Beta Gamma Sigma—the international honor society for business students—has awarded Northern Illinois University faculty member Dennis Barsema the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship. His nomination follows his successful career as an entrepreneur, his positive impact to society, and his ethical business practices.
Dennis Barsema was the man behind NIU’s Social Entrepreneurship program, which is housed in the Department of Management in the College of Business. The program’s mission is “to develop and support students in gaining the skills and networks necessary to solve the social problems of the world using business principles. Barsema teaches courses in the program.”
According to Bloomberg Business, Barsema has more than 30 years of executive experience in telecommunications, software and optical networking and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Benchmark Capital. He was a Venture Partner at Benchmark Capital and also an Advisor to the non-profit, micro-finance organization, Opportunity International, and Panzanzee.
According to a news release on the NIU College of Business website, Barsema has also made significant contributions in business and academia aboard with students and entrepreneurs in developing nations.