Founders Week



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“Success is not to be measured by income but by influence, not by power but by personality, not by capital but by character.”
- Stephen W. Gilman, one of three professors who founded Beta Gamma Sigma at the University of Wisconsin 


Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organization on February 19, 1913. Formed from a merger of three separate societies established to honor academic achievement in business at the University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois and the University of California, Beta Gamma Sigma became the first national honor society in business.

Beta Gamma Sigma commemorates its next anniversary with our Founders Week celebration February 12-19, 2024. The Society is taking a look back at its long history of honoring “the best in business,” while at the same time considering its impact on the business world of the future.

The Society has established more than 600 collegiate chapters in over 30 countries and 32 alumni chapters globally in its 105+ year history. Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 900,000 outstanding students into membership since its founding 1913. These 900,000 members have served in corporate, government, non-profit, educational, and other management positions at every level of responsibility. Members currently reside in all 50 U.S. states and more than 190 countries and territories around the world. With all of these accomplishments, Beta Gamma Sigma certainly has many things to celebrate.

Professor Fayette Elwell, Beta Gamma Sigma's 
First President


In February 2024, we’d like to celebrate our founding with not just a day, but a week of events, excitement and memories which will help us look to the future of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Founders Week Resources

Access additional BGS marketing materials here. If you have any questions about Founders Week, please contact programs@betagammasigma.org.