Founders Week



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Beta Gamma Sigma Founders Week: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future 

Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organization on February 19, 1913, emerging from the merger of three honor societies at the University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, and the University of California. United by a shared commitment to academic excellence in business, BGS became the first national honor society exclusively for business students and professionals. 

Founders Week is celebrated every year around the third week of February. In 2026, Founder’s Week will be celebrated February 15-22, 2026. This special week is more than a celebration; it’s a reflection on more than a century of achievement and a renewed call to shape the future of business leadership. 

Since our inception, BGS has grown to include over 640 collegiate chapters in more than 30 countries, along with 32 alumni chapters worldwide. More than 970,000 individuals have been honored with lifetime membership since 1913. These leaders continue to make an impact across corporate, governmental, nonprofit, and academic sectors in all 50 U.S. states and in more than 190 countries and territories. 

We invite all members and chapters to take part in this global celebration of excellence, integrity, and leadership. 

Professor Fayette Elwell, BGS' First President

Ways to Participate: 

  • Plan a Founders Week event with your chapter: Invite guest speakers, organize a BGS Gives Back service activity or initiative, or host a networking or social event to bring members together. 

  • Tell your BGS story: Share your experience on social media using #BGSFoundersWeek and inspire future business leaders. 

  • Recognize outstanding members: Celebrate mentors, chapter leaders, and members who embody the BGS values. 

  • Join virtual events: Take part in panels, leadership spotlights, and interactive sessions hosted throughout the week. 

Founders Week Resources

Access celebration resources below to help plan and promote your Founders Week activities. 

Best Practices

BGS Gives Back Event Ideas

Celebrating Founders Week

Social Media Posts & Graphics

Info Tables Guide

Sample Press Release

2025 Founders Week Logos

Let’s celebrate and honor our past and, together, shape the future of business leadership.  

Access additional BGS marketing materials here. If you have any questions about Founders Week, please contact programs@betagammasigma.org.