COBI Beta Gamma Sigma chapter obtains Highest Honors ranking

Pictured, left to right, are UT Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter advisor Professor Kimberly Nigem, Chapter officers Eric Wright, Amanda Martin, Gabe Gretz, Breanna Straka and advisor Dr. Amal Said. (Not pictured is officer Kirsten M. Zalewski) 

The Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter at the University of Toledo has qualified for recognition as a Highest Honors Chapter, the highest level of recognition that a chapter can earn as part of the Chapter Honor Roll Program. Qualifying for highest honors is indicative of a campus where academic excellence is highly valued and where the faculty officers of the chapter work diligently to enhance Beta Gamma Sigma’s stature on campus. The Chapter advisers are Dr. Amal Said and Professor Kimberly Nigem.

Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is the international business honor society for AACSB-accredited schools, which are the top 5% of business school programs around the world. Inducted as students, BGS members go on to serve in critical leadership roles in corporate, entrepreneurial, government, non-profit, and academic sectors.

“This recognition is their recognition,” observed Professor Kim Nigem.” “They dedicated many hours to BGS and passionately pursued their vision of what UT's Chapter should, could, and did accomplish. Through the efforts of their highly motivated, innovative, and creative team, the Chapter has earned this award.  The award is truly a reflection of who our students are - they are BGS, they are COBI, and they are UT!  Congratulations to our students!

“The UT-BGS team members were committed to help our Chapter achieve its fullest potential,” Professor Nigem added.  “They had a collective vision to transform the organization into a valuable asset for COBI, UT, our students, and our communities.”

“This award is a reflection of UT's & COBI's dedication to excellence inside and outside of the classroom.  I am very proud of our student leaders and their commitments to academic, professional, and personal success. They are tremendous ambassadors of our UT Rocket nation!”

“This recognition was made possible by the high-level academic success and achievements of our COBI students (undergrad, graduate, and Ph.D.),” said Professor Nigem. “Without their commitment to academic achievement we would not have an organization. We need to applaud these high academic achievements of our COBI students - this award speaks volumes about our students, COBI as a college, and The University of Toledo. It brings alignment with our collective vision and mission in COBI and UT.”            

COBI Dean Anne Balazs will be presented with the award during the annual ICAM conference in April.

“The UT Chapter under the leadership of our new President, Jamal Shaheen, will continue efforts to engage the Chapter's alumni, increase involvement with other student organizations, and continue to connect with our community,” Professor Nigem said.

BGS members currently reside in all 50 U. S. states and more than 190 countries. Notable members include Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, inventors, CEOs of major global companies and nonprofit organizations, deans of the top business schools, and others who are making the world a better place at all levels of contribution through social enterprise, service, and leadership.

A Highest Honors Chapter is eligible for several benefits, including have earned one Global Leadership Summit Registration Scholarship which covers the cost of one student registration, hotel accommodations, program materials, and most meals for the 2018 Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Chicago, IL, to take place in November.