A New Beginning For The University
The Municipal University of Omaha became the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) on July 1, 1968. The College of Business Administration retained its separate status following the merger, however there had been sentiment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that it be the "flagship" campus with UNO colleges being administered by Lincoln. University regents decreed relative autonomy for the campuses with cooperation to be the theme even though the University of Nebraska-Lincoln would be referred to as the "flagship" campus. During the early part of the merger, Chancellor Varner of the University of Nebraska determined that the leadership titles on the campuses should be reversed: President Naylor would become Chancellor Naylor, and Chancellor Varner would become President Varner. The UNO College of Business retained its identity and continued under the leadership of John W. Lucas.
Being accorded AACSB recognition made the college eligible to sponsor a business honorary society, Beta Gamma Sigma. This society is the only honors organization recognized by AACSB. Beta Gamma Sigma was founded in 1913 with three chapters. By 2001, it had grown to 335 chapters with a membership of 440,000. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is restricted to the top 7 percent of students of their junior class and the top 10 percent of their senior class. The top 20 percent of masters degree students can be admitted to membership. The goal of Beta Gamma Sigma is to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in the study of business. The Gamma chapter at UNO has been in existence for 36 years. The UNO chapter ensures that eligible students are made aware of their qualification for membership by having fraternity officers and faculty members, in their academic regalia, visit candidates in their respective classrooms and demonstrate how an honorary fraternity "taps" eligible students. This method also provide additional publicity for the chapter. Student acceptance of invitations delivered in this fashion have been most positive.