Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), the international business honor society for schools accredited by the International Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB), has recognized the University of Vermont as the 2023 Best Practice Chapter winner. UVM’s BGS chapter was selected from more than 615 global chapters within AACSB-accredited schools in 38 countries. 

Annually, Beta Gamma Sigma recognizes its most outstanding chapters. These awards are merit recognitions presented to chapters who participate in a variety of chapter and Society activities and exemplify outstanding commitment to its mission.  

This year, Joanne Pencak, lecturer of accounting at GSB, was also selected as the 2023 Chapter Advisor of the Year based on her ongoing commitment to and support of GSB students and the school's chapter. 

"We’re honored to be recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma as a Best Practice Chapter for the work we do to promote BGS and engage our students in activities on campus,” said Barb Arel, acting dean of the Grossman School of Business and president of the BGS chapter. “We’re also proud of Joanne for going above and beyond on behalf of our students, and for her dedication to our BGS chapter.”

Additionally, the 2023 Best Practice Award provides a $500 scholarship for the chapter to award to an outstanding student. This scholarship will be announced at Grossman School of Business’s upcoming Beta Gamma Sigma ceremony on April 21, which coincides with the annual Honors Day Celebration that honors the best and brightest students. 

Membership in BGS is one of the highest recognitions a student can receive for academic achievements. Members go on to lead—and even create—some of the largest and most successful companies around the globe. Eligible students are identified as being in the top 10% of their undergraduate program, and the top 20% of students in a graduate program who have completed half of their coursework.  

Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is the international business honor society for schools accredited by the AACSB, which comprise the top 5% of business school programs around the world, including the Grossman School of Business.