With its focus on excellence and ethical leadership, the Wilson Endowment supports UNI’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, enabling top business students to pursue opportunities such as the Ethical Leadership Credential and national conferences. Recent alum Reagan Lommell, ’25, who works in Technology Risk Assurance at Ernst & Young in Minneapolis, discusses how these opportunities influenced her UNI experience and continue to guide her early career.

Reflecting on your time at UNI, what did being part of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) mean to you?

Being part of Beta Gamma Sigma was an incredible honor and a meaningful part of my UNI experience. It allowed me to connect with other students who were just as passionate and driven about their education and future careers. The organization opened doors to opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Through BGS, I was invited to complete the NASBA Ethical Leadership Credential at no cost and was also able to attend a trip to the BGS Conference in Kentucky. Both experiences helped me grow academically and personally by connecting me with inspiring individuals who shared a commitment to ethical leadership.

What was it like to complete the Ethical Leadership credential? How did the program influence your approach to leadership or decision-making?

Completing the Ethical Leadership Credential was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. The program provided an easy way to dive deeper into how ethics influence decision-making in real-world business settings. The lessons were powerful. My biggest takeaway was learning how to recognize and thoughtfully approach ethical dilemmas when they arise in both personal and business environments. This perspective has been valuable when navigating the workforce post-graduation. 

How has your involvement in Beta Gamma Sigma, or your broader ethics coursework at UNI, influenced you?

Since graduation, my involvement with BGS has continued to influence my professional life in meaningful ways. I find myself better equipped to navigate complex group dynamics, collaborate effectively and lead with transparency. The focus BGS placed on ethical behavior has carried over into how I make decisions and manage responsibilities in the workplace.

What does it mean to you to know that support through the Wilson Endowment is available for future students, helping them access the same opportunities you had?

Having financial support for experiences such as the Ethical Leadership Credential and the BGS conference made a huge difference for me. Without that support, I likely would not have been able to participate, and I would have missed out on valuable learning, networking and personal growth opportunities. It’s reassuring to know that other students will continue to benefit from those same resources and experiences.