Beta Alpha Psi chapter continues to shine on national level

Members of the Delta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, comprised of students at the Foster School, had much to celebrate following the prestigious accounting organization’s annual meeting held in August in Brooklyn, NY.

Distinguishing themselves among the 284 chapters vying for top honors, Foster accounting students brought home five awards:

Gold Chapter Challenge – This inaugural award was given to chapters that go above and beyond what is required to receive the Beta Alpha Psi designation of “Superior Chapter”—successful professional meetings, regional competition success, and community service. Foster’s Delta chapter was one of only 14 chapters to receive the recognition along with a $2,500 award.

IRS | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Award – Delta chapter won the award for having the largest number of members contributing at least five hours of service to the VITA program. From their student-run site located in Lake City, they prepared more than 200 tax returns for low income clients.

Diversity Initiative Award – Delta chapter was recognized for two programs: one in which students served as accounting consultants to minority-owned small businesses, the other a series of workshops for Asian and American born members to learn about cultural differences in business behaviors.

Best Practices: Service Learning – Led by Alvin Lai, Eric Liang, and Jessica Nguyen, Delta chapter received an honorable mention for their partnership with Foster’s Business and Economic Development Center to provide nearly 800 hours of accounting consultation to minority-owned businesses.

Medal of Inspiration – Beta Alpha Psi’s most prestigious individual honor—which included a $5,000 stipend—was awarded to Marilu Cruz, a Delta chapter member who has overcome extreme hardships and achieved a high level of success in spite of that adversity.

“To say that I’m proud of our students is putting it mildly,” said Deborah Medlar, faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi at the Foster School. “Their passion and professionalism is second to none and the awards are one result. More importantly, their efforts enrich each other, the Foster School, and the greater Seattle community.”

The Foster School’s Beta Alpha Psi, founded in 1921, is the organization’s fourth-oldest chapter. It’s also one of the largest (annual membership between 200-250 students) and most celebrated.

Beta Alpha Psi provides professional development to nearly half of all accounting students at the Foster School, as well as numerous community service opportunities.