We are proud to announce that Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honors society for business students, has selected the University of Vermont, Grossman School of Business chapter as the “Best Practice in Founding Principles” winner of their 2019 Outstanding Chapter Awards.

Beta Gamma Sigma felt the Grossman chapter deserved this award from over 590 member chapters, “due to the activities, programs, and events available to your students.” The award also provides a $500 Beta Gamma Sigma scholarship for the chapter.

Grossman Dean Sanjay Sharma said, “I’m proud that once again the school has been recognized and received such prestigious acclaim for our enduring commitment to the values and principles of Beta Gamma Sigma: honor and integrity, the pursuit of wisdom, earnestness, and service. He continued “I applaud Professor Arel, Joanne Pencak and all the faculty involved, for their exceptional work in lifting our chapter to new heights, and garnering a string of awards on the way.”

The UVM chapter is led by president Professor Barbara Arel and enjoys the support of more than 750 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.

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

Members currently reside in all 50 states and more than 190 countries. Notable members include Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, inventors, CEOs of major global companies and nonprofit organizations, deans of the top business schools, and others who are making the world a better place at all levels of contribution through social enterprise, service, and leadership.

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.