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The University of South Carolina

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Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society for business programs accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and is dedicated to principles and ideals essential to a worthy life as well as to a commendable business career. Founded as a national organization in 1913 from the merger of three campus organizations at the University of Wisconsin, action was initiated in 1919 to establish Beta Gamma Sigma as the only scholastic honor society recognized by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  This organization, renamed AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, includes in its membership collegiate schools of business that meet the high standards of eligibility required of member institutions with respect to curricula, teaching staff, teaching loads, library and laboratory facilities.  Today, Beta Gamma Sigma has 394 chapters at colleges and universities accredited by AACSB international in all 50 states and three countries.  Additionally, Beta Gamma Sigma has established 16 alumni chapters in major metropolitan areas across theUnited States.  Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 500,000 individuals into its membership.  In South Carolina, the Alpha Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma was established at the University of South Carolina in 1963.  Our chapter is the oldest and largest chapter in South Carolina. The principles of Beta Gamma Sigma are represented by three Greek words, the initials of which form the name of our Society – BETA GAMMA SIGMA.  Beta is the initial letter of the Greek word BEBAEOS (beb-i-os), which signifies honor.  Honor is personal integrity and excellence of character.  It is an enduring quality found in all persons who deserve to lead others. Gamma is the initial letter of the Greek word GNOSIS (no-sis), which means wisdom.  Wisdom is knowledge tested by experience and tempered by discerning judgment.  It abhors prejudice and insists upon freedom of thought and expression.  Sigma is the initial letter of the Greek word SPOUDE (spoo-day), which means earnestness. Earnestness is enthusiasm measured by achievement, disciplined by reason and ennobled by sincerity.  This dynamic quality is essential for all great achievement.

Mission

The mission of Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business and to recognize personal and professional excellence in the practice of business.  This mission is exemplified in the five objectives of the Society:

  1. Encourage and honor high academic achievement by students of business and management through chapters at schools and management through chapters at schools accredited by AACSB International.
  2. Foster in Beta Gamma Sigma members enduring commitment to the founding principles and values of Society:  honor and integrity, pursuit of wisdom, and earnestness.
  3. Support the advancement of business thought, at both the Society and chapter levels, so as to encourage lifelong learning for members and other constituents.
  4. Enhance the value of Beta Gamma Sigma for student members in their professional lives.
  5. Enhance the visibility and reputation of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International, provides benefits to four significant groups:  society, the corporate community, the chapter and university, and the individual member.  Each of these groups is enriched by the presence of Beta Gamma Sigma.  Every Beta Gamma Sigma program has the goal of serving and fulfilling the needs of one or more of the significant groups.  This “service to Society” – the true heart of the mission and objectives of Beta Gamma Sigma – begins during the college years and extends into and beyond members’ professional lives.