Letter from the President

It is true that all good things – and indeed, all great things – must come to an end. For me personally, it has been a great thing to serve as president of Beta Gamma Sigma and it is with decidedly mixed emotions that I transitionto become past president of the Society on July 1, 2012.

It's hard for me to believe that nearly two years have passed since I was honored with the opportunity to serve Beta Gamma Sigma and its lifetime members as president of the Board of Governors. Whether I've been involved in dealing with the Society's commendable triumphs or its critical challenges, I have truly enjoyed the process and been honored to play a small part.

I know Beta Gamma Sigma enters its second century with a tremendously accomplished leader in William (Curt) Hunter, the current dean of the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. Curt will step down as dean on July 1, which will allow him the unique opportunity to focus more clearly on BGS and its future over his two-year term as president. With his dedication and passion on the BGS Board – he has served as vice president/president elect since July 1, 2010 – I am confident the Board's leadership is in very capable and talented hands.

As anyone in a leadership position will tell you, leaders and their decisions are only as good as the people that surround them. I have been imminently fortunate to work with a talented group of people who are truly committed to the short- and long-term success of Beta Gamma Sigma. I've already mentioned Curt Hunter, but I would be remiss without thanking many others who have made me look good. Whenever I'm thanked for something that Beta Gamma Sigma has done well, I know the following people (and many others I don't have the space to thank) deserve the real credit:
James K. Weeks, Dean Emeritus of the Bryan School of Business and Economics at The University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a long-time officer and member of the BGS Board of Governors.

George E. Stevens, past president of Beta Gamma Sigma, who has continued to provide excellent leadership and great advice over my tenure.

The dozens of other BGS Board members and officers I've worked with over the last decade. From my first year of service to those on the current Board, you each deserve a great deal more thanks than I can effectively give in this space.
James A. Viehland, executive director of BGS, and the entire staff at the BGS Central Office. Most members know little about this group, but Board members recognize and appreciate the office's dedication and excellence in serving the needs of lifetime members.

The organizations that make up the group of Beta Gamma Sigma affiliates and the individuals who represent them. I would be remiss without specifically mentioning AACSB International, the Graduate Management Admission Council, Bloomberg Businessweek and GEICO, but there are many, many others that deserve thanks (www.betagammasigma.org/benefits.htm).

Finally, last but certainly not least, I want to thank you the lifetime members of Beta Gamma Sigma. At every Beta Gamma Sigma function I have attended as president, I'm struck by the talented individuals that make up our membership and the passion you display in supporting the organization. Whether at a collegiate induction ceremony, alumni event, etc., it's been a joy to share those celebrations with you.

While my words so far have focused on the past, I want to share my great optimism and excitement for the future of our Honor Society. The very best of our student programs – the Student Leadership Forums, BGS Scholarships, rewarding outstanding achievement with Lifetime Membership – remain and will improve in the years ahead. Similarly, the Alumni Network program, symbolized by the enthusiasm of the Society's 27 alumni chapters around the world, continues to expand and develop additional ways to increase the value of lifetime membership. The Beta Gamma Sigma Center for Ethical Business Leadership continues to influence the discussion about and the practice of ethical business behavior. The future is truly bright.

And speaking of the future, I can't pass up the opportunity to remind everyone about the BGS Centennial Celebration. As you know the Society celebrates its 100th anniversary on Feb. 19, 1913, and there are a host of ongoing activities and special programs in which you are invited to take part. I would especially encourage each member to register with and get involved in the "BGS Gives Back" initiative. You can get details about this and all the special programs surrounding the Centennial at www.betagammsigma.org/centennial.

Once more, thank you one and all for your participation, suggestions and accomplishments. I am proud to play a small part in the Society's success, but it's you the members who deserve the praise. Each time I see "Beta Gamma Sigma" included on a bio – when a member has done something great to improve his or her world – I know the Society is destined for a better second century than its first.

Robert D. Reid
President of Beta Gamma Sigma