UAF photos by Eric Engman and Morrow Duszynski.
Honors societies have long been a prestigious aspect of academic life, rewarding students who have excelled in their studies, demonstrated strong leadership skills, and actively contributed to their communities. The UAF College of Business and Security Management (CBSM) is proud to have two such honor societies: Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) and the Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS).
The induction ceremony for the 2023 spring semester was held on May 4th, and it was the second hybrid recognition and induction ceremony for both Beta Gamma Sigma and Order of the Sword and Shield. Inductees and their families had the option to attend in person or virtually.
Dr. Cam Carlson, the Dean of CBSM, started off the event with welcoming remarks and credited the perseverance and effort of each inductee shown at UAF. Following that, UAF Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor Anupma Prakash gave a celebratory speech, highlighting the achievements and determination the inductees demonstrated, and appreciating the driven and problem-solving seen in each student.
Grace Hopkins is one of our outstanding students who recently achieved a remarkable, and first of its kind, milestone by being inducted into not just one, but both honors societies. Grace was a Beta Gamma Sigma inductee in the spring of 2022, then just a year later she walked the stage again at the The Order of Sword and Shield induction this spring. Grace's unwavering determination and diverse academic pursuits have truly set her apart.
Grace's path to success has been anything but conventional. Originally nurturing a childhood dream of becoming a hairdresser, she embarked on a journey into cosmetology school right after high school. However, due to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic, Grace found herself at a crossroads. Undeterred by the circumstances, she decided to enroll in online classes at UAF to continue her education while cosmetology schools remained closed. With help from her mother who works at UAF and obtained a degree in business, Grace started to pursue a degree in Business and Management.
As fate would have it, this last fall, a class in crisis management captured Grace's attention and sparked a new passion within her. Her innate desire to help others during times of crisis, instilled by her father's involvement in the church, led her to change her major to Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). Amidst her pursuit of her HSEM degree, she also accumulated 500 hours of cosmetology school and secured an internship with the Red Cross.
Grace's induction into both BGS and OSS is a testament to her exceptional college experience, showcasing the immense dedication and growth she has undergone. These honors societies have recognized her outstanding academic achievements, igniting a fire within her to continuously push the boundaries of her education. The support and care she receives from CBSM have been invaluable, further solidifying her resolve to uphold the high standards of both honor societies. She has decided to pursue a master's degree at CBSM.
We applaud Grace for her exceptional achievements and commend her for embodying the true spirit of dedication and resilience. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that with unwavering determination, passion, and the support of loved ones, we can conquer any obstacle and achieve greatness. Also, congratulations to all the new BGS and OSS honor society members. We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments.
Click here to learn more about Beta Gamma Sigma.
Click here to learn more about Order of the Sword & Shield.
Credits:
UAF Photos courtesy of Eric Engman & Morrow Duszynski.