On behalf of the National Council and National Advisory Forum of the Beta Alpha Psi Fraternity, I am pleased to present to you the 1998–1999 annual report. This report summarizes some of the many accomplishments of the over 220 Beta Alpha Psi chapters during the year.

During 1998-99, Beta Alpha Psi continued to foster its mission of providing programs which promote the transformation of accounting students into professional accountants, consultants and leaders who make a difference in their jobs and their communities. I have been extremely impressed with the dedication of the chapter members and officers, the faculty advisors, the National Council and the National Advisory Forum. I thank each of you for your efforts.

A few additional words are due to some very special people in Beta Alpha Psi. Over the past 12 months, I have traveled extensively and spoken at several banquets, regional meetings and installation ceremonies. Each event had one thing in common that I want to share with you. The student members everywhere spoke eloquently about the contributions made and guidance offered by faculty advisors. These individuals are making a significant difference in people’s lives and contributing to Beta Alpha Psi’s success as an honorary and professional accounting fraternity. On behalf of the National Council and the student members, I thank you.

At each of the visits mentioned above, I talked about the opportunity each and every one of us has to make a difference in people’s lives through our participation in Beta Alpha Psi activities. I am so proud of the 60,000 hours of community service contributed last year. I am also proud of our Community Service Day prior to our annual meeting.

We continued to install new chapters. This year, we installed chapters at Kennesaw State University, Nicholls State University, Salisbury State University and the University of Wisconsin — Oshkosh. Welcome!

In January, our Executive Director, Elizabeth Walsh, resigned and joined the AICPA staff. Without her leadership at a very important time in the fraternity’s history, our accomplishments in the information systems area and the emergence of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the AICPA would not have come to pass.

As a result of Elizabeth’s departure, the Board of Directors asked Jodi Mutnansky to serve as National Administrator. She has done a great job. I also want to thank Zoe Cheung for her contributions this year. I am indebted to Jodi, Zoe, and Elizabeth. I wish to extend my personal congratulations to each Beta Alpha Psi chapter that has achieved special distinction for its activities during the 1998–1999 year. KPMG will again award two scholarships to each Superior Chapter. I also wish to recognize the six chapter advisors who have been selected to receive this year’s Richard E. Claire Outstanding Faculty Advisor Awards funded by Arthur Andersen: Marguerite “Zite” Hutton, Mary Stevens, Richard Hendler, Eugene Hendricks, Douglas Sharp, and James Scheiner.

This report also recognizes the Beta Alpha Psi Associates for their support of Beta Alpha Psi, the National Council and the National Advisory Forum and Ernst & Young for the audit of our financial statements and preparation of our tax returns.

Finally, I wish to congratulate each of you for making this year another outstanding success for Beta Alpha Psi.

Sincerely,

Samuel A. Vitkoski