Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s national honorary accounting society, Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), was recognized as a Superior Chapter for the second-consecutive year. The recognition comes from its national organization for the 2012-2013 academic year. In order to receive this recognition, chapters must excel in the areas of academics, professionalism, service and leadership.
“Superior status is a great recognition of our students’ hard work and participation in professional and service activities,” said BAP’s advisor, Mike Costigan, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Accounting.
According to Costigan, the society requires all members to participate in service activities and professional meetings throughout the academic year. This is meant to provide the students with a professional education and community involvement.
BAP President and graduate accounting student Abby Tonkin, of Canton, said the accomplishment was not easy and the recognition shows how hard BAP members have worked. “All of the members, officers and accounting firms that have been involved in BAP events have put in a lot of time and hard work in order for our chapter to meet the requirements for Superior status,” said Tonkin.
This year, BAP hosted several guest speakers from area businesses such as CliftonLarsonAllen, Brown Smith Wallace, Edward Jones and Northwestern Mutual.
In addition to guest speakers, Tonkin said BAP members volunteered throughout the Edwardsville community with events such as Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Making Strides, SIUE Gardens Cleanup, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Preparation and Relay for Life.
In previous years, BAP has been recognized as a Distinguished Chapter. After becoming a Superior Chapter in 2012, BAP strove for the status again.
Tonkin said the support of the School of Business and its faculty has had a major influence on the organization’s success. “The faculty in the School of Business and the Department of Accounting are extremely supportive of Beta Alpha Psi,” said Tonkin. “The professors help promote professional meetings to their classes as well as let us recruit their students.”
With the recognition comes an award of $275 sponsored by the KPMG Foundation. Tonkin said the financial reward will provide BAP members with the tools necessary to pursue the status next year.
Photo: (From L-R): Beta Alpha Psi’s officers Tiffany Ramirez, Lisa Holsapple, Savannah Connaway, and Abby Tonkin.