Political Science Student Clubs and Awards

Student Clubs

The Political Science Department encourages its students to become involved both in their own educations and in the broader polity. The Political Science Club is one way in which students can take responsibility for themselves as students and citizens. Political Science faculty members serve as advisors to the club, but the department neither establishes nor passes upon the club's policies, public statements, publications, activities or agenda. Students interested in the Club can contact Dr. Bill Wilkerson, the club's faculty advisor, for more information.

Other clubs include:

• College Republicans a community of civic-minded students that aim to represent center and right-of-center viewpoints and ideas on the SUNY Oneonta campus.
• College Democrats representing the progressive end of the political spectrum.
• Young Americans for Liberty, for students of the libertarian persuasion.
• Democracy Matters, a nonpartisan group promoting civic engagement.
• Phi Sigma Alpha Honor Society for political science majors.
• Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society for international studies and international development studies majors.

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Student Recognition

Departmental Service Award

2019 recipient: Taane Pegg

The Dr. Hoyt M. Jackson Memorial Award

2019 recipient: Katie Kilichowski

This award is bestowed annually on a Political Science major who exemplifies superior academic achievement. The award honors the memory of Dr. Hoyt M. Jackson, Professor of Political Science, an uncommonly gifted and committed educator who was deeply concerned for his students' welfare. Dr. Jackson, "founded" the Political Science Department as the first member of the SUNY Oneonta faculty to hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science and as the first Chair of the Political Science Department.

Arnold S. Harris Memorial Academic Achievement Award

2019 recipient: Alicia Kimmelman & Marisa Bevilacqua

This award is given annually in memory of Arnold S. Harris, an alumnus of the Political Science Department (1969) who manifested both an exemplary, unselfish commitment to public service and uncommon loyalty to his alma mater. The award is bestowed annually on a Political Science major who has not only attained an outstanding academic record but who also shows uncommon promise for a public service career.

Academic Achievement Provost Award

2019 recipients: Emily Ahlqvist & Shane Digan

Each year, the Political Science Department selects one student to be recognized at the SUNY Oneonta president's Annual Academic Achievement Award Dinner. The recipient of this award is a student who has attained a superior grade-point average, both overall and in Political Science.

David W. Brenner Scholarship

2019 recipient: Kayla Johnson & Morgan Marcil

Outstanding Student in International Studies

2019 Recipient:Maaya Sato

Eric J. Mathiasen Scholarship

2019 recipients: Nicole Padilla