We are proud to announce that Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), an international honors society for business students, has selected the University of Vermont, Grossman School of Business chapter as the “HIGHEST HONORS” status for the 2019-2020 academic year. The outstanding work our chapter has done has received the highest distinction possible from the more than five hundred and eighty worldwide Beta Gamma Sigma chapters accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or AACSB.

The UVM chapter is led by president Professor Barbara Arel and chapter advisor Joanne Pencak and now includes more than eight hundred and twenty members. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest scholastic recognition a student can receive in an undergraduate or master’s program in business, and students who accept membership, will be inducted into the society during a ceremony where graduating members are able to wear the BGS cords at graduation.

“We are proud of the success of our chapter in providing students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills through chapter events” said chapter president Barbara Arel. “Our BGS students demonstrate superior academic skills and an enthusiasm and willingness to help others. Our chapter thrives on the support of Dean Sharma, the faculty and the entire Grossman School of Business community, and we are honored to receive this recognition of our chapter excellence.”

The Mission of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to cultivate and celebrate leadership and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members.  The mission is supported by four objectives:

  • Encourage and honor academic achievement by students of business and management through chapters in business programs accredited by AACSB International, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
  • Develop Beta Gamma Sigma members as student and professional leaders, and celebrate continuing leadership and excellence
  • Foster in Beta Gamma Sigma members an enduring commitment to the founding principles and values of the Society: honor and integrity, pursuit of wisdom, earnestness, and service
  • Connect Beta Gamma Sigma student and alumni members to each other and to opportunities in their professional lives

Founded in 1913, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and accounting. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by fewer than 5 percent of the world's business programs.