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Recognizing Excellence: Honors Society Induction at CBSM

Written by Ava Hopwood

Above: 2026 CBSM honors society inductee of the Order of the Sword and Shield receiving honors regalia and recognition. Excellence, leadership, and dedication took center stage in May as the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Business and Security Management (CBSM) celebrated the induction of exceptional students into two prestigious honor societies: Beta Gamma Sigma and Order of the Sword and Shield. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered both in person and virtually to honor the hard work that led to this milestone.

UA President Pat Pitney addressing inductees during the 2026 CBSM Honors Society ceremony.  Photo by Sarah Lewis Photography University of Alaska President Pat Pitney spoke during the event, highlighting the significance of students’ achievements both inside and outside the classroom. She shared, “This recognition reflects what you’ve accomplished beyond the classroom, but it also sets you apart. It sets you apart because you are willing to go one step further. You are choosing to improve yourself, and that will make a meaningful difference as you begin and continue your career.”

The ceremony continues to be held in a hybrid format, allowing students, families, and supporters to join from anywhere around the world. One notable moment included student Alexander Malinowski, who joined the induction from his home country of Sweden, demonstrating the global reach and connection of the CBSM community.

Beta Gamma Sigma inductees in person and online with UA President Pat Pitney, CBSM Dean Cam Carlson, and CBSM Accounting Professor Dr. Amy Cooper. Photos by: Sarah Lewis Photography

Beta Gamma Sigma is the premier international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB and is widely regarded as the highest academic recognition a student can receive in business school. Order of the Sword and Shield recognizes exceptional students in homeland security, intelligence, cybersecurity, and criminal justice disciplines who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and service. The ceremony highlighted the strength, perseverance, and talent of CBSM students and their readiness to make meaningful contributions in business, security, and public service careers. CBSM congratulates this year’s inductees on this well-deserved milestone. We look forward to seeing the continued success and stewardship they will bring to their professions and communities.

Order of the Sword and Shield inductees with Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management Program Director Dr. Alec Bennett and Master of Security and Disaster Management Program Director Dr. John Pennington. Photo By Sarah Lewis Photography

This article was developed with the assistance of AI for content organization and refinement. The University of Alaska is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution. The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status. UA is committed to providing accessible websites. Learn more about UA’s notice of web accessibility.

Edited by Dr. Amy Cooper and Stacey Currie

Credits:

Written by Ava Hopwood Edited by Dr. Amy Cooper and Stacey Currie