Local politics matters. While the loudest debates tend to be about national politics, it’s local government that touches people’s everyday lives.
“It's really important to be able to give students a way to access the mayor and other elected officials,” said Ethan Percival, UC Davis undergraduate and president of the Delta Upsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honors Society. “Being able to get students one-on-one time with their elected representatives is really meaningful.”
Pi Sigma Alpha has just awarded Delta Upsilon a Best Chapter Award for 2024-2025. Delta Upsilon is one of six out of 830 chapters at universities with over 25,000 students to receive this honor. The honor is particularly meaningful considering that this student club for political science majors has only been active again for one quarter.
“To be recognized as a national best chapter this quickly is just a huge honor and it really speaks to the commitment and creativity of our executive board team,” said Percival.
Connecting students to local politics
The Pi Sigma Alpha best chapter award includes a cash prize of $500 for the chapter as well as an additional $200 to the club’s advisor Gabriella Montinola, professor of political science. The award recognizes local chapters that are particularly active in their institutions and communities and that embody the society’s mission to stimulate scholarship and interest in political science.
“We were impressed with the chapter’s achievements in developing activities exploring local politics, especially given the significant challenges faculty and students around the country continue to face,” said Tanya Schwarz, executive director of Pi Sigma Alpha.
In spring quarter, Delta Upsilon’s first active quarter after years of inactivity, the club brought Davis mayor Bapu Vaitla to campus for a fireside chat with students. This coming academic year, they already have a slate of elected officials scheduled.
Percival is not new to the National Political Science Honors Society. His mother is the faculty advisor for the San Jose State University chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha. She won the best chapter advisor award in 2023, and the chapter she advises has won a best chapter award multiple times.
“I grew up going to Pi Sigma Alpha events and really saw what a strong chapter could be, so she's been a big inspiration for the work I'm doing at UC Davis,” said Percival. “Having the chance to lead here and carry that tradition really means a great deal to me.”
Building on a strong foundation for future leaders
The UC Davis chapter of Delta Upsilon has nearly 70 registered members currently. Anyone on campus can attend a Delta Upsilon event but formally joining the club means becoming a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. That comes with some basic requirements, including having a minimum of 90 quarter units with at least 6 courses, half or more upper division, in political science. There are also GPA requirements.
Percival said that anyone interested in participating can find the group on Instagram.
“I am so proud of our students for representing UC Davis with such excellence,” said Mary Croughan, UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. “This is such a wonderful recognition of their hard work and reflects the dedication of our exceptional faculty who are preparing them for success in their academic and professional careers.”
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