UC Riverside’s Sigma Phi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society, has been awarded the Best Chapter Award for 2023-2024. 

According to an award letter, the prize is “intended to recognize local chapters that are particularly active in their institutions and communities and embody our society’s mission to stimulate scholarship and intellectual interest in political science.”

The Pi Sigma Alpha chapter at UCR has distinguished itself by promoting student involvement in civic life, even amidst the challenges faced by students across the country. 

This achievement was made possible through the leadership and commitment of the chapter’s advisors, David Pion-Berlin, distinguished professor emeritus with the Department of Political Science, and Donna Perez, undergraduate academic advisor. Their mentorship has been essential in guiding the chapter’s student members.

In recognition of this award, the chapter will receive a $500 cash prize, with an additional $200 awarded to the advisors. This honor places the Pi Sigma Alpha chapter among the top six chapters nationwide in institutions of similar size. The chapter’s accomplishments will be highlighted across Pi Sigma Alpha’s digital platforms and featured in the American Political Science Association’s magazine, Political Science Today.

Founded in 1920, Pi Sigma Alpha aims to acknowledge academic achievement and offer leadership opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in political science and related areas. The organization seeks to promote scholarship and interest in politics, government, and democracy, foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field, and support activities that encourage dialogue and civic engagement both inside and outside the classroom. Today, Pi Sigma Alpha has nearly 850 chapters and over 300,000 members nationwide.