Elon Beta Alpha Psi chapter recognized for ‘Superior’ status at annual meeting

For the 10th consecutive year, Elon’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter was recognized by the international organization as a Superior Chapter.

Elon’s chapter of the honor organization Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) was recently recognized as a “Superior Chapter” at the organization’s annual meeting, the 10th consecutive year the chapter has received the honor. 

Martha and Spencer Love School of Business students Christina Byrd ‘18, Logan Herring ‘19, Sarah Oberman ’19, Logan Smith ’18 and John Walkowski ’19 represented Elon’s Lambda Xi chapter at the annual Beta Alpha Psi meeting in Anaheim, California. Patty Cox, assistant professor of accounting and BAP advisor, also attended.

In addition to accepting this award, the students participated in professional development sessions and sessions designed to help officers improve their chapters, as well as service activities.

Byrd, the chapter’s service chair, presented a session on the challenges of being a Beta Alpha Psi officer. This was an interactive discussion in which members from other chapters could ask questions about others’ experiences as officers at different schools.

Oberman represented Elon in the “Project Run With It” competition, in which she was paired with three Beta Alpha Psi members from other universities. The team made a formal presentation showcasing their resolution for an issue a nonprofit in the Anaheim area was facing.

“‘Project Run With It’ was a unique opportunity that allowed me to connect with other BAP members from around the world while gaining consulting experience with a local non-profit,” Oberman said. “We had two intense days of researching information and working with the nonprofit that led up to our presentation of possible solutions to their problem. Participating in ‘Project Run With It’ challenged me to think critically and to consider all aspects of the decision making process when formulating a solution.”

Herring, Smith, Walkowski and Cox participated in the Beta Alpha Psi International Day of Literacy, sponsored by KPMG and the KPMG Foundation. They spent an afternoon tutoring children in literacy-related activities in an under-served neighborhood in Anaheim.

The International Day of Literacy is a central aspect of the conference, as one of Beta Alpha Psi’s purposes is to encourage ethical, social and public responsibilities.

“While the conference itself was a fantastic event, the International Day of Literacy was such a rewarding experience, and I am very thankful that both Beta Alpha Psi and KPMG provided us with the opportunity to give back to the community,” Smith said.

Beta Alpha Psi, founded in 1919, is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. There are over 300 collegiate chapters, and more than 300,000 members have been initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation.

Established in 2006, Elon’s Lambda Xi chapter is hosted by the Department of Accounting in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. The organization holds weekly meetings on industry topics, as well as professional development and career events. The chapter is a recipient of Elon’s Rev. Richard McBride Campus and Greater Community Involvement Award and Elon’s Student Organization of the Year Award.