During her senior year at Wilmington University, Rafaella Nero received an unforgettable invitation — offering membership in Pi Gamma Mu (PGM). Founded in 1924, the international honor society for social sciences values scholarship, leadership and service. 

“It was a validating moment and proof that my hard work was paying off,” says Nero, who moved to the United States from Brazil and earned her second bachelor’s degree, a B.S. in Law, Policy and Political Science, at WilmU. “I was thrilled to join a community of talented, highly educated peers in the social sciences.” 

WilmU’s Delaware Beta Chapter, chartered in 2007, has more than 300 lifelong members. 

“Being a member of PGM is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and faculty who are equally passionate about advancing society through the social sciences,” Nero says. “Members can build relationships through events and projects, where they can engage with others, present research and learn from professionals in the field.”  

Social Science Students Embrace Leadership and Community Service 

Dr. Johanna Bishop, director of WilmU’s Behavioral Science programs, serves as PGM’s Northeast chancellor. 

“As chapter founder and leader, I am so proud of what Delaware Beta Chapter students have done to make their communities a better place,” Dr. Bishop says. “Our Delaware Beta Chapter Pi Gamma Mu students are special — not only have they demonstrated academic excellence, they also understand the need for human connection and the importance of service.”  

Before their induction, members perform at least 15 hours of dedicated service. Nero, whose husband is a Marine, has been helping active-duty families for years. 

“As a military spouse myself, I deeply understand the challenges our community faces, so I was grateful for the chance to give back to people I truly care about,” Nero says. 

Other PGM members have collected charitable donations, including children’s books and eyeglasses. They’ve also volunteered at WilmU’s annual Disrupting Human Trafficking Conference.  

“The skills and qualities learned during service hours are meant to empower Pi Gamma Mu members indefinitely,” says Alyssa Romano, who graduated from WilmU with a B.S. in Psychology. “Returning to secondary school as an older adult in an asynchronous program was a unique experience, and having the ability to meet other Wilmington University students through Pi Gamma Mu positively shaped my university experience.” 

Doctoral student Camilla “C.C.” Carter agrees. A retired clinical physical therapist, she completed her master’s in Health Care Administration at WilmU in 2005 and returned for a  Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science. 

“It was both an unexpected blessing and honor to be inducted into an international honor society for social sciences, given I spent 40 years serving in a medical model of health care,” Carter says. “PGM membership provides unique opportunities for potentially lifelong collaboration and shared experiences that will continue to grow, shape and contribute to the prevention community.” 

Empowering Journeys Through Inclusivity and Flexibility 

Every three years, Pi Gamma Mu hosts an international convention. From the engaging speakers to student research presentations, Carter calls it “a life-changing, paradigm-shifting experience.” 

She and other members not only appreciate Pi Gamma Mu but also WilmU. 

“What I love most about Wilmington University is its commitment to inclusion and flexibility, and how it made higher education accessible and meaningful for me,” says Nero, adding that “because of our frequent relocations, finding an online program that could travel with me was essential. From the beginning, WilmU provided a smooth experience, helping me stay on track with my goals despite the challenges of military life.” 

“Wilmington University understands that education does not look the same for everyone,” Romano says. “Each person has a unique academic journey, and their inclusivity and compassion ensure that many students’ dreams can happen and, most importantly, that they are not left behind.”