Accounting, Finance and Information Systems Honor Society Installed at W&L
Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor organization for financial information students and professionals, was formally installed at Washington and Lee University and received its charter as the Mu Nu chapter of Beta Alpha Psi at its banquet on March 29.
Founded in 1919, there are over currently over 300 chapters of Beta Alpha Psi on campuses around the world, with more than 300,000 members initiated since the club’s formation.
Beta Alpha Psi recognizes outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, finance and information systems; promotes the study and practice of professional fields related to these disciplines; provides opportunities for self-development and association among members and practicing financial professionals; and encourages a sense of ethical, social and public responsibilities.
Membership into Beta Alpha Psi at W&L is open to junior and seniors majors in public accounting or accounting and business administration who meet certain academic requirements. Once admitted as a candidate, potential members must fulfill candidacy requirements such as participating in a certain number of professional events and service opportunities before officially becoming a members.
The chapter is advised by Afshad Irani, associate professor of accounting at W&L with support from Megan Hess, assistant professor of accounting, and Elizabeth Oliver, accounting department chair.
“Afshad worked with the students to bring Beta Alpha Psi to campus two years ago, and Megan joined him in the fall 2014. They, along with the students, have been instrumental in making the organization successful,” said Oliver. “Representatives of the accounting firms believe that the organization facilitates the members’ growth, and we have seen that through the service and professional programing the group has put together since 2014.”
W&L’s founding members, from the Classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017, petitioned two years ago to be affiliated with the international organization Beta Alpha Psi. All chapters have two provisional years after petitioning Beta Alpha Psi to form their group through their programming, according to Oliver.
Some of the professional events Beta Alpha Psi held this year are Recruiting Tips with Ernst & Young; Mock Interviews with Alex Castelli, partner at CohnReznick; and an accounting and finance talk by Jim Lawson ’77, chairman and CEO of Lincoln International. Service projects in the Lexington area include a fundraising event for Junior Achievement.
The new executive team is Ashley Hogan ’17, president; Wirt Dunbar ’17, vice president of campus and community outreach; Lee Ellen Bryan ’17, vice president of special affairs and activities; Tim Lindsay ’17, national reporting officer; and Jackie Clifford ’17, treasurer.
