While other parts of the country were buried in snow or frigid temperatures, 54 graduate student members of Beta Alpha Psi enjoyed balmy weather in Phoenix in January 2000. Hosted by the very young Iota Epsilon Beta Alpha Psi chapter at Arizona State University West, the Graduate Case Seminar offered participants an opportunity to exchange technical thoughts and ideas as well as an opportunity to meet and make friends with those attending from other parts of the United States.

 

 

Those attending the seminar arrived Friday afternoon and, after registering, gathered for a buffet dinner and an opportunity to meet others in the group. Since participating chapters are limited to sending one representative, the evening offered a chance for new friendships and a time to share ideas about successful activities and events in chapters throughout the country. A few fun games brought much laughter to the group within a very short while.

On Saturday, participants were transported from the hotel to the campus for a day of case discussions. The morning case, Ethics, was led by Kenya Haupt, Recruiting Manager from the Denver office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. After lunch on campus, those attending the seminar chose to participate in either a tax case, led by Dr. William Duncan from ASU West, or an audit case, led by Blane Ruschak, Director of Recruiting, KPMG Los Angeles. All cases involved lively discussions and a bit of difference of opinion, as intriguing cases should.

 

Saturday evening, those attending the seminar were transported to a local resort for a western dinner under the stars. A tasty barbecue buffet on a hilltop overlooking the city was a picturesque finish to a thoroughly enjoyable day. But there was more to come. Those who desired were taken to downtown Phoenix to a meeting, shopping, and entertainment center.

The small, young chapter felt it both an honor and a growing experience to host this event. And those attending the Seminar appreciate the opportunity to mix and mingle with Beta Alpha Psi members from throughout the United States, as well as the opportunity to think seriously with their peers about some interesting issues.