By Victoria Remley
The national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, awarded Youngstown State University’s chapter, Alpha Alpha Rho, the Best Chapter Award for the third year in a row.
Moataz Abdelrasoul, president of Pi Sigma Alpha and junior political science and pre-law major, said the award motivates the members and allows them to showcase their abilities.
“What we are reminded of when we receive this award is that we are a model chapter for other universities, and the national committee has actually stated that themselves about us,” Abdelrasoul said.
Adam Fuller, assistant professor of political science, is the faculty advisor for YSU’s Pi Sigma Alpha chapter and said it is wonderful that Alpha Alpha Rho is being honored.
“I was really pleased that in the first year back the students were eager and enthusiastic enough to create a really great vibrant organization that’s got national focus and recognition,” Fuller said.
Jacob Tomory, Pi Sigma Alpha member and a junior political science and philosophy double major, said receiving the award provides validation for all the chapter has accomplished in the last year.
“It shows that not only are we doing lots of interesting stuff on campus and with the national organization, but people are also taking note of the fact that [it is] occurring,” Tomory said.
Last year, the chapter hosted a fundraiser for the hurricane survivors in Texas called Pete for Texas. They also held a Pete for Paris fundraiser.
“That was a major event that showed the national organization that we are active and looking to not only better the community here at YSU, but, to do our part to help the global community and areas that have been affected by disasters and so forth,” Abdelrasoul said.
The chapter also works with an organization called Hand in Hand to promote Israeli and Palestinian education.
“Through the educational process it helps break down the barriers that have formed between the two different groups due to the occupation,” Abdelrasoul said.
Additionally, three chapter members delivered papers at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Conference in February in Washington, D.C.
Every year the conference invites undergraduate Pi Sigma Alpha members to present their work, such as an honors thesis or senior capstones, in front of other members and political science-oriented professionals.
This year, the chapter plans to attend a regional conference.
Abdelrasoul said he is glad to have a great executive committee that supports him, pushes him and contributes in however they can.
“It’s definitely not easy for only one person to juggle, which is why our executive committee every year does a great job across the board.” Abdelrasoul said.
He said chapters striving to receive the Best Chapter Award should be organized in advance and construct creative events.
“Making sure you have your affairs in order as soon as possible is a huge recommendation I have to other chapters. Also, I think the delegation of responsibilities to other members is important,” Abdelrasoul said.
Tomory’s advice for other chapters is to get involved with the campus community.
“Make sure you are providing a service, not just for your members but for the campus itself and get out there and do things with your organization,” he said.
For more information on Pi Sigma Alpha, visit: https://ysu.edu/content/pi-sigma-alpha-alpha-alpha-rho