink
Press Release - August 25, 2020
Pi Gamma Mu Recognizes Academic Excellence by Establishing New Chapters Around the Country
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences recognizes academic excellence in the social sciences by establishing new chapters at colleges and universities across the United States.
Founded in 1924, Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society in the United States. While many chapters of Pi Gamma Mu have been active for decades, new chapters are being established around the country. Some of the newest chapters are located at The University of Mississippi, Ithaca College, Castleton University, Tiffin University, Saint Ambrose University, Voorhees College, Georgia Southern University, and Rutgers University – Camden. Trustee president C. Larry Heck reports that "The presence of a chapter at such a wide variety of colleges and universities attests to the interest of sponsors and faculty members in honoring students who excel in the social sciences."
The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. The society seeks to accomplish this mission in a variety of ways. The scholarship program encourages members to attend graduate school; conferences and conventions provide opportunities to present research; and the society's journal, International Social Science Review, provides publication opportunities. Pi Gamma Mu works not only to further the scholarship of members but also to assist the community at large. From national donation drives to local fundraisers, service is more than a concept at Pi Gamma Mu. The society also provides leadership opportunities to members at the chapter and national level in which student members can run for a variety of positions.
Pi Gamma Mu is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Membership in a certified, credible honor society provides prospective employers with instant verification of exemplary performance and achievement, distinguishing members from competing job applicants at a glance. In fact, the US Government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers incoming federal employees a two level pay grade increase for "Superior Academic Achievement," which can be obtained through membership in ACHS-certified honor societies, including Pi Gamma Mu. Trustee president C. Larry Heck claims that, "Having ACHS certification offers an important advantage, and faculty and students can know that Pi Gamma Mu is a credible honor society, devoted to recognizing and developing outstanding social science students."
In response to the increased need for online solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pi Gamma Mu recently launched a new online membership registration and payment system. This allows chapter sponsors to invite eligible students and permits students to provide registration information and submit lifetime membership fees online. Due to temporary campus closures, some chapters have begun holding meetings and initiation ceremonies online as well.
Pi Gamma Mu seeks to continue to support the social sciences by establishing new chapters at colleges and universities around the globe. For more information about Pi Gamma Mu, please visit https://www.pigammamu.org
Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 3:04 PM CDT -
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