Beta Alpha Psi places second in regional competition

Elon’s chapter of the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals earned second place in the Best Practices competition.

Members of Elon’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter represented Elon University at the 2018 Southeast Regional Meeting held Feb. 9-10 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Christina Byrd ’18 and Victoria Simpkins ’19 placed second in the “Branding Your Chapter” Best Practices category for their presentation on Elon’s brand development process and methods used in brand differentiation.

“It was exciting to share what I had learned from my research for the presentation with the judges and Beta Alpha Psi students,” Byrd said. “I also really appreciated learning from other chapters, and being able to share ideas and connect with them after the competition session.”

Two other teams also represented Elon at the meeting. Seniors Kristen Bellini, Kristen Lober and Logan Herring presented on the chapter’s past and future in the “Launching into the Next Century” category. Seniors Kailen Zorzi, Rebecca Herring and Austin Hooper presented on experiential activities in the “Hands-on Engagement” category.

Zorzi, Lober, Herring and Hooper also presented “Giving Back to the Community” during the chapter operations session.

“The best part of the regional meeting was seeing how our chapter's best practices have been adapted by other chapters around the Southeast. It was great to see the impact our chapter has had as well as learn best practices from other chapters,” Zorzi said.

“Beta Alpha Psi has given me the opportunity to network with both professionals and students across the country,” Lober said. “Our chapter has been set up so that every member has the opportunity to speak with professionals regarding success in their careers, as well as speaking with student leaders on how to better their own resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.”

Beta Alpha Psi provides accounting and finance majors the opportunity to expand their professional networks, increase their knowledge about financial information professions and employers, and serve the local community. Elon’s Lambda Xi chapter has won the Student Government Association’s "Organization of the Year" Award twice in the past decade, and was honored with the Rev. Richard McBride Campus and Greater Community Involvement Award for its commitment to volunteer work. The chapter hosts weekly meetings with guest speakers to provide insight into members’ potential industry or firm.

The chapter is advised by Patty Cox, assistant professor of accounting.