The Whitman School of Management chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), a service fraternity that includes accounting, finance and information studies majors, has been selected as one of five chapters in the nation to receive the Ernst & Young LLP Diversity Award. The recognition includes a $1,000 grant.
The Ernst & Young Diversity Award reflects the impact of the Whitman chapter on diversity and inclusiveness within BAP, the school and its community. Mitchell Franklin, assistant professor of accounting practice, advises Whitman’s BAP chapter.
Ernst & Young believes it is important for future leaders of the business community to have an appreciation and understanding of how to successfully team in a diverse and inclusive environment, critical for future success of the global business community. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies have active diversity initiatives in place, and most include diversity as part of business strategy. Ernst & Young understands the importance of an inclusive environment that values the contributions of its people, and believes that a key element of effective teaming is the diversity of thought generated from team members from different backgrounds and perspectives.
In order to be considered for the award, BAP chapters had to submit two written abstracts. The first focused on what diversity means to the chapter and its importance to the professional world, what strategies should be employed by the school to impact overall diversity and a strategy for the upcoming year with defined objectives and desired outcomes and how that strategy would be sustained. The second abstract was a summary of the successful implementation of the previously proposed strategy and results.
A committee of the board reviewed each submission and made its decision based upon successful implementation of the strategy and results. Whitman’s submission was called “terrific” and judges noted that they were very impressed by the work done by the chapter, as well as the diligence displayed in presenting the results.
“This award demonstrates an outstanding effort on the part of our students, and is the culmination of a great deal of work they did to prepare, execute and write out the necessary plans,” says David G. Harris, chair of Whitman’s Joseph I. Lubin School of Accounting. “Of course, the award not only reflects our students’ exceptional abilities, commitment and effort, but also Mitch’s strong guidance, leadership and motivation.”
