Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The University of Dubai’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter was formally installed and welcomed into the international society during a ceremony held at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry on October 26, 2009.

The International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma recognizes academic excellence at the world’s top business schools – those accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Since its founding in 1913, the Society has established more than 480 collegiate chapters around the world and has inducted approximately 625,000 students into membership.

M. Omar Hefni, president of the University of Dubai stated during the ceremony, “The Beta Gamma Sigma chapter at the University of Dubai is dedicated to recognizing outstanding scholarship in business subjects, as well as providing continuous lifetime assistance to students and alumni as its members progress in their careers through programs such as ethical business leadership, the scholarship program, the Student Leadership Forum program, career-centered resources and continuous lifelong learning.”

The ceremony included the installation of the University of Dubai Beta Gamma Sigma chapter and the induction of 59 collegiate members, nine faculty members and two honorary members. Beta Gamma Sigma’s President George Stevens, Executive Director Jim Viehland and Associate Executive Director Vicki Klutts also took part in the program by officially establishing and welcoming the new chapter into the Society.

Election to lifetime membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest honor a business student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate (baccalaureate) or master’s (post-baccalaureate) program at a school accredited by AACSB International. Only students who rank in the upper 10 percent of their junior or senior class, the upper 20 percent of their graduating master’s class, or have completed all doctoral requirements are eligible for membership.

Beta Gamma Sigma membership provides lifetime recognition. This lifelong commitment to its members’ academic and professional success is defined in the Society’s mission: to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to foster personal and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members.