Pi Gamma Mu®
International Honor Society
in Social Sciences
1001 Millington Street, Suite B
Winfield, KS 67156
Phone: (620) 221-3128 EMAIL
Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series
Friday, October 27, 2023 - Speaker Series featuring James Wojtowicz
On Friday, October 27, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. (ET), James Wojtowicz of Rider University will help Pi Gamma Mu launch the second year of its popular Speaker Series. Wojtowicz will speak about "Open Public and Freedom of Information Statutes – A Tool in the Social Science Toolbox". Wojtowicz is the faculty chapter sponsor of the New Jersey Delta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at Rider University, along with University Dean Brooke Hunter. Wojtowicz is an Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the university. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
The session will include an introduction from executive director, Suzanne Rupp, updates from President of the Pi Gamma Mu Board of Trustees, Susan Kinsella, and, for the first time, an opportunity for attendees to introduce themselves.
The Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu Faculty Chapter Sponsors and is free of charge on open to the public, so please share it with your students and your colleagues! The 2023-2024 speakers are James Wojtowicz of Rider University, Johanna Bishop of Wilmington University, Richard Greggory Johnson III of The University of San Francisco, and Steven Burkarth & Deirdre Condit of Virginia Commonwealth University.
The series was launched on September 30, 2022. During the 2022-2023 academic year, four speakers presented on a variety of topics relevant to the social sciences. Due to the popularity of the series, the Pi Gamma Mu Board of Trustees decided to continue the program for another year. The sessions are held online via Zoom.
Pi Gamma Mu Announces 2023-2024 Speakers
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is continuing its popular online Speaker Series for a second year. The 2023-2024 speakers will be James Wojtowicz of Rider University, Johanna Bishop of Wilmington University, Richard Greggory Johnson III of The University of San Francisco, and Steven Burkarth & Deirdre Condit of Virginia Commonwealth University.
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Winfield, KS --(RELEASEWIRE) --08/23/2023 -- Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is continuing its popular online Speaker Series for a second year and is pleased to announce the upcoming speakers for 2023-2024. The series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's faculty chapter sponsors and is free of charge. The 2023-2024 speakers will be James Wojtowicz of Rider University, Johanna Bishop of Wilmington University, Richard Greggory Johnson III of The University of San Francisco, and Steven Burkarth & Deirdre Condit of Virginia Commonwealth University.
The series was launched on September 30, 2022. During the 2022-2023 academic year, four speakers presented on a variety of topics relevant to the social sciences. Due to the popularity of the series, the Pi Gamma Mu Board of Trustees decided to continue the program for another year. The four sessions will be held online and ZOOM links will be made available at a later date.
On Friday, October 27, 2023, James Wojtowicz of Rider University in New Jersey will speak about “Open Public and Freedom of Information Statutes – A Tool in the Social Science Toolbox”. Prof. Wojtowicz is the faculty chapter sponsor of the New Jersey Delta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at Rider University and is an Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Rider University. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Rutgers University, New Jersey.
The second session this year will feature Johanna Bishop, faculty chapter sponsor of the Delaware Beta Chapter at Wilmington University, and the Pi Gamma Mu Governor for Delaware. Dr. Bishop will present on the topic of Human Trafficking On January 26, 2024. Dr. Bishop is the Director of Behavioral Science Programs at Wilmington University. She manages the undergraduate Behavioral Science Program, the graduate Human Services program, and several undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. In 2016 Dr. Bishop founded the annual Human Trafficking Symposium and now organizes monthly human trafficking webinars open and free to the public. She attended George Washington University, Wilmington College, and Central Michigan University.
On Wednesday, May 3, 2024, Richard Greggory Johnson III, of the University of San Francisco, will speak about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Johnson is the chapter faculty sponsor of the California Tau Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at the University of San Francisco and is the Governor of California for Pi Gamma Mu. He is a tenured Full Professor for the University of San Francisco's School of Management. He is also the Director of the Business Minor in the School of Management. Dr. Johnson holds degrees from Georgetown University, Golden Gate University, and DePaul University.
The final session in this year's series will feature two speakers: Steven Burkarth and Deirdre Condit of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Burkarth is the president of the VCU Alumni Political Science Caucus and is a volunteer assisting with the Virginia Nu Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu. Dr. Condit is an Associate Professor of political science in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU and is the sponsor of the Pi Gamma Mu Chapter. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University, attended Portland State University, and completed her MA and PhD in Political Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Prof. Burkarth and Dr. Condit had such a successful launch of the new chapter at VCU that they were invited to speak about the secrets of their success in their presentation on Launching a Successful Pi Gamma Mu Membership Drive.
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.
James Wojtowicz
Johanna Bishop
Richard Greggory Johnson III
Deirdre Condit
(not pictured: Steven Burkarth)
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is pleased to present a new 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 will be offered via Zoom to spotlight the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter sponsors. Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, four Pi Gamma Mu faculty will showcase their expertise as they discuss new and important themes in the social sciences.
Dr. Laura Rodriguez Kitkowski to Speak about Stress and Strategies for Coping with Stress
Pi Gamma Mu is pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Kitkowski, of South University, will be the third speaker in its new online Speaker Series. The series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter faculty sponsors and is free of charge. On Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 pm ET, Dr. Rodriguez-Kitkowski will speak about Stress and Strategies for Coping with Stress.
Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Kitkowski is a Professor for South University and previously taught at Wayne State University, Oakland University and Madonna University in Michigan. At South University, she is the Department Chair of Psychology managing students matriculating on ground and online across 10 campuses. She serves as the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Director of Compliance & Training for South University, the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Co-Director for South University, the Pi Gamma Mu Georgia Sigma Chapter Sponsor, and she is a member of the Advisory Board for Southern New Hampshire University. Originally from Texas and a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Psychology, Laura has lived in the Detroit Metropolitan area for more than 30 years where she has a private practice specializing in depression, suicide, bi-polar, dual diagnosis, substance abuse, eating disorders and human sexuality treating children, adolescents and adults. She is a public speaker and presenter on a variety of wellness topics as well as a trainer throughout the United States on personal and professional development. Laura coordinated the 2-1-1 Initiative communications throughout the nation and Canada and continues with legislative efforts in a variety of counseling-relate and wellness related initiatives. She has managed specialized programs in Elder Care, Child Care, Employment & Training and Employee Assistance. She is a Past-President of the Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), Past-President of Oakland Counseling Association (OCA) and Past-Chairman of the Board for The Information Center, Inc. She received both her Master of Arts and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling from Wayne State University. She is blessed with two wonderful sons, Michael Andrew & Johnathan Phillip, and her loving other half, John.
Update: View a recording of Dr. Rodriguez-Kitkowski's presentation on Youtube:
Joshua Weikert to Speak About Politics and Public Policy in Legislatures
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences is pleased to announce that Dr. Joshua Weikert, of Immaculata University, will be the second speaker in its new online Speaker Series. The series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter faculty sponsors, is open to the public, and is free of charge.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 2 pm ET, the series will feature Dr. Joshua Weikert of Immaculata University. During the live online event, Weikert will speak about the interplay between politics and public policy in legislatures. Weikert notes that politics and policy “are related but distinct areas of public activity, and nowhere do they come together more directly than in a legislative environment!” His presentation will cover the interplay of politics and public policy in legislatures, including the role of public opinion and interest groups, party competition, majority/minority dynamics, and the challenges of developing good policy options to address public concerns in a multilevel competitive environment. Sociological, behavioral, and structural theories of political leadership will also be brought to bear.
Weikert has a wide-ranging academic and practical career in politics and public policy, combining rigorous research and teaching experience with real-world policy and governing experience. His course roster covers topics in American government, public policy, European politics, law, and political communication. He has also served as a research consultant, policy analyst, and legislative advisor for governments and political campaigns. He is presently Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Civic Engagement at Immaculata University and a policy advisor to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Weikert is the chapter faculty sponsor of the Pennsylvania Alpha Rho Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at Immaculata University.
On November 18, 2022, the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series officially launched and 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. 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.
Weikert is the second of four Pi Gamma Mu faculty who are showcasing their expertise as they discuss new and important themes in the social sciences during the 2022-23 academic year. The third event in the Speaker 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.
Pi Gamma Mu members, chapter faculty sponsors, and others may attend the live Zoom event on January 25, 2023, at 2 p ET
Joshua J. Weikert, PhD
Update: View a recording of Dr. Weikert's presentation on Youtube:
Inaugural Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series Event
Friday, November 18, 2022, 3 pm (ET) via Zoom
(This event was originally scheduled for September 30, 2022, but was postponed due to Hurricane Ian.)
On Friday, November 18, 2022, at 3:00 pm (ET), the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series officially launched and 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. 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 on November 18 at 3 pm (ET). The event was recorded and made available to all members of Pi Gamma Mu and the public via our YouTube Channel.
Pi Gamma Mu is pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Kitkowski, of South University, will be the third speaker in its new online Speaker Series. The series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter faculty sponsors and is free of charge. On Friday, May 12, 2023, at 3 pm ET, Dr. Rodriguez-Kitkowski will speak about Stress and Strategies for Coping with Stress.