Honor Society Awarded Highest Chapter Status

University of Scranton’s Nu Kappa chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals, achieved Superior Chapter status for the 2022-2023 academic year. This is the top chapter achievement level recognized by the international organization. The chapter also achieved Distinguished Chapter status for the 2021-2022 academic year. The chapter began at Scranton in 2015.

The University’s 2022-2023 Beta Alpha Psi Nu Kappa chapter officers were: Aidan Cagner ’23, ’G23, Rockville Centre, president; Brett McCartney, Downingtown, vice president and treasurer; Kevin Duffy ’23, Springfield, New Jersey, secretary; and Kaleigh Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, social engagement director.

Scranton’s 2021-2022 Beta Alpha Psi Nu Kappa chapter officers were: Emma Boyle ’23, Peckville, president; Jared Septer ’22, Langhorne, vice president; Jake Gallagher ’22, Mahwah, New Jersey, treasurer; Cagner ’23, ’G23, secretary; and Mary Kate Yatsonsky ’22, ’G23, Jefferson Township, social engagement director.

“When I took on the role as Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisor in 2015, I never realized how rewarding the experience would be. I am so proud to have been able to guide the chapter through its growth and evolution. We could not have achieved these recognitions had it not been for the commitment of the student officers and the membership,” said Amanda Marcy, ’10, G’11, DBA ’21, assistant professor of accounting.

To receive an award status, chapters and their members must go above and beyond minimum chapter requirements with regard to professional, service, and outreach activities. The members participate in a variety of professional activities, including professional panels and information sessions, internship panels, certification information sessions, career readiness sessions, skill-building workshops, CPA and CMA mock exams and industry site visits. Chapter service activities include holiday card donations, children’s book and supply drives, and community clean-up events. In assisting the accounting department, members also participate in outreach activities, including open houses, high school student information sessions, Path to Business Excellence, and undecided student information and networking events.

Student members also have the opportunity to attend and present at the Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year and Annual meetings, allowing them to network with Beta Alpha Psi members and professionals from across the globe. The University’s Nu Kappa chapter was selected to host the 2023 Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year Meeting, which took place in March in Pittsburgh. In this capacity, members helped to plan, coordinate, and run event sessions and activities.

“This achievement reflects not only the commitment of our chapter officers and members, but also the continued support of our faculty, alumni, and professional partners who volunteer their time and professional expertise to provide opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Marcy.

Alumni or professional partners interested in volunteering or sponsoring a Beta Alpha Psi event or activity can contact Dr. Marcy at amanda.marcy@scranton.edu.

Beta Alpha Psi is an international honors organization for financial information students and professionals with over 300 chapters on AACSB accredited college and university campuses with more than 300,000 initiated members. The organization recognizes academic excellence in accounting, finance and business analytics, and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction among students, faculty and professionals. Members must achieve a personal record of superior scholarship in their academic endeavors and demonstrate active engagement in all chapter activities. Members in good standing at the completion of their senior year receive honors cords and pins upon graduation.