Business honors group hears professor

A successful graduate and a popular retiring veteran instructor shared wisdom as the Saint Michael’s Department of Business Administration and Accounting held its 15th Induction Ceremony of the Saint Michael’s College chapter of Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society that recognizes outstanding academic scholarship and achievement for students in business, management, and administration.

The first induction was held in 2004, which was also the 100th anniversary of the College, said Karen Popovich of the business faculty, one of the ceremony organizers.

Father Michael Carter, class of 2012, from the Society of Saint Edmund, offered this year’s Invocation.  Karen Talentino, Vice President for Academic Affairs offered opening congratulatory remarks. Each year, the Department invites one or two distinguished community members to address the students.

This year, Professor Joanne Scott, instructor in the DBAA, was recognized for her 27 years of service as she will be retiring at the end of the academic year.  She recounted her journey from her undergraduate degree from Middlebury to her Morgan Stanley in New York as a financial analyst and later as a Vice President.  She ultimately combined her passion for finance and working with clients by teaching young professionals at Saint Michael’s College.  “Follow your hearts and always keep your integrity,” Scott told the students. Popovich said Scott’s “passion for teaching inspires us all,” noting how she has taught close to 3,500 business and accounting students, including about 150 students in the former MSA program.

Will Meconi, Class of 2003, was recognized for his continuous support of the business and accounting program.  He has hired and mentored over 60 Saint Michael’s students for full-time career opportunities as well as summer internships at RSM in Boston, the 5th largest Accounting firm. In his remarks, Will reminded students to think of graduation and future knowing that they have a “three-legged bench for support”: Faculty will always inspire, Saint Michael’s friendships last a lifetime, and the Alumni Network is strong and vibrant with thousands of alumni they haven’t yet met.

Membership in Sigma Beta Delta encourages and promotes aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.  Students pledged to pursue wisdom, accept honor and aspire to fulfill worthy goals.  The following students were recognized: Cameron J. Blais, Madeline E.  Clark, Alex Colletta, James C. Combs, Elizabeth J. Cosentino , Addie P.Drinkwater, Connor Duffy, Daniel P. Duffy, Georgina M. Finneran, Kelsey D. Fleming, Connor Flueckiger, Amanda L.  Ford, Paige S. Goudreau, Zachary M. Maroon, Michael T. May, Ashley McGann, Kelly N. O’Hara, Nathan K. Peck, Melissa M. Powell, Ryan M. Stapleton, Amelia D. Weeks.