Golden Day for Beta Alpha Psi

By Lindsay Anderson ‘04

Bradley’s Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) chapter received Gold Chapter recognition for the sixth time in seven years at BAP’s annual meeting in August. The chapter also was a top finisher in best practices and ethics competitions at the event.

The annual conference drew 1,000 students and faculty from the U.S. and around the world for three days of competition, networking, and professional development. Gold Chapter conferral was based on professional development, community service, and fundraising throughout the previous academic year.

“I was very excited when we were awarded gold chapter status,” accounting 3:2 major Trent Hootman ’17, of Canton, Illinois, said. “We work very hard as a chapter, and it felt nice to be recognized for our work.”

Additionally, Bradley’s chapter took second place in the ethics competition and third in the regional best practices competition. The best practices honor was the Bradley chapter’s first.

Bradley accounting students learned from a variety of professors and industry leaders speaking on various topics. Students also shared knowledge about chapter fundraising, recruitment and involvement. Attendees also completed a day of service with local schools’ literacy programs.

Beyond the student recognition for Bradley, accounting alumnus Dave DeFreitas ’87, Group CFO at Caterpillar Inc., and current chair of the Foster College of Business’ National Council of Advisors, was officially recognized as Beta Alpha Psi’s Business Professional of the Year for industry and government.

The students pointed to the conference as one of many benefits of their involvement with the honor society.

“Being in BAP is a great resume booster for accounting students,” Hootman said. “Many employers look for BAP membership, and it shows that you are willing to go above and beyond just putting in the classroom work. BAP is also a great way to meet potential employers and network through events.”

Bradley student representatives at the conference included Hootman, Rebecca Markham ’15, of Rockford, Michigan; Ashley Epping ’17, of Peoria, Illinois; Taryn Gille ’16, of Rockton, Illinois; and Jessica Calicotte ‘16, of Mapleton, Illinois.