University Park, IL,
04
November
2019
|
15:45 PM
America/Chicago

Pi Alpha Alpha Receives National Chapter of Excellence Award

Governors State University’s Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, (PAA) the National Honor Society of Public Affairs and Administration, has received the 2019 Chapter of Excellence Award from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Members of the student club traveled to Los Angeles to receive the award, presented during NASPAA’s annual conference, in recognition of outstanding programming and public services.

PAA President Ricardo Ruiz has led the club of nearly 90 students since 2017 under the direction of Faculty Advisor Mary Bruce.

Ruiz said the award, the group’s second for excellence, underscores the chapter’s mission to connect graduate students to the community they will ultimately serve.

“We are giving our students practical applications of public service with internships, externships, and being involved. We give them practical experience of knowing how it all works together,’’ Ruiz said.

Among the ten events and outreach activities which won the club recognition was bringing in U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly;  traveling to Springfield to meet with state and local leaders; and coordinating community forums to discuss racial profiling.