2023-2024 Academic Year Inducts 95 Students into Beta Gamma Sigma

The Raymond A. Mason School of Business is pleased to announce the induction of 95 new graduate students into the prestigious honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, for the 2023-2024 school year. This accomplishment reflects these exceptional students' hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

Under the dedicated guidance of Professor Pamela Schlosser, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Faculty Advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma, a total of 95 students were welcomed into the honor society last week. Among these individuals were 52 MBA, 9 MAcc, 25 MSBA, 5 MSM, and 4 MSF students, all deserving commendation for their diligent efforts and hard work throughout their academic careers.

The ceremonies, held this past Friday evening in the Wren Chapel, recognized graduate students from the Full-Time Master of Business Administration (FTMBA), Part-Time Master of Business Administration (PTMBA), Online Master of Business Administration (OMBA), Online Master of Accounting (OMAcc), Master of Accounting (MAcc), Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), Online Master of Science in Marketing (OMSM), and Online Master of Science in Finance (OMSF) programs. As a community, it was a privilege to witness the remarkable achievements of these students who have worked tirelessly to earn this distinction.

The spring ceremony for the Mason School of Business was elevated by the presence of Principal Speaker Emily Smith, MBA '10, whose insightful remarks resonated deeply with attendees. Emily's academic journey, marked by a BA in Psychology from NYU and culminating in an MBA from William & Mary, underscores her commitment to holistic learning and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Embarking on her post-MBA career in 2010 at IBM as a Business Strategy Consultant, Emily specialized in strategic planning for government clients, laying the foundation for her subsequent impactful roles. She transitioned to MITRE and focused on critical infrastructure, a domain crucial for societal resilience and national security. Her growth within MITRE, assuming the position of Chief of Staff for Semiconductor Operations, exemplifies her adeptness in navigating complex organizational landscapes.

Presently serving as Chief of Staff for imec USA, a global leader in nanoelectronics research and development, Emily stands at the forefront of technological innovation with far-reaching implications. Throughout her career trajectory, Emily has remained steadfast in her commitment to addressing pressing challenges for the betterment of society, and she encouraged this in her address.

Emily's career path serves as a testament to the impact individuals can have by tackling significant problems with a focus on the common good. Her unwavering dedication to leveraging her skills and expertise for the betterment of communities and industries resonates deeply with the values recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma.

Throughout the two ceremonies, professors and members of the Mason community took to the podium to explain the significance of the Greek letters Beta, Gamma, and Sigma. Selected for this honor, these individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to enriching the academic journey of graduate students across both residential and online program modalities.

The symbolism behind each Greek letter underscores the profound qualities cherished by the honor society. Beta, originating from the Greek word "bebaeos," embodies the essence of honor. Gamma, derived from "gnosis," symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom. Lastly, Sigma, stemming from "spoude," represents a commitment to earnestness. These traits serve as guiding principles for all inductees, reflecting their dedication to honor, wisdom, and earnestness.

Since its establishment in 1907, Beta Gamma Sigma has evolved into a well-known global network, boasting over 600 chapters across 190 countries. The William & Mary chapter was founded in 1973 and has been active ever since, recognizing the highest-achieving students every year. BGS is by invitation only and represents the top 20% of graduate students in their respective programs, making it the most prestigious recognition a student can achieve in business anywhere in the world.

This collective achievement is a testament to the students and their commitment to excellence and scholarly pursuit. Each inductee should feel immense pride for their remarkable accomplishment. On behalf of the entire community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the newly inducted members, wishing them continued success in their future endeavors.