b'Student GroupsAssociation of careers, work-life balance, and overall growth as a profes- For the Spring 2023 BAP Initiation Banquet, we were excited Accountancy Studentssional.to have an in-person event with Brett LewisGrant Thornton, Audit Partner & Kansas City Office Managing Partner as the BAP members do more than just attend professional meet- keynote speaker. Brett received a Bachelors of Science in ings. They enjoy social activities to strengthen their relation- Accounting from the University of Missouri. The banquet ships with other students in the organization.They provide service to the School of Accountancy by proctoring accountingwent extremely well, and took place on Thursday, April 20, exams.Additionally, they provide service to the community2023. The invitation with additional details is below. by cleaning our Adopt-a-Highway location 4 times a year and volunteering at the Central Missouri Food Bank.We also completed our fourth annual 100-book drive to collect and distribute new or gently used books to children in our community. We plan to continue this initiative on an annual basis.If your firm would like to be a part of this initiative, please reach out to our VP of Community Service. Our organization started a mentorship program this pastGrant Thornton attendees at the BAP Initiation Banquet year to help connect students who have been newly admittedwith Brett Lewis and Vairam Arunachalamto the School of Accountancy program with BAP studentswho are in their second or third year of the accounting The Association of Accounting students provides studentsprogram.This provides the new students with a great resource with a glimpse at the avenues available with an accountingfor their questions about classes, organizations, interviewing, degree. It enhances networking experiences early in studentsinternships, the CPA Exam, full-time positions, etc. We plan academic careers and gives them confidence to interact withto continue this mentorship program in the upcoming school future employers. It also gives students the opportunity toyear and hope to strengthen the connections between the interact with each other in a professional setting and createsSchool of Accountancy students at all levels.Mr. Brett Lewis and Dr. Vairam Arunachalambonds that will last beyond students time at Mizzou. This year, our President participated in the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, where she attended 2022-1023 OFFICERS seminars regarding relevant accounting topics, networked President Ryan Klostermann with other chapters and firm representatives, assisted with a Vice PresidentTaylor Siebert SecretaryElizabeth Grichnikcommunity service project, and more. The meeting provided Service Chair Maddie Meystrik us with best practices to consider implementing for our Public Relations Emma Wilkins chapter and ideas for increasing membership and providing Treasurer Jayce Bunch more opportunities for our chapter members. Beta Alpha Psi, If you are interested in learning more about our organi-Gamma Theta Chapter zation, please contact either our president, Katie Wilson, and/or our faculty advisor, Kristen Hockman.Our 2022-2023 Beta Alpha Psi is an international and professional honorsofficers are as follows: organization for accountancy students. The goal of our orga-nization is to assist our members in their growth as businessPresident: Katie WilsonVice President of Professional Activities:professionals, provide networking opportunities betweenJason Binkleystudents and firms, and give back to our community andVice President of Community Service:university through service events and involvement. Member- Jake MouserVice President of Social Activities:ship into Beta Alpha Psi is considered a high achievementTate Howelland honor exclusively for GPA-qualifying students admittedVice President of Public Relations:into the School of Accountancy program. Throughout theLuke Fialayear, we hold weekly meetings where we welcome firm repre- Treasurer: Alex HammondSecretary: Patrick Westallsentatives to network, engage in team-building activities, andFaculty Advisor: Kristen Hockmaneducate our members on professional skills, diversity, ethics,(hockmank@missouri.edu)technology, and current trends in the accounting profession. Upperclassman and BAP alumni with varied experiences have also come to advise students and answer questions about 32 School of Accountancy2023 Newsmagazine 33'