Pi Sigma Alpha 2024 Induction Ceremony

Manhattan College, through its Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, hosted the 2024 induction ceremony for the political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, on February 29 at the College.  Sixteen junior and senior Political Science majors and minors were inducted, and the School was honored to have State Senator José M. Serrano, a 1995 alum, address the inductees and their guests.  

Senator Serrano spoke about his journey from Manhattan College to the State Senate and the importance of public service. After graduating from the College, Senator Serrano joined the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he deepened his love for the arts and culture and the role the arts play in education and community revitalization.  His time at the Shakespeare Festival focused on outreach to black and brown communities throughout New York City. In 2001 he was elected to the New York City Council (District 17) where he represented the South Bronx.  Following his three-year tenure in the City Council, he was elected in 2004 to the New York State Senate representing neighborhoods in the Bronx, East Harlem, and Upper Yorkville.  During his talk, he encouraged the students to consider running for elected office or having a career in public service.  He also spoke about the strong foundation in government that he received from his student days at Manhattan College.

Pamela Chasek, Ph.D. and Professor of Political Science at the School said, “It was an honor to celebrate the accomplishments of our student inductees into Pi Sigma Alpha, and it was particularly moving to have State Senator Serrano speak with us.  His appreciation of the education he received at Manhattan College and his stories about his subsequent political career inspired all in attendance.”

Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas at Austin to encourage and recognize superior achievement in the study of government and politics at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  It is the only recognized college honor society in the discipline and is one of the largest constituent members of the Association of College Honor Societies.  The driving force behind the establishment of the Manhattan College Chapter in 1982 was Dr. Eleanor T. Ostrau who then was the Chairperson of the Government Department.

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of students and faculty scholars working together to advance excellence in research, teaching, and learning.  We combine Lasallian values with a person-centered approach to education to cultivate transferable critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.  Our students have the unique opportunity to scaffold their disciplinary passions on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences to help them become successful, ethical professionals and community-engaged stewards of the future.

Founded in 1853, Manhattan College is an independent, Lasallian Catholic, co-educational institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information about Manhattan College, please visit www.manhattan.edu