Beta Gamma Sigma

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

8-2011

Campus Unit

College of Business & Public Administration

Abstract

Founded in 1913, the first national honor society in business was a merger of three separate societies established to honor academic achievement in business at the University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois and the University of California. Beta Gamma Sigma is an international honor society that provides the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate (graduate) program at a school accredited by AACSB International.

The Mission of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to foster personal and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members.

Beta Gamma Sigma has 498 chapters at colleges and universities accredited by AACSB International. Additionally, the Society has established 24 Alumni Chapters in major metropolitan areas. The University of North Dakota became an affiliated chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma in 1926, and has been an active member for the past 84 years inducting 1211 members.

UND’s Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter is led by faculty advisor Donna Altepeter. Donna was inducted as member of Beta Gamma Sigma as she was completing her Masters of Accountancy Degree in 1985 and has been a member for twenty-five years. Through Altepeters leadership the membership has continued to grow by incorporating tapping ceremonies, which began to take place four years ago. “Schools that incorporate tapping ceremonies get a much higher acceptance rate,” says Altepeter. A tapping ceremony is a formal way to invite students to become part of this elite honor society.

The Dean and Associate Dean along with the Faculty Advisor visit the classrooms of the new inductees to present the invitation and inform them on what it means to be part of Beta Gamma Sigma. A formal induction ceremony takes place at the end of the fall and spring semester with guest speakers, history of Beta Gamma Sigma, and a small social with family and friends to celebrate this honor.

Share

COinS