2022-2023 Academic Year Inducts 122 Students into Beta Gamma Sigma
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business is honored to announce the induction of 122 new graduate students into the prestigious academic honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, for the 2022-2023 school year. This accomplishment is a testament to these exceptional students' hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.
The ceremonies, held this past Friday evening in the Wren Chapel, recognized graduate students from the Full-Time Master of Business Administration (FTMBA), Part-Time Master of Business Administration (PTMBA), Online Master of Business Administration (OMBA), Master of Accounting (MAcc), Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), Online Master of Science in Marketing (OMSM), and Online Master of Science in Finance (OMSF) programs. As a community, it was a privilege to witness the remarkable achievements of these students who have worked tirelessly to earn this distinction.
The spring ceremony at the Mason School of Business was a memorable event filled with insightful remarks from Professor Dawn Edmiston, Clinical Professor of Marketing. In her speech, Professor Edmiston paid tribute to former Dean Lawrence Pulley, underscoring the significance of the "Principled Achievement" ethos he instilled in the Mason School community. She highlighted the importance of striving for excellence while positively impacting the world. Her words were a source of inspiration for all the initiates and members of the Mason School of Business, reminding them of their potential to succeed and make a meaningful contribution to society.
During her speech, Professor Edmiston also referenced a powerful quote from Martin Luther King Jr., stating that success is not limited to those with college degrees or expertise in a particular field. King famously said, "All you need is a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. Anyone can be great because anyone can serve." This resonates deeply with the values of the Mason School of Business, which emphasizes the importance of service and compassion in achieving success.
Moreover, Professor Edmiston emphasized the responsibility that comes with privilege. She stated, "To whom much is given, much is expected." She reminded the audience not to lose sight of the everyday blessings surrounding us. She highlighted the importance of using our knowledge and talents to impact the world around us positively. Her words are a powerful reminder to everyone that we all must create a better world through principled achievement, which can begin with something as simple as a smile or a kind word.
During the two ceremonies, several professors and members of the Mason community took to the podium to explain the significance behind the Greek letters Beta, Gamma, and Sigma. These individuals were chosen for this honor based on their contributions to the academic experience for graduate students in both the residential and online program modalities.
The letter Beta represents the Greek word "bebaeos," which means honor. Gamma is the first letter of the Greek word "gnosis," which means wisdom. Lastly, Sigma is the first letter of the Greek word "spoude," which means earnestness. These three traits are reflected in all inductees.
Beta Gamma Sigma was established in 1907 and has grown to a global network of over 600 chapters in 190 countries. The William & Mary chapter was founded in 1973 and has been active ever since, recognizing the highest-achieving students every year. Being inducted into this organization is a significant accomplishment and represents the top 20% of graduate students in their respective programs.
Under the guidance of Professor Pamela Schlosser, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Faculty Advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma, 122 students were inducted into the honor society. Among them were 79 MBA, 6 MAcc, 24 MSBA, 5 MSM, and 8 MSF students, to be commended for their perseverance and hard work throughout their academic journeys. This is a remarkable accomplishment, and each student should take pride in their achievement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the inductees.
