Students who have completed two or more business classes and have at least a 3.5 GPA are encouraged to join Kappa Beta Delta.

As stated on KBD’s website, the purpose of the organization is to “encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students of business pursuing associate degrees, and to encourage and promote personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.”

Co-sponsor Charles Myrick said eligible students will receive an invitation letter via school email. Around 200 invitations are sent out each semester.

“There’s a list we go through in the business division office and we identify the top 20 percent of students who meet criteria,” he said.

Myrick said students pay a one-time fee of $50, giving them a lifetime membership.

President Crystal Springsteen said the organization participates in many activities that benefit others.

The Angel Tree, a Christmas tree that contains ornaments with names of children on it, is one of those activities.

Members of the organization may choose a name off the tree and buy a gift for that child.

“The Angel Tree is my favorite because when I first started school, I [was a recipient] and it really helped,” Springsteen said.

Business major Traci Long said she got involved in the organization because of all the benefits it provides.

“I know it’s going to look really good on my transcript and it’s definitely going to be beneficial going on to a university to finish my degree as well as look good on a resume,” Long said.

Springsteen agrees. She said she has been involved with the organization for three years now.

“When I came [to OCCC], I wanted to be a part of an organization and I got an invitation to this one,” she said. “I did a little bit of research and liked the scholarship opportunities and benefits KBD offered.”

Co-sponsor Germain Pichop said Kappa Beta Delta is an exclusive group you cannot find everywhere.

“With KBD, the school has to be accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools to have a chapter,” he said.

“When you get a chapter, it’s a statement that your program is a quality program.

“Having KBD on your transcript and having that certificate could open a lot of doors.”

Pichop said all first-time students who join receive a one-year subscription to Business Week magazine.

The club meets twice a month in room 2R0 in the Main Building. For more information on Kappa Beta Delta, contact Pichop at germain.n.pichop@occc.edu or at405- 682-1611, ext. 7285.