Social Sciences Day will recognize outstanding students in the social sciences department on Wednesday, April 10 at 4 p.m. in the Student Center Frey Suites. 

Hosted by Pi Gamma Mu, Social Sciences Day initiates students into the social sciences honor societies twice a year. Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Sigma Alpha, Psi Chi and Pi Gamma Mu will all initiate students on Social Sciences Day.  

“I think it’s really important, especially since the pandemic, to have these kinds of gatherings where people are recognized,” Lisa Nelson, the director of service learning and an adviser of Pi Gamma Mu, said. “Here at Wayne State, it is an academic institution, so I think it’s very important to recognize the students who have had really stellar academic pursuits and fulfill those. Social Sciences Day brings all the social sciences together.” Everyone is welcome to attend.  

 “It’s an honor to be recognized for your work, and that’s why I hope parents and family members and grandparents can come,” Randy Bertolas, a geography professor who acts as a faculty adviser for Pi Gamma Mu and Gamma Theta Upsilon, said. 

Pi Gamma Mu, the collective honor society for all social sciences, has 11 new students who have accepted membership. Each society will also honor an outstanding student. The recognition for a student’s hard work makes both Bertolas and Nelson proud to plan this day that takes months to prepare.  

“This is your big day,” Bertolas said. “A moment will come when your name is called, and you might sign into the memory book and line up for a photograph… It’s that sort of recognition that’s really second only to commencement.” 

“This is really nice when they have really lived up to that potential, and they’re closing in on the endgame,” Nelson said.  

Before initiation, these students must accept their invitations. Students were invited based on grade and courses completed.  

“You do have to earn it, usually by completing a certain number of courses in each field, a certain GPA that ranks you in the upper portion of your class…of course, be of good character, and things like that,” Bertolas said.  

Nelson said involvement in an honor society is beneficial to all students. Students in these organizations have a great addition for their resume and get opportunities to connect with other members nationwide. Inductees can attend an in-person student convention in which they can present senior theses and honors projects. Students also plan events for the community.  

 Pi Gamma Mu, for example, sponsors activities like the Festival of Trees and the Student Issues Forum for the Student Senate president and vice president candidates, Bertolas said. Officers in Pi Gamma Mu lead the ceremonies held on Social Sciences Day. 

“I think it’s really a special role that a student can play,” Nelson said. “It’s something, obviously, they can list on their resume, but the students actually have been the leaders and are at the forefront of many of the really good ideas that have come up for fundraisers.” 

Nelson credited Dr. Jane Carlin, a professor of emeritus who taught sociology at Wayne State College.  

“She’s really the person who is a driving force behind these social science honor societies and also this social sciences honor day,” Nelson said. “She really wanted that idea of bringing people together, of all the different majors, all the different professors and all the different students.”