HUGHESVILLE, Md. — Eighteen College of Southern Maryland (CSM) business students were inducted into the Kappa Beta Delta Honor Society during a ceremony at the Regional Hughesville Campus last month. The international society recognized the students, who rank in the top 20 percent of their class, for their academic excellence by welcoming them into Delta Phi, CSM’s chapter of Kappa Beta Delta.
The event, hosted by CSM Professor Christopher Ripley, the Kappa Beta Delta faculty advisor, celebrated the students’ achievements. Ripley opened the ceremony, introducing honored guests, including Vice President of the Division of Learning Dr. Suzanne Summers. Summers addressed the inductees, emphasizing the qualities that led to their recognition.
“The hard work, dedication, and perseverance you’ve shown are going to stand you in good stead,” Summers said. “Employers want to hire employees with an inquisitive mindset, dedication, and perseverance, and those are the traits that have bought you here tonight.”
Candace Thompson, a representative from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU), which supports CSM’s Kappa Beta Delta chapter, spoke next. “We believe in supporting students and future leaders in the finance and business fields, and investing in a strong community,” Thompson said. “Tonight reflects your commitment to scholarship, your integrity, and your professional growth.”
The keynote address was delivered by CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson, introduced by Alexis Corcoran, the 2024 Kappa Beta Delta Vice President. Wilson praised the students for their ability to excel academically while managing multiple responsibilities. “It is inspiring to see so many of you achieving at such a high level while balancing so much,” Wilson said. “That is what it takes to excel in business and life… What you’re learning is about more than earning a degree, it’s about building skills and opportunities that improve your lives and your community.”
Wilson concluded her remarks with encouragement: “Keep rising, keep reaching, and keep showing the world what CSM students are made of.”
The inducted students are Amy Berry, Joel Escobar, Delphine Emmanuelle Fonke, Kiera Gnotsavath, Evelyn Howard, Leah Lewis, Niya Lewis, Higinio Martinez, Kara Mattia, Jay-Me Meadows, Aliyah Nichols, Karina Reyes, Jennifer Ridgell, Chloe Stanford, Eli Stevens, Jaelin Tidwell, Cadence Tolbert, and Blakely Wood.
Kappa Beta Delta is an international honor society that recognizes outstanding business students at institutions accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). CSM’s accounting, business administration, and business management programs hold ACBSP accreditation, a distinction shared by over 1,000 campuses worldwide, including more than 160 associate degree institutions. Membership in Kappa Beta Delta is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, placing them in the top 20 percent of their class.
The ceremony highlighted the students’ commitment to scholarship and their potential to become future leaders in business. ESFCU’s support underscores the community’s investment in fostering talent in finance and business fields. The event also showcased CSM’s role in preparing students for successful careers through accredited programs and opportunities for recognition like Kappa Beta Delta.
CSM’s Regional Hughesville Campus served as the venue for this milestone event, bringing together faculty, staff, and community partners to honor the inductees. The ceremony not only celebrated the students’ academic achievements but also emphasized the skills and mindset necessary for professional success, as noted by the speakers.
The induction into Kappa Beta Delta marks a significant achievement for these 18 students, reflecting their dedication and positioning them for future opportunities in the business world.
