On Saturday evening, April 27th, Pi Sigma Alpha held its annual induction ceremony for new members. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vance McMahan, a professor of practice in the department. Before joining the department’s faulty, at various points in his career, McMahan had worked in the governor’s office, the While House, the Department of Education, and the United Nations (where he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council).
Brandon Bain, a graduate student who attended the event, said that “Professor McMahan’s provided valuable insights into politics and governance, and emphasized e importance of public service.”
Following the speech, members were able to connect with one another and discuss their shared passion for political science over dinner. In addition to inducting new members, Pi Sigma Alpha leadership also acknowledged and commended existing members who secured internships in the Texas capital and jobs working in public policy.
Founded in 1920, Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honors society for political science. The Texas State Chapter, Rho Eta, was established in 1988 and over the last thirty years has hosted a variety of lectures and community-service projects.
Below is a list of 2023-2024 inductees:
Brandon Bain
Lauren Garcia
Olivia Carranza
Matthew Koi
Eliana Mascorro
VaNea Jones
Kenton Tudyk
Braiden Touchette
Lillian Martinez
Sofia Hernandez
Jeffrey Trott
Olivia Alexander
The new Pi Sigma Alpha president is Sofia Hernandez, and the vice president is Kenley Young.
Founded in 1920, Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honors society for political science. Today, Pi Sigma Alpha hosts chapters on nearly 850 campuses and has inducted more than 300,000 members. Its rolls feature national, state, and local political leaders including one president, three Supreme Court justices, and dozens of members of Congress. Pi Sigma Alpha’s goal is to connect those interested in politics and policy with a wide variety of professionals from across the state and help its members get jobs, internships, and experience before and after college. If you are interested in learning more about the Rho Eta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, check out the chapter’s page on the department website.
