Today@Sam Article

A Semester Of Service With Beta Alpha Psi

April 11, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Tory Josey

In the busy world of university life, there's a student organization that quietly but consistently helps the community. The organization, made up of students from the Sam Houston State University College of Business Administration (COBA), stands out for its commitment to giving back every semester.

Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi has a rich history as an honors organization for financial information for students and professionals. Since its inception, Beta Alpha Psi has grown to encompass over 300 chapters on college and university campuses, with a membership exceeding 300,000 individuals initiated into the organization. Despite its widespread presence, Beta Alpha Psi is not a fraternity or sorority but rather an esteemed honors organization.

All chapters of Beta Alpha Psi adhere to high academic standards, typically being affiliated with AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and/or EQUIS (International School Accreditation System) accredited institutions. The organization's mission revolves around several core principles, including academic excellence, professional development, responsible practices, advocacy and shaping the future of financial and business information professions.

Throughout the academic year, the SHSU chapter plans four public service events. These activities range from assisting local shelters to fundraising for important causes and contributing to the upkeep of the Huntsville State Park.

The purpose of Beta Alpha Psi is multi-faceted. Firstly, the organization seeks to motivate, recognize and celebrate academic excellence among its members. Secondly, it aims to facilitate workplace readiness, employment, credentialing, mentoring, networking and lifelong learning to prepare members for successful careers in the field. Additionally, Beta Alpha Psi fosters a commitment to ethics, service, belonging and environmental, social, governance-responsible practices.

What motivates these COBA students to devote their time and energy to service? It's a question that speaks to the very heart of their organization's ethos. For them, public service isn't merely a checkbox to tick off; it's a fundamental aspect of their identity and purpose. Driven by a shared belief in the power of service to transform lives, the members of the organization see each event as an opportunity to embody the values of leadership, compassion and social responsibility.

Planning these events involves careful teamwork and coordination. They start by reaching out to local groups and working with authorities to make sure everything goes smoothly. Then, they recruit volunteers and get everything ready for each event.

“It was exciting to see an event I planned come to fruition. It made me happy to see all the volunteers not only helping but having a good time while doing it," said Vice President of Community Service for Beta Alpha Psi, Noah Gilbert.

At its core, Beta Alpha Psi envisions shaping the financial and business information professions by developing members into ethical, professional and confident leaders.

“I loved the opportunity to get to know the other members while giving back to the community,” said member Emerson Lee.

For the honors organization, public service is a big part of who they are. Each semester, they renew their commitment to making the world a better place, one event at a time. As they keep working, they do it with care and dedication, knowing that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact. With a legacy spanning over a century, Beta Alpha Psi continues to uphold its mission of inspiring and supporting excellence among financial and business information students and professionals. Through its commitment to academic achievement, professional development and ethical leadership, Beta Alpha Psi remains a cornerstone of excellence in the field.

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