Beta Gamma Sigma chapter recognized
The Shippensburg University chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honorary business society, has been named a Premier Chapter for the 2008-09 academic year. The award was just recently announced.
Dr. April Bailey, assistant professor of accounting/management information systems, said the designation is "something the institution aspires to each semester. It's a benchmark we try to attain."
The SU chapter has achieved Premier Chapter status in all but two of the 26 years the university has hosted a chapter. The designation acknowledges chapters where 85 percent of students invited to join accepted membership. The chapter will receive a certificate of accomplishment and qualify for $500 in matching funds for its scholarship program.
Charles Vaughn, a senior finance major from Harrisburg, received a Beta Gamma Sigma scholarship. He used the money to help fund his trip to Tokyo where he is studying this semester. "It's been a great learning experience so far and I am happy to have used my scholarship so constructively," Vaughn said.
He said Beta Gamma Sigma represents quality and described his membership as "a great accomplishment."
Jonathan Moats, a senior finance major from Chambersburg and vice president of the chapter, said his affiliation has provided him with "outstanding opportunities. I get to work closely with different members of the Business School faculty on a weekly basis." He will attend Beta Gamma Sigma's leadership conference in Tampa in February.
Marc Dessel, also of Chambersburg, will graduate from the MBA program in December. He served as vice president while an undergraduate and said Beta Gamma Sigma represents excellent academic performance. Membership offers a variety of benefits, he said, including "scholarship opportunities (and) networking with SU students and other BGS members from around the country."
Both mentioned membership as a plus for their resumes.
Bailey said Premier Chapter designation shows "that we have a group of ethical, intelligent business students who value education and development" and who will take those qualities with them when they enter the workplace. She said members of the various business departments are active in spreading the word about the program throughout the semester.
According to Bailey, the SU chapter inducts 40 to 50 students each year. A total of 1,160 members have been inducted into the group since it was established at SU in April 1983.