Political Science Honor Society Welcomes 2026–2027 Initiates

This fall, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) welcomed eleven new members to its Alpha Nu Alpha chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. The ceremony celebrated the students’ commitment to the study of politics, government, and public policy. Established in spring 2025, the Alpha Nu Alpha chapter recognizes students’ outstanding academic achievements and connects them with a broader community of scholars and professionals dedicated to political science and nonpartisan civic engagement.

Founded in 1919, Pi Sigma Alpha supports the continued development of political science as an academic discipline. As a national honor society, it brings together students and scholars interested in political institutions, public affairs, and the processes that shape government and policy. At CMU, eligibility is limited to students with a cumulative quality point average (QPA) of 3.75 or higher, the threshold for the university’s Dean’s List with High Honors, and a declared major or additional major in the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST). Membership offers eligible CMU students opportunities to apply for scholarships, present research, participate in civic engagement and professional development activities, and connect with others in the field.

This year's initiates included Grant Baker, Sabrina Courtis, David Glick, Eli Half, Harrison Lee, Morgan Orwitz, Sahana Patel, Maria Paunescu, Audrey Weiss, Andy Ye, and Blake Zimmer. While their studies spanned the three CMIST degree programs—International Relations and Political Science (IRPS), Political Science, Security, and Technology (PSST), and Economics and Politics—the students also brought a range of academic perspectives to the study of politics and public affairs through their additional majors and minors in statistics and data science, psychology, business, and the humanities.

This year, the initiation ceremony brought together students, faculty, and staff from CMU’s main campus as well as CMIST’s Washington location via video conference. The joint celebration took place in the Grand Room of Posner Hall on CMU’s Pittsburgh campus and at CMIST’s Washington, DC, offices, which is home to the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP). 

In her opening remarks, CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin thanked the initiates for carrying the chapter’s work forward and contributing their ideas. “A chapter grows when its members participate and invest in its future. Today, we recognize that shared effort,” she said. Connecting students' academic pursuits to the broader relevance of political science, Cronin highlighted contemporary challenges such as advances in artificial intelligence and geopolitical uncertainty. She emphasized the importance of careful analysis, sound judgment, and an understanding of political institutions and human behavior in evaluating these challenges and considering how political and technological change can serve the public good.

Following Cronin’s remarks, Emily Half, CMIST’s deputy director for academic affairs, introduced each initiate and spoke about their academic accomplishments. Cronin presented certificates to students in Pittsburgh, while CMIST Lecturer Dale Crowell presented certificates to those in Washington. Following the presentations, participants gathered for a reception to celebrate the new members.

The newest members of the Alpha Nu Alpha chapter join a national network that recognizes academic excellence and encourages engagement with political science beyond the classroom. Building on more than a century of history that includes generations of influential political leaders, scholars, and public servants, Pi Sigma Alpha continues to connect students committed to understanding government, advancing scholarship, and promoting civic engagement.

Image 1: CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin gives opening remarks; Image 2, l to r: CMIST celebration in Pittsburgh, CMIST Deputy Director for Academic Affairs Emily Half introduced each initiate; Image 3, l to r: 2026-2027 initiates in Pittsburgh and Washington, DC; Image 4, l to r: Audrey Kurth Cronin, Morgan Orwitz, Blake Zimmer, Sahana Patel, Andy Ye (Zhiyu Ye), Sabrina Courtis, Grant Baker, Harrison Lee, Emily Half; Image 5, l to r: Dale Crowell, Maria Paunescu, Eli Half, David Glick, Audrey Weiss