EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, a national accounting honors organization, has been recognized internationally as a superior chapter for the past academic year.

In a letter announcing the honor, Beta Alpha Psi president Shawn Harter cited the leadership of Eastern Michigan accounting professor Howard Bunsis, the longtime faculty adviser of the EMU chapter.

Beta Alpha Psi members participating in community service for Habitat for Humanity

"Recognition as a superior chapter is a significant accomplishment," said Harter. "Under the leadership of Howard Bunsis, the Epsilon Omega Chapter has far exceeded the baseline requirements of Beta Alpha Psi, and has excelled in the areas of academics, professionalism and leadership. As faculty adviser for the chapter, Howard Bunsis has provided an invaluable service to your academic institution."

Bunsis is in his 17th year as faculty adviser, and the chapter has been honored as "superior" each of those years.

The EMU chapter performs hundreds of hours of community service each semester, including work on behalf of other organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Walk to Fight Cancer, Habitat for Humanity, Food Gatherers, and Bortz Health Care.  In addition, the members of Beta Alpha Psi filled out the tax return for 120 low-income people in the Ypsilanti community during the past year.

In addition to its community service and social activities, the group hosts weekly meetings with potential employers. The firms speak about resume preparation, how to conduct yourself at an interview, and the environment for professional accountants in Michigan.

Speakers from industry leading firms help guide members toward careers in audit and assurance, financial advisory, tax services and information technology.

Achieving superior status again is something we are very proud of, and this is due to the dedication of our student leaders and members,” Bunsis said. “The students realize that they are part of something that benefits the University and the community, and these students exemplify what is best at EMU."

"I appreciate Dr. Bunsis’ service to our students and the College of Business," said Michael Tidwell, dean of the College of Business. "This student organization serves as an example of the high-quality students we bring to the College of Business, as well as the professional development opportunities available."

Beta Alpha Psi, founded in 1919, is headquartered in Durham, NC. There are more than 300 chapters on college and university campuses worldwide, with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.