STEPHENVILLE, Texas — A new symbol of academic excellence and leadership now stands at Tarleton State University’s Dr. Sam Pack College of Business following the unveiling and dedication of a Beta Gamma Sigma Key statue on Friday, Oct. 16.
Made possible through the generosity of longtime university supporters Rocky and Tracey Hardin, the bronze Beta Gamma Sigma Key was unveiled during Homecoming Week in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business quad, recognizing the values of scholarship, integrity and service while honoring the achievements of current and future business students.
Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society recognizing outstanding academic achievement among students at business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The Key represents the organization’s guiding principles of honor, wisdom and earnestness.
“One of Tarleton States greatest strengths is the lifelong connection our alumni maintain with this university,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Rocky and Tracey Hardin exemplify that commitment through their generosity, leadership and unwavering support of our students. This Key will stand as a lasting reminder of the excellence we celebrate at Tarleton State and the important role our alumni play in creating opportunities for future generations.”
Rocky Hardin, an alumnus of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business, has maintained a strong connection to the university through his service on the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, Tarleton State Foundation Board and Bleed Purple NIL Board. Together, he and his wife, Tracey, have continued to invest in the college and opportunities for future generations of Texans.
“Tarleton State has been an important part of our lives, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to a place that has meant so much to our family,” said Rocky Hardin. “We hope this Key becomes a source of pride for students and a reminder that their education provides a foundation for whatever they choose to accomplish. Seeing future generations of Texans succeed is what makes an investment like this so meaningful.”
“The Beta Gamma Sigma Key represents the standard of excellence we encourage our students to pursue throughout their academic and professional careers,” said Dr. Natasha Delcoure, Dean of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business. “Thanks to Rocky and Tracey’s generosity, this symbol will have a permanent place at our college, inspiring generations of students to lead with integrity, pursue knowledge and make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.”
Earlier in the day, the university also unveiled and dedicated the Rocky and Tracey Hardin Office inside the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business building, further recognizing the couple’s contributions and longstanding relationship with the university.
The dedication ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the Beta Gamma Sigma Key, prominently displayed in the business quad, followed by the Texan SMART Open House.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.