Beta Alpha Psi Chapter Receives National Recognition

By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo School of Management’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was recognized as one of the best in the world, receiving a number of special honors and awards at the organization’s international conference in San Jose, Calif., in August.

Beta Alpha Psi is an international financial information organization for students and professionals.

The School of Management’s Zeta Theta chapter was one of only 15 to receive the KPMG Gold Chapter award and $2,500 prize from Beta Alpha Psi (BAP).

“The chapter was recognized for being active within BAP from both a regional and national perspective,” said Kathy Nesper, assistant professor of accounting and law, and chapter advisor. A video submission, coordinated by Christina Ventresca of Williamsville, a master’s-level accounting student, chronicled the chapter’s activities and accomplishments throughout the year. In addition, Zeta Theta was named a “Superior Chapter.”

The Zeta Theta chapter also received special recognition from the IRS at the conference for having the largest Beta Alpha Psi-run Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in the nation this past tax season, based on the number of volunteers who contributed at least five hours of service.

The VITA program at UB surpassed its previous years’ results by setting records for total returns filed (706), total refunds distributed ($992,000), and total certified volunteers (179) who collectively contributed more than 2,200 hours of service over the 10-week program.

At the conference, two MBA students, Andrew Oneyji of Buffalo and Sam Huoh of Amherst, represented the School of Management’s Zeta Theta chapter in “Project Run With It,” a challenge which analyzed three nonprofit organizations in the San Jose community. Oneyji’s team won the competition with the solution it provided to The Family Supportive Housing (FSH) organization.

“The teams dedicated more than 16 intense and long hours over the course of two evenings,” Nesper said. The Zeta Theta chapter received a $1,000 award for Onyeji’s participation on the winning team.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school also has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.