The Lewis University Political Science Department’s Alpha Delta Gamma Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society won a Best Chapter Award for 2011-12. The award recognizes local chapters that are particularly active in their departments and universities and exhibit high energy and creativity. Two other chapters from schools with enrollments between 6,000 and 15,000 students were honored as well.

“We are thrilled and very proud of the students of Pi Sigma Alpha. Our current officers have provided great leadership and vision for our chapter last year, and have already planned another great year of events and activities. We are looking forward to another great year with the students,” said Dr. Laurette Liesen, Chair of the Political Science Department and moderator of Pi Sigma Alpha.

This is the second time the Lewis University chapter received the award. The chapter was also honored two years ago. Pi Sigma Alpha sponsored a variety of events in 2011 and 2012 including roundtable discussions, faculty panels, campus-wide events and social events. This fall, Pi Sigma Alpha will be sponsoring an Election Series to inform students about the 2012 election in terms of the candidates at the local, state and national levels. It also will address several important issues facing voters. Events for the series will include a faculty panel, candidates’ forum, mock election and post-election panel.

The Alpha Delta Gamma chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha is open to juniors and seniors who have completed at least 10 semester hours in political science, with an overall GPA in the upper one-third of their class. Along with the recognition they receive, members have unique opportunities for leadership and development. Officers for 2012-2013 include Casey McKenzie of Chicago, Ill., as president, Brandon White of Sellersburg, Ind., as vice president, Orla Power of Greenville, N.C., as secretary and Molly Szilard of Frankfort, Ill., as treasurer.

Lewis University’s Political Science Department offers a broad and fascinating curriculum that provides students with a deep understanding of government and politics at all levels. The department’s small class sizes provide the perfect environment for thoughtful intellectual exchange, in which students develop critical thinking skills, develop different points of view and learn the importance of politics both nationally and globally.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.