Elon’s chapter of the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals was recognized for its contributions to the general welfare of the campus and greater community.
Elon’s Lambda Xi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi received the Rev. Richard McBride Campus and Greater Community Involvement Award during the 2016 Organization Awards and Inauguration Ceremony hosted by the Student Government Association.
The annual award is presented to the student organization that has contributed the most to the general welfare of the campus and the greater community through service.
Members of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals, participated in several service programs and activities throughout the year. The organization’s strongest initiative has been its financial literacy program, which was created in spring 2014. Through the program, members educated local high school students on financial terms in order to promote proper budgeting habits and to generate awareness on the value of a college education and the appeal of studying accounting or finance.
Members also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program under the guidance of Professor Susan Anderson. Each Saturday during tax season, members helped local, low-income residents in the community prepare and file their tax returns at no cost.
“The Lambda Xi chapter believes giving one’s time, talent and energy for the community is an important part of being a professional,” said Assistant Professor Patty Cox, faculty advisor of Beta Alpha Psi. “Having the ability to use accounting/finance skills gained in the classroom for the betterment of the local community is very meaningful for our members.”
Beta Alpha Psi’s other service activities included ElonThon, Campus Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club.
Established in 2006, the Lambda Xi chapter strives to create relationships between students, professionals and educators. The chapter facilitates weekly meetings with business professionals and hosts professional development and career events, such as the annual Accounting Meet and Greet.