Stony Brook University’s Eta Theta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, has been recognized with a Best Chapter Award for the fourth consecutive year.
The award recognizes Pi Sigma Alpha chapters that are particularly active within their institutions and communities. It also recognizes groups that demonstrate the organization’s mission to encourage scholarship and intellectual interest in political science. Eta Theta was among the chapters from schools with undergraduate enrollment between 15,000 and 26,000 honored for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the vision of our department chair, Professor Ryan Vander Wielen,” said Jason Rose, lecturer in the Department of Political Science and advisor of the SBU Pi Sigma Alpha chapter. “This award demonstrates his unwavering commitment to prioritizing student clubs, activities and the honor society creating an environment where our political science students can thrive and excel.”
Rose also credited the dedication of Eta Theta’s students and E-Board, particularly Lana Gouda, who served as the chapter’s president during the 2025-26 academic year.
“Winning the Best Chapter award for a fourth year is a phenomenal achievement for our Eta Theta SBU chapter, and it reflects the incredible dedication of our students and E-Board — especially our tireless Eta Theta past president, Lana Gouda,” Rose said.
Three Eta Theta members also received awards for Written Excellence in Political Science: Anastasia Kulpa, Jonathan Pascuzzi and Liah Ruvolo. Gouda accepted the award on Ruvolo’s behalf.
“Leading Pi Sigma Alpha (PSA) was an honor and joy during my undergraduate career, and I am very pleased we were named best chapter four years in a row,” said Gouda, a political science and economics double major with a minor in philosophy. “From events and meetings to scholarships and awards, PSA presents fantastic opportunities for political science students to get involved, and we wouldn’t have been able to excel without our dedicated members and inductees.”
Gouda also thanked the Department of Political Science for its support, and Jason Rose for always leading the chapter in the right direction. “I have no doubt that PSA members will be some of the most successful individuals and am excited to see how the society grows!”
Throughout the year, Eta Theta organizes a range of academic, professional and civic engagement opportunities for students. Activities include meet-the-candidate nights, guest speakers in international relations, watch parties and programs that provide information about government internships and workshops surrounding research paper writing.
Pi Sigma Alpha hosts chapters on nearly 850 campuses and has inducted more than 300,000 members. Its membership includes national, state and local political leaders, including one president, three Supreme Court justices and dozens of members of Congress.
Eta Theta’s fourth consecutive Best Chapter Award reflects the chapter’s continued commitment to providing Seawolves with opportunities to engage with political science in and outside of the classroom.
— Lily Miller
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