October 7, 2020
For the seventh consecutive year, Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science college students, has recognized Oakland University’s Nu Omega chapter with a Best Chapter Award.
The honor is given annually to chapters that are exceptionally active in their universities and communities, and exhibit high levels of energy and creativity in furthering the goals of Pi Sigma Alpha.
“This award is a reflection of the outstanding efforts of our many talented students,” said Cody Eldredge, who recently became faculty adviser for Nu Omega, replacing Terri Towner who previously held the role. “It's always a pleasure to work with such a conscientious and civically-minded group of student-scholars.”
Nu Omega members at the chapter's induction ceremony on March 1. |
During the 2019-2020 year, Oakland’s Nu Omega chapter welcomed 55 new members, one of the largest induction classes since the chapter was chartered in 1983. In addition, the chapter sponsored or co-sponsored more than 20 events, many of which were open to the community.
These included a talk from U.S.-Palestinian journalist Ramzy Baroud, a screening of a video on climate change and a Democratic debate watch party. Members also participated in OU’s Day of Service and presented original research at OU’s Political Science Research Symposium and at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Conference in Washington, D.C.
The chapter also published the Spring 2020 issue of the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, which showcases outstanding undergraduate research from around the country.
Ghazi Ghazi, who served as president of Nu Omega during the 2019-2020 year, attributes the chapter’s success to strong student engagement and faculty support.
“I think the reason the Nu Omega chapter at OU keeps being recognized as one of the best chapters in the country is largely due to our wonderful students who help put on incredible events and provide us with incredible feedback and participation,” said Ghazi, who recently graduated from OU and is now in graduate school at Harvard University.
The chapter also promotes respectful discussion of politics regardless of political ideology, according to Ghazi.
“Students can gather to talk about issues, learn from each other, and engage in meaningful conversations surrounding politics with respect towards each other's beliefs and experiences,” he said. “That is one of my favorite things about PSA and why I think this chapter will continue to do incredible things far into the future.”
He also credited longtime chapter adviser Terri Towner, whom he said “pushes students to achieve all that they are capable of and is one of the most caring and helpful professors I've ever encountered in all my years in school.”
For being named a 2019-2020 Best Chapter, Nu Omega received a $700 honorarium and a certificate from the national Pi Sigma Alpha organization.
Students interested in joining Nu Omega may contact Cody Eldredge at [email protected]. To learn more about programs and opportunities in OU’s Department of Political Science, visit oakland.edu/polisci.