Florida International University’s College of Business has renewed the tradition of recognizing high academic achievement through inducting students into its chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the world’s largest honor society for business school students.
Dean Joanne Li presided over the induction ceremony before a standing-room-only crowd of students and their guests on September 13, 2018 at the college’s Special Events Center. The honor society’s FIU chapter now has 256 members, with 120 formally inducted at the ceremony.
Reactivating the FIU chapter of the widely-respected honor society was an important step for FIU Business, Li noted. Membership is highly competitive, offered to the top 10 percent of the class of juniors and seniors, as well as the top 20 percent of graduate student classes.
“Academic excellence is expected at FIU Business,” Li said, noting that students invited to join Beta Gamma Sigma “have shown an outstanding aptitude for business studies and have demonstrated a strong work ethic and determination. FIU Business counts on each of the BGS inductees to influence his or her peers.”
Beta Gamma Sigma chapters are exclusive to AACSB-accredited business schools, and 820 universities have earned this accreditation. There are currently 595 chapters. The FIU chapter began its organizational process last year, winning high honors from the national organization for its efforts.
The international honor society dates back to 1913, when business students were largely excluded from consideration for other societies recognizing academic excellence. Societies on three U.S. campuses came together to establish a national organization. Members now come from over 190 countries and serve in a wide array of industries, providing unique networking opportunities.
The evening ceremony also honored FIU Business alumnus Richard Glass ’81, inducting him as an honorary member. A supporter of FIU Business’ mentoring program, Glass spoke about the values he shared with Beta Gamma Sigma, particularly as they manifested in service and connecting with others, and urged students to get involved.
Annia Balcazar, president of FIU’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, congratulated newly inducted members and invited them to actively participate as the organization builds its programs, which will include networking, workshops, speakers, and other professional development activities.
“You worked hard for this – congratulations!” she said. “In our next step, we’re looking for student leaders to help build our chapter.”
Dean Li, along with Associate Dean Richard Klein and Senior Director of Development Jennifer Quintana, presented each inductee with a personalized certificate and Beta Gamma Sigma key.
“I’m proud to say that at FIU Business, you are here for us, and we are here for you,” Li told students. “Our students are our number one priority, and tonight is your night. FIU Business is very, very proud of you.”
