Student group earns recognition for superior efforts

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Gamma Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has once again been recognized for its dedication to professional and service activities, as well as projects that involved outreach to the campus and community. This is the 35th time the student organization has earned the Superior Status chapter recognition by the national honor organization for financial information students and professionals.

Beta Alpha Psi chapters are found on more than 300 college and university campuses, and more than 300,000 members have been initiated since its formation in 1919. The national organization recognizes outstanding academic achievements, provides self-development opportunities and encourages ethical, social and public responsibility among its members.

"Achieving Superior Status takes a great amount of dedication and effort, including completion of a significant number of professional and community service hours," says Dawn Mason, faculty specialist in accountancy and co-advisor of the chapter. "I am so proud of the students in the Gamma Rho chapter for their commitment to service and excellence."

The WMU chapter is active on campus, providing tutoring for accountancy students throughout the academic year. Members also host an annual Meet the Firms event, a career fair that allows accountancy and finance students to network with potential employers. In the community, they organize multiple volunteer dates with local organizations, including Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, a local food bank that provides groceries to over 700 people a day, and Focus Kalamazoo, an organization devoted to providing sustainable volunteerism.

This year, the Gamma Rho chapter co-hosted the Beta Alpha Psi Regional meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, which included professional development opportunities and a best practices competition in which WMU students placed first and third.

This August, the first place team will be competing at the Beta Alpha Psi national meeting in Chicago, where they will present the chapter's best practices for service and outreach.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.