Political Science Honor Society Initiates Founding Members
By Leah Weingartner
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has reached an exciting new milestone in its commitment to academic excellence in political science. With this spring's initiation of its first class into Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, CMU joins a prestigious network of more than 850 chapters nationwide. In addition to recognizing academic achievement, the Alpha Nu Alpha chapter will open the door for students to further engage in leadership, networking, and professional growth opportunities in the political science community.
Founded in 1919, Pi Sigma Alpha long has been dedicated to honoring the scholarly achievements of political science students. Its alumni network includes a host of notable figures including politicians, academics, journalists, and nonprofit and business leaders. The organization fosters discussion on government and policy, promotes political engagement, and encourages scholarly exploration of political reform.
The initiation ceremony marked the culmination of the students' achievements and dedication that led to their induction into the inaugural Alpha Nu Alpha chapter. Audrey Kurth Cronin, director of the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST), opened the event by commending the students for their commitment and intellectual curiosity. “In an era of rapid transformation, an interdisciplinary education is essential,” she said, emphasizing the increasingly complex challenges of the modern world and the necessity of integrating multiple academic perspectives to develop effective solutions.
To qualify for the honor society, students with a declared major or additional major in CMIST must meet rigorous academic standards, including a cumulative QPA of 3.75 (Dean's List with High Honors) or higher. Emily Half, CMIST’s deputy director for academic affairs, formally initiated the members, highlighting their individual academic accomplishments before the certificate and pin presentation by Cronin. She stated, "We have tremendously talented students in CMIST studying political science and it is very exciting to be able to contribute to a national dialogue through participation in Pi Sigma Alpha.” Upon initiation, members become part of a distinguished community of scholars and professionals, with expanded access to internships, scholarships, opportunities for student research presentation, participation in civic engagement, and career advancement.
This year’s initiates represented diverse academic paths within CMIST, including International Relations and Political Science (IRPS), Political Science, Security, and Technology (PSST), and Economics and Politics. Among the students initiated were IRPS majors Creighton Arrington, Joyce Lee, Colleen Moosman, Sophie Peirano, Lucia Shen, Adrian Shin, and December 2024 graduates Riley Green and Katy Yu. Also initiated were PSST major Amanawit Assefa, and Economics and Politics major Trish Nhan. Eight of the ten initiates attended the ceremony, which brought together CMIST faculty, staff, and friends for the celebration.
As the inaugural members of Alpha Nu Alpha take their place in Pi Sigma Alpha’s distinguished ranks, they join a legacy of scholars and leaders shaping the future of government, policy, and democratic engagement. The establishment of Carnegie Mellon University’s chapter is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering the next generation of civic leadership.
(Image 1, CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin; Image 2, left: Emily Half, CMIST’s deputy director for academic affairs, right, top to bottom: Lucia Shen and Sophie Peirano with Professor Cronin; Image 3: Trish Nhan accepts her certificate; Image 4, l to r: Adrian Shin and Colleen Moosman with Professor Cronin; Image 5: Katy Yu accepts her certificate; Image 6, l to r: Amanawit Assefa and Joyce Lee with Professor Cronin; Image 7, l to r: Katy Yu, Colleen Moosman, Lucia Shen, Adrian Shin, Sophie Peirano, Trish Nhan, Joyce Lee, Amanawit Assefa, Audrey Kurth Cronin, Emily Half )