2000 Thomas J. Burns Undergraduate Student Seminar

In late September, a group of energetic students from Beta Alpha Psi chapters throughout the United States descended upon the campus of The Ohio State University for the 2000 Thomas J. Burns Undergraduate Student Seminar. The fun and educational weekend began on Friday evening with registration followed by dinner and a show at a local Comedy Club-a unique and entertaining way to meet and mingle with fellow Beta Alpha Psi-ers.

Saturday morning the program turned serious as participants discussed and debated sub-topics of the general seminar topic "How E-Commerce Is Changing Accounting." Each student who attended the seminar had researched his/her assigned sub-topic prior to the Columbus, Ohio meeting, and was well-versed on the issues involved. Their varied opinions on the issues facilitated lively discussions. Saturday's sessions were held on The Ohio State University campus at the Fisher College of Business, giving students a chance to tour the outstanding facilities and grounds of the campus. The atmosphere returned to casual Saturday evening as the participants walked from the hotel to a local restaurant for awards presentations and dinner. Those who were interested continued socializing Saturday evening, attending a movie and getting to know even better their new friends.

This seminar, one of Beta Alpha Psi's national programs for undergraduate students, was named after its founder, Professor Thomas J. Burns. Professor Burns, long-time faculty member at The Ohio State University and Past President of Beta Alpha Psi, wanted to offer innovative ways of learning for students. He created this seminar to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to meet and discuss emerging issues in business, to share ideas with future colleagues and competitors, and to learn from one another by sharing educational experiences and ideas both informally and socially. What a great opportunity for each chapter to become involved in a national program.