The Pipe Major of the UCR Pipe Band led the processional into the May 13 induction ceremony for new student members of the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) honor society, the highest recognition a business student can receive in a business program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. 

“Being inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, or BGS, is truly a high honor, one that very few receive,” said Assistant Professor of Teaching Jonathan Lim, who led the induction ceremony at the new School of Business Building. 

“We have nearly two thousand students in the School of Business, and only the top 10% of undergraduate students and the top 20% of graduate students are eligible to be recognized as members. So, know that your inclusion here is very, very special.”
 

Seventy-three graduate students and 181 undergraduates were “tapped” for induction into BGS, and 38 were present to take the BGS pledge administered by Lim: “As scholars and future professionals, you are called to embody all three qualities that define Beta Gamma Sigma—honor, wisdom, and earnestness.”

With hands raised the inductees were asked if they hold these principles as their own, and the group pledged, “I do.” Each was also bestowed with the BGS medallion on a blue ribbon from Associate Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs Thomas Kramer.

UCR School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang addressed the inductees in his remarks: “Beta Gamma Sigma has been cultivating a community of the best in business for over a hundred years. Students who are inducted today will be joining a long line of leaders, including CEOs, Nobel Prize winners, and Olympians. We are excited to see our students add even more value to this organization as they live out their own success stories.

“This year’s inductees truly represent what the School of Business, and UCR overall, is all about — hard work, steadfast perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make the most of this educational opportunity you have been given. We are thus honored to recognize you for representing the ideals that we carry for all our business students.
 

“Stay true to the qualities that brought you here today, and they will continue to help you achieve success in the years to come.”

As the ceremony closed, those assembled, including new and past BGS members, faculty, and guests, were led by a UCR Pipe Band bagpiper from the ceremony into the patio reception area, where BGS members took photos with Dean Wang along with group photos and celebrated with refreshments. 

During the ceremony, Lim underscored the importance of BGS membership: “If you are here today, you should be very proud. It is one of the top recognitions you can earn as a business student. Beyond that, it is recognition of all the hard work, sacrifice, and effort you’ve invested into your education and future career.”