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Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu®
International Honor Society
in Social Sciences
1001 Millington Street, Suite B
Winfield, KS 67156
Phone: (620) 221-3128
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Pi Gamma Mu Convention 2021

Pi Gamma Mu conventions

2021 Triennial International Convention

November 3-6, 2021 

Social Scientists: Leading the Way

In light of ongoing developments with COVID-19, Pi Gamma Mu decided to move its 2021 Triennial International Convention, “Social Scientists Leading the Way”, to a fully online experience that took place on November 3-6 of 2021.  By all accounts, the Convention was a resounding success!

The pivot to a virtual convention made for an exciting, affordable, and safe event available to more attendees than ever before.  It is the first virtual convention attempted by the organization, but one that pleased everyone during this COVID period.  Pi Gamma Mu members enjoyed the opportunity to present papers and posters, hear notable speakers, and meet other honor students from colleges and universities around the globe.  With the continuing issues with the COVID pandemic, and decreasing revenue available for student travel, this year's virtual convention was a crowd-pleaser.  Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director of the organization, reports that attendance was higher than ever.  "The online format of the Convention not only provided for the safety demanded by the pandemic, but it also provided an affordable way for more members to attend than ever before.  The online event platform also houses the video presentations created by the student research paper presenters and the poster presenters, giving the presenters and attendees even more opportunities to network.  Registered convention attendees have access to view the videos through February 6, 2022.  We have seen ongoing interaction among convention attendees on the platform even a month after the conclusion of the event, which indicates that attendees are still enjoying the online Convention.”

The highlight of any Pi Gamma Mu Convention is the student research paper presentations and this year was no different with seventeen (17) students presenting their research.  Even more students presented their research during the research poster session which included seven (7) presenters.  Chapters also had time to share their achievements during the chapter poster session which included nine (9) additional presentations.

At this year's convention, Pi Gamma Mu recognized historical and current Pi Gamma Mu members who have demonstrated excellence in their field.  We were proud to present impressive speakers again this year.  Pi Gamma Mu has an illustrious history of members who include such famous leaders as Admiral Richard E. Byrd and President Lyndon B. Johnson.  One such member is Dr. Judith Rodin who was selected to receive our Outstanding Alumni Award at this year's 2021 Pi Gamma Mu Virtual Convention.  Dr. Rodin, a Pi Gamma Mu member since her undergraduate days at the University of Pennsylvania, has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the world's most powerful and influential women. Over her 22 years at Yale University, she held various professional and academic positions as Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Provost of the university.  Rodin was appointed president of the University of Pennsylvania in 1994 and became the first female president of an Ivy League institution and the first graduate of the university to take on its highest leadership role.  From 2005 to 2017 she served as President of the Rockefeller Foundation and in her philanthropic role authored, "The Resilience Dividend," which has become a strategic guide for leaders around the world.

Dr. Judith Rodin speaks to students during the 2021 Awards Ceremony.  She was awarded the Pi Gamma Mu Outstanding Alumni Award during the event.

United States Senator Chuck Grassley (IA) also joined us for a keynote message to the Convention participants.  Senator Grassley completed his Political Science undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is a lifetime member of Pi Gamma Mu.  He has been instrumental in American policymaking as an American politician.

U.S. Senator, Chuck Grassley, provides the 2021 Keynote Address.

Other speakers included Congresswoman Diane DeGette, a U.S. Representative serving Colorado's 1st Congressional District who has been a leading proponent and expert on cutting-edge scientific research, including the use of human embryonic stem cells.  She has been instrumental in expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program of health insurance for low-income children, and assisted President Obama in drafting the Affordable Care Act.  DeGette is best known for advocating the 21st Century Cures Act, which has modernized research in the nation's medical system.

United States Representative Diana DeGette provides the Welcome Speech during the Day 2 Welcome Event.

Another feature of the Convention was the popular Leadership Development Program, a series started at the last convention in Kansas City, MO, which focuses on numerous concepts in leadership.  Lectures included discussions about leadership in academia, leadership in special circumstances, and leadership in nonprofit organizations.  The program also offered a series of workshops helping students to better understand their own leadership skills, the characteristics of strong and weak leadership, and the importance of team collaboration.  Students who attended all of the workshops, lectures, and complete all of the leadership program pieces will receive a certificate of completion from Pi Gamma Mu for their resume. 

Event Stats

379 members registered for the Convention.
200 attendees downloaded the Whova event application.
2,458 messages have been sent among attendees (1,204 is the average at Whova events).
93 Community Board Topic Posts (14 is the average at Whova events).
665 Total Profile Views.
1,674 Total Session Views.

BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRIES

1. United States (178)
2. Philippines (24)
3. Canada (1)
4. Italy (1)
5. Japan (1)

BREAKDOWN BY STATES (in the United States)

Total number of states: 34

TOP 5 STATES:

1. Maryland (21)
2. Pennsylvania (13)
3. Georgia (12)
4. Florida (11)
5. North Carolina (11)


14 Organizer Announcements were shared with an 83% open rate.

82 Photos were shared, with 262 total likes.

16 Meet-ups have been arranged with 115 attendees participating.

67% of attendees used Mobile Devices; 64% were desktop users; and 31% used both mobile and desktop versions.

Sponsors

128,451 Sponsor Impressions.  The following Chapters provided funding in support of the Convention:

Platinum - $500 Saint Leo University
Gold - $250

American Military University/American Public University

University of Maryland Global Campus

Silver - $100

Presentation College

Wayne State College

Bronze - $50 West Texas A & M University