President's Message

I hope as members of Beta Gamma Sigma you have noticed the Society’s recent efforts to involve and educate its members on important issues that face the business world. As an honor society with the principles of honor, wisdom and earnestness, it is imperative that our members – “the best in business” – not only know the current environment, but display the strength and courage to lead responsibly. Beta Gamma Sigma is proud to play a small part in helping the world’s greatest business leaders prepare to meet that challenge.

Recently at the International Conference and Meeting (ICAM) of AACSB International in San Francisco, more than 1,200 business school representatives – including more than 700 business school deans – listened to the 2005 Beta Gamma Sigma International Honoree, James Blanchard, CEO of Synovus Financial Corp. His remarks affected many in attendance. It seems that this might have been his goal.

“Maybe some of us will change a little,” Mr. Blanchard offered as an introduction to his thoughts. “Maybe we’ll walk out of this place with a higher step, with a greater determination, with a zeal for serving our fellow man.”

Over the course of his speech, Mr. Blanchard shared the thought process and corporate culture that has resulted in Synovus’ selection to Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies To Work For in America” list every year since 1998. The answer to corporate success in 2005, he said, really isn’t all that complicated.

“The secret, the clue, the common thread is simply how you treat folks,” he said. “How you value the worth of an individual, how you bring the human factor into real importance, and not just as a statement you make in your annual report.”

Beta Gamma Sigma is also very proud of its commitment to the Association of Collegiate Honor Societies’ (ACHS) national ethics project – “A Matter of Ethics.” The Fall 2004 issue of the BGS International Exchange focused on the topic of business ethics, and reminding our members about the importance of ethics is a vital ongoing effort. An ethics session is included in the program at each Student Leadership Forum, and it challenges participants to view and interpret ethical dilemmas in complex situations.

Last year our magazine focused on the alarming shortage of business doctoral candidates, and we are very pleased that dozens of Beta Gamma Sigma members responded by expressing interest in pursuing careers in management education. In addition, the Society sent emails to members informing them of upcoming doctoral fairs and Beta Gamma Sigma members responded and were one of the largest groups of people in attendance. Not only were we happy to help our members find exciting opportunities, but we believe these Beta Gamma Sigma members will advance society as well. When “the best in business” become interested in training the next generation of business leaders, everyone wins.

Beta Gamma Sigma also continues as a Supply Alliance member supporting the efforts of the PhD Project, which aims to increase diversity at the front of the classroom in America’s business schools. A series of articles on this topic last year in the International Exchange showed that many Beta Gamma Sigma members are benefiting from and leading the way as this important project continues to grow. Members should be proud that their Society takes an active role in the PhD Project and other worthy efforts.

In this issue, we take a look at graduate opportunities in business – a topic we believe adds value to the BGS lifetime membership while also benefiting the business world. Our outstanding lifetime members are tremendous candidates for the world’s business schools, and the best students of business become the best business professionals.
Beta Gamma Sigma is committed to advancing the lives of its 540,000-strong membership while helping to advance important business and societal goals. As Mr. Blanchard, the 2005 International Honoree Award recipient put it:

“We’re far too short (on leaders) in a time when there is tremendous demand and need for an example; for a role model; for somebody who brings order to the chaos; and for somebody who is predictable and consistent and displays those simple virtues that are fundamental strengths of mankind.”

Beta Gamma Sigma is proud to play its small part in inspiring the best students in business to become the great leaders of the future.

Sara M. Freedman
President, Beta Gamma Sigma
Dean, College of Business and Industry, Mississippi State University