Bowling Green, Ky. - Amanda L. Childress, a Western Kentucky University senior from Bowling Green, has been awarded a Beta Gamma Sigma scholarship for her superior performance in the study of business.

Childress has received a $1,000 scholarship to continue her education in 2004-2005.

In its continuing tradition of recognizing student excellence in the field of business, Beta Gamma Sigma and its member deans will award more than $100,000 in scholarships in 2004-2005, the largest amount ever awarded by the honor society within a single academic year. Since 1988, the Society and its member deans have awarded nearly $900,000 in scholarships to outstanding business students.

Scholarship recipients are chosen from colleges and universities around the world, and embody the ideals set forth by Beta Gamma Sigma: honor, wisdom and earnestness. The Society is proud that its contributions have helped "the best in business" reach their academic and professional goals.

Scholarship recipients are student members of Beta Gamma Sigma and represent the top percentage of students within business programs accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Of the more than 1,400 institutions with degree programs in business, only 419 have been accredited by AACSB and have chapters of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is based on academic achievement and is extended to the best students in programs accredited by AACSB International. It is considered the highest recognition available to business students worldwide. To be eligible for membership, students must be enrolled in an AACSB accredited institution and be ranked within the upper 7 percent of their junior class, 10 percent of their senior class, or top 20 percent of the graduating master's class. Of the 300,000 students who will graduate from a business program each year, approximately 20,000 will be invited to join Beta Gamma Sigma.

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For information, contact Beta Gamma Sigma's Tim Weatherby at (314) 432-5650.