Beta Alpha Psi recognized as nationally distinguished chapter; professor honored

Saturday, October 2, 2010
Left to right, front row: Paige Testerman, vice-president of activities; Gail Yarick, faculty advisor; and Courtney Stultz, president. Second row: Sergey Shamenin, treasurer; and Brittany Watson, secretary. Back row: Joel Spencer, vice-president of membership.

Gail Yarick, a professor in the Department of Accounting at Pittsburg State University, has been honored by the national Beta Alpha Psi organization for leading the student branch at PSU to a distinguished status.

Yarick, the adviser for the Lambda Gamma Chapter, was recognized by the Beta Alpha Psi Board of Directors earlier this month. The honors organization, open to students who meet certain academic requirements, encourages members to attend professional events and perform service activities (typically done through PSU's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program).

"I look forward to Gail Yarick's and Lambda Gamma's continued leadership and guidance," said Dr. Teresa Conover, national president of Beta Alpha Psi. "Gail's commitment to not only the profession, but also to the students of Beta Alpha Psi, will continue to be applauded today and every day to come."

To earn and maintain this designation, each student in the chapter is required to perform 20 hours worth of service and assist in outreach activities. This is the first time in the branch's seven-year history at PSU that it has been named a Distinguished Chapter.

"Students need something to set themselves apart from other students, and being in organizations like this is one way to do that," said Yarick, who was a founding member of the organization when she was a student at PSU.

"Beta Alpha Psi is recognized internationally, so when employers see that a student was involved in it, they know it means high scholastic achievement. It's just another thing we're doing to help students achieve their goals."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: