CSM Students Find Success in Business Program

Eighteen College of Southern Maryland (CSM) business students were celebrated as they were inducted into the Kappa Beta Delta Honor Society during a ceremony held at the Regional Hughesville Campus last month. The international society invites students to join Delta Phi – CSM’s chapter of Kappa Beta Delta – as they are in the top 20 percent of their class. 

CSM Professor Christopher Ripley, the Kappa Beta Delta faculty advisor, welcomed attendees to the April 24 event and introduced the honored guests. Vice President of the Division of Learning Dr. Suzanne Summers then shared her insight on how the traits students needed to be accepted to the honor society will get them noticed as they move forward in their careers. 

“The hard work, dedication, and perseverance you’ve shown are going to stand you in good stead,” she said. “Employers want to hire employees with an inquisitive mindset, dedication, and perseverance, and those are the traits that have bought you here tonight.” 

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU) representative Candace Thompson took to the podium next. CSM’s Kappa Beta Delta chapter is generously supported by the ESFCU. 

“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.” 

Next, past Kappa Beta Delta Vice President Alexis Corcoran ’24 introduced the night’s keynote speaker, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. 

“It is inspiring to see so many of you achieving at such a high level while balancing so much,” Wilson said. “That it 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.” 

“Keep rising, keep reaching, and keep showing the world what CSM students are made of,” she concluded. 

The following CSM students were inducted into the honor society: 

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 Tidwelll 

Cadence Tolbert 

Blakely Wood 

About Kappa Beta Delta: To host a chapter of Kappa Beta Delta, a school must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). ACBSP is present at more than 1,000 campuses across the globe including over 160 associate degrees institutions. CSM’s accounting, business administration and business management programs are all ACBSP accredited.