The 1998 Thomas J. Burns Undergraduate Student Seminar By: Tom Dewey, 1998 National Student Seminar Chairman The Ohio State University

The Thomas J. Burns Undergraduate Student Seminar was held this past October 10, and was hosted by the Omicron Chapter at Ohio State University. The National Student Seminar was founded by former OSU professor Thomas Burns, who also served as a national president for Beta Alpha Psi. The Seminar is an opportunity for students from around the country to gather to discuss a relevant accounting topic. The students were expected to write a ten-page paper, and then take part in a group discussion about the topic. About sixty students attended this year's National Student Seminar. The general theme for the Seminar was, "Does the expansion of information available to investors diminish the need for audited financial statements?" At the conclusion of the Seminar, awards were presented for the five best papers, and for the best discussion participants. The following is a list of the winners:

Best Paper:		Wade Hirschi, Idaho State University
Honorable Mention Best Paper:		Michael Zelenkov, University of Arizona Ryan Folscroft, University of Missouri — Kansas City Melissa Galano, Montana State University Julie Williams, Oklahoma State University
Best Participant:		Jesus Socorro, Florida International University Michael Zelenkov, University of Arizona

I can say with confidence that every student who attended the Seminar found it to be a valuable experience. Although I did not participate, I played a part in the organization of the Seminar, and sat in on the seminar sessions. The discussions were lively and relevant, and the free flow of ideas lasted the entire day. The participants developed a noticeable friendship and will forever remember the experience of participating in the National Student Seminar. This Seminar has been the highlight of my Beta Alpha Psi experience and is a testament to the organization as a whole.