Historic International Win for FAU's Beta Alpha Psi Chapter

First Place Winners of Deloitte Best Practices Competition

In a groundbreaking moment for Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the Eta Tau Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) clinched its first-ever international victory in its 30-year history. Competing at the 2024 Beta Alpha Psi Annual Conference, held July 25-27 in Orlando, Florida, FAU emerged as the top contender among 154 chapters representing 36 states and three countries.

The Eta Tau Chapter earned first place in the Deloitte Best Practices competition, specifically in the “Innovation in Your Chapter” category. Their winning presentation, a data analytics series featuring hands-on Excel and PowerBI workshops, was designed to equip students with the tools and financial information they need to thrive in the digital economy. FAU’s team outpaced strong competitors, including runner-up University of Sydney, Australia, and the University of South Florida, which placed third.

The victory was delivered by BAP officers Lauryn Kelly, Ishaa Frank, and Xuan Thao Nguyen, whose presentation and vision set a new standard for chapter innovation.

"As a member of Beta Alpha Psi for two years, it has been incredible to see our organization grow. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and look forward to what the future holds."                                  

~ Ishaa Frank, Senior - Fall 2024 BAP president and prior BAP officer

In addition to the winning presentation, FAU students Alexander Price and Tomer Fridman showcased their expertise with a presentation on Chapter Operations, demonstrating the breadth of talent within the chapter. The conference wasn’t just about competition—attendees engaged in professional development, networked with industry leaders and participated in Community Impact Day, where they promoted literacy and supported local Orlando charities.

Angela Gaze, advisor to FAU’s Beta Alpha Psi for the past 12 years, senior instructor and Accounting Scholars program coordinator, has witnessed FAU’s past successes in winning three regional competitions, including this year’s first place at the regional meeting in Atlanta that secured them the spot to compete at the 2024 annual conference.

"These student officers exemplify exceptional leadership and commitment to our chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. I am confident that they will be business leaders and will continue to make FAU proud," Gaze said. 

The chapter’s success was bolstered by the guidance of faculty members like communications instructor Laurie Nesbitt and associate professor Scott Seavey, Ph.D., who both played pivotal roles in refining the students’ presentation skills and providing strategic support. Their efforts underscore the collaborative culture that defines FAU’s approach to student achievement.

This achievement is not just a win—it’s the start of a legacy. FAU’s Beta Alpha Psi has consistently been distinguished as a Gold Chapter as well as a strong contender regionally, securing multiple first-place finishes. However, this international triumph elevates the chapter to a new level of distinction.

“I am proud of our Florida Atlantic Beta Alpha Psi students for their historic first international win, marking a significant milestone in the 30-year chapter history,” said Dean Daniel Gropper, Ph.D. “This achievement is a result of dedication and hard work by our students, as well as the support and guidance of our faculty. Congratulations to these exceptional students for setting this new standard of achievement. I look forward to seeing the continued success and future impact of our students."

Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi is an international honors organization with more than 300 chapters worldwide, dedicated to students in accounting, finance, business analytics, and digital technology. Since its inception in 1990, FAU’s Beta Alpha Psi Eta Tau chapter has been committed to fostering professional development, creating lasting connections, and shaping the next generation of business leaders. This historic win firmly establishes the FAU chapter as an international leader.

-FAU-