Louisiana Tech University’s Alpha Chi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor organization, achieved recognition as a Superior Chapter for their achievements in the areas of academics, professionalism, and leadership during the 2017-2018 academic year. Notably, the chapter has received this designation for 17 consecutive years.

For its efforts, Tech’s chapter will receive an award of $500 from the KPMG Foundation.

“We try to instill a sense of ethical behavior and the importance of both public and social responsibilities in our accounting students,” said Burton Risinger Endowed Professor Carol Shaver, CPA, who serves as the organization’s faculty advisor. “The purpose of our professional activities is to provide opportunities for self-development and to network with practicing financial professionals.”

The requirements for reaching the status of a Superior Chapter are set by the national office of Beta Alpha Psi. Each member is required to have 32 hours of professional and/or service activities. Additionally, the chapter must be involved in at least eight “Reaching Out” activities, such as regional and annual meeting attendance, community service days, presentations at regional and annual meetings, or alumni representative nominations.

One of Beta Alpha Psi’s main components includes developing the overall character of students, in addition to professional and service-centered endeavors.

Recent service projects by the Alpha Chi chapter include installing security codes into library books at the Lincoln Parish Library, painting a local nursing home, volunteering at animal shelters, assisting with the Special Olympics on Tech’s campus, participating in events hosted by the local fire department, and tutoring fellow students in the “Principles of Accounting” course.

Beta Alpha Psi also focuses on enhancing learning experiences for students en route to a professional financial position.

“We have speakers that we get to hear talk about the real world in both public and private accounting,” said Shaver. “Presentations provide opportunities for our students’ self-development and give them the opportunity to network with practicing professionals.”

Beta Alpha Psi is a national professional and honorary fraternity that encourages and fosters the idea of service as the basis of the accounting profession and promotes the study of accountancy and its highest ethical standards. Beta Alpha Psi purposes to develop high moral, scholastic, and professional attainments in its members and to encourage cordial relations among and between members of the profession. The Alpha Chi chapter was established in May of 1956.

For more information on Beta Alpha Psi or for inquiries regarding membership and requirements, visit business.latech.edu/student-organizations or contact faculty adviser Carol Shaver at cshaver@latech.edu.