Business Honor Society builds connection for students

When junior Human Resource Management major Alina Brown from Northville, Michigan, looked around, she saw plenty of opportunities for honors students in health and medical fields—but not much for honors students studying business.

“I didn’t know anyone in the College of Business in the grade above me or below me,” Brown said. “I didn’t know who to go to for advice, which professors people recommended, or how to navigate my credits. I felt isolated within the honors community and the College of Business as a whole.”

That realization led Brown, along with Ainsley Reigler and Caleb Peterson, to create the Business Honor Society in October 2024. The group is open to any student who is both in the College of Business and part of the CMU Honors Program. Their goal: build a sense of community, offer professional development opportunities, and make it easier for students to complete required volunteer hours together.

A community for every stage of the honors journey

The Business Honor Society brings together students from freshman year through senior year, creating a built-in support network.

“Our RSO is here to help you professionally, but also just personally,” Brown said. “We’ve been in your shoes, and we’ll be in your shoes again. It’s never too late to get involved—everyone has their own journey.”

The group’s flexible approach to meetings makes it easier for busy honors students to participate. Instead of rigid attendance requirements, members connect through group chats, quick video calls, and low-commitment gatherings. Plans for this year include two volunteer events per month, one general meeting, and study tables, with communication often handled by email or text.

Events that connect students and faculty

Last year’s signature event, “Capstones over Mocktails,” brought students and professors together for casual networking and academic insight. Faculty shared advice on completing honors and business capstones while a bartender mixed nonalcoholic drinks for attendees.

“The willingness from our professors to be there and support us was incredible,” Brown said. “It was such a great example of the community we’re building.”

Why join?

If you’re an honors student in the College of Business, the Business Honor Society offers:

• A network of peers across all class years
• Volunteer opportunities to fulfill honors requirements
• Professional development events tailored to business students
• Connections with faculty and alumni
• A welcoming, low-pressure way to get involved

“Everyone’s path looks different,” Brown said. “But having a community that understands both your honors and business experiences makes the journey a lot easier—and a lot more fun.”