Accounting for Success

10/03/2013 3:40 PM

By Bob Grimson ’81

Honors continue to add up for Bradley’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honorary organization for financial information students and professionals.

In August, Bradley students Kristine Korwin ’15 MSA ’15, Amy Mentgen ’15 MSA ’15, Amy Zimmermann ’15, Kara Dather ’14 MSA ’14, Mike Costello ’15 MSA ’15, and Anthony Isherwood ’14 MSA ’14 attended the organization’s annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., where the University’s chapter was named one of 12 Gold Chapters in the world. The award is based on accomplishments and activities throughout the year. This honor is the highest a chapter can earn and the fourth such award for Bradley in the last five years.

“It is great to be rewarded for our chapter’s continued focus on going above and beyond the classroom experience,” Isherwood said.  “The annual meeting connected students, professors, and professionals from around the world to learn from each other and create long-lasting friendships.”

“It is important for students to participate in a professional organization,” agreed chapter adviser Dr. Simon Petravick, department chairman and professor of accounting. “Beta Alpha Psi gives them a chance to get involved and speak at its programs.”

Petravick also received his second Outstanding Faculty Adviser award. He mentioned the value of meeting and learning from other college students, as well as accounting professionals, at the event: “That allows them to bring back an idea or two every year that we can use.”

After winning a regional competition earlier in the year to qualify, the Bradley group took part in the national finals of Beta Alpha Psi’s Best Practices competition. The students also gave a presentation on chapter operations and participated in professional development events at the annual meeting. They joined 1,200 other financial information students for a community service day focused on literacy. Plus, there was time for relaxation as the group visited Disneyland.

“We’re grateful for support from alumni and the University to allow students to participate and represent the school,” Petravick said. “Our students have always been outstanding representatives of Bradley.”

Beta Alpha Psi has more than 300 college and university chapters worldwide. The Bradley chapter has about 30 students and is open to junior, senior, and graduate accounting majors who meet grade point requirements.