Accounting Scholars Development Program 2014

Accounting Scholars Development Program

2014

July 6th - 10th, 2014 | University of Denver | Denver, Colorado

Welcome to the UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

On July 6th, 26 students from 15 community colleges across six states arrived at the University of Denver for the start of the 2014 Accounting Scholars Development Program. After settling into their rooms in Nagel Hall, the Scholars headed to the Daniels College of Business for orientation with program director Dr. Sharon Lassar, four faculty counselors and seven peer counselors.

Welcome BBQwith School of Accountancy students, faculty and staff

make a differenceACCOUNTANTS

Giving back is an important part of the accounting community. To demonstrate this, the Scholars worked in

teams to build ten Big Wheels to be donated to a local non-profit. The activity emphasized the importance of teamwork as

each group was competing against the others to successfully build their Big Wheels the fastest. At the end of the week,

the winning team presented one of the big wheels to a very enthusiastic little girl (right) who represented the children

who would be benefitting from the scholars’ hard work.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:(1) ASDP Scholars listen carefully

to Ron and Bob’s words of wisdom. (2, 3) Bob Hickman

shares his experiences and advice for career planning. (4)

Ron Thompkins leads students in a discussion of Financial Literacy.

The Road to Success:

start with the basicsThe first full day at ASDP began with presentations by two extraordinary gentlemen: Bob Hickman, former HR director at a major accounting firm, and Ron Thompkins, partner at BCA Watson Rice, LLP. Their presentations introduced the scholars to important information that helped them start down the path to accounting. Bob Hickman shared his experiences as a minority in the accounting field and how his background and other factors have helped shape his career. Ron Thompkins discussed the basics of financial literacy and provided an overview of the financial planning skills that the scholars can use as they start their education and career in the

Bob Hickman - Career Planning: The Road AheadRon Thompkins - Financial Literacy

ACCOUNTING IN ACTION

Firm Visits

One of the essential pieces of understanding what it means to have a career in accounting is seeing it in action. To do so, the Scholars took two field trips to local accounting and financial companies to get a glimpse at what a day in the life of an accountant looks like. On Monday, the Scholars ventured south to Western Union where they got to tour their facilities, meet with some of the company leaders and get a first-hand look at how accounting impacts businesses. On Wednesday, the group visited Deloitte in downtown Denver and had an opportunity to see the inside of a public accounting firm and network with the professionals there.

MONDAY:

WESTERN UNIONWEDNESDAY:

DELOITTE

GETTING INTO ACCOUNTING

One of the most important pieces of the Accounting Scholars Development Program is encouraging the Scholars to get started on

the path to accounting. Numerous accounting professionals and University of Denver

students, alumni and campus representatives took time to present to the scholars to help

make this happen.

CAREER SUCCESS PANELVictor Amaya, ClearPath AccountantsGary Walker, Molson CoorsDiego Baca, Ernst & YoungDeb Smith, formerly of DeloitteDexter Metcalfe, KPMGOlga Vasilieva, PricewaterhouseCoopers

GETTING INTO ACCOUNTING

THE TRANSFER PROCESSJenn Lipke, Daniels Undergraduate AdmissionsMarilyn Hughes, Daniels College of BusinessJessica Drelles, Daniels Undergraduate ProgramsErica Shafer, DU Financial AidKathleen Davisson, School of Accountancy

INTERNSHIP WORKSHOPGrace Aldrich, BSAcc/MAcc ‘13Shivani Mohan, BSAcc, ‘08Alex Grencik, BSAcc/MAcc ‘14Jerrod Montoya, BSAcc/MAcc ‘14

CAREER SUCCESS PANELVictor Amaya, ClearPath AccountantsGary Walker, Molson CoorsDiego Baca, Ernst & YoungDeb Smith, formerly of DeloitteDexter Metcalfe, KPMGOlga Vasilieva, PricewaterhouseCoopers

RESUME WORKSHOP

Accounting professionals, students and faculty met one-on-one with Scholars in an intensive workshop designed to improve their resumes. By the end of the session, each Scholar walked out with a new and improved resume for use in college, internship and job applications.

MOCK INTERVIEWS & NETWORKING RECEPTION

Members of local accounting firms came to campus to play the part of recruiters in a series of mock interviews. Each Scholar had a thirty minute interview that mimicked the set-up, questions and behaviors of a real accounting interview. While not interviewing, Scholars practiced other profesional skills in a mock networking reception with accounting professionals, professors and students.

working on theirPROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Etiquette Dinnerwith Mary Medley

Mary Medley, President of the

Colorado Society of CPAs, walked

the Scholars through a four-course meal at the University

of Denver’s Fritz Knoebel School

of Hospitality Management

- showing them how to sit, eat and behave at a professional

business dinner.

accounting SPECIALTIESpresentations on two of the specialty areas within accounting for the scholars to consider.

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After spending a week researching, preparing and practicing a forensic accounting case, the groups presented their solutions to a panel of five judges that included School of Accountancy alumni, accounting profesionals and firm partners. These presentations were the culmination of late nights spent in groups working diligently to hammer out the accounting and business issues involved.

THE WINNING TEAMABOVE: THE WINNING TEAM POSES WITH THE JUDGES.

From left to right: Tim Raff (Peer Counselor), Daniel Alvarez, Samatar Chirdon, Sara Csanalosi, Juan Cifuentes, Rhonda Willert (Deloitte), Brett Koll (KPMG), Rachelle Barrett (EY), Michael Durniat (Grant Thornton).

Not pictured: Ryan Stine (Peer Counselor), Michael White (PwC).

GRO

UP

1ANA MEDINACHAD FREDERICKJUAN GARCIAAMANDA PAJONKCHUK ONUAKU

PEER COUNSELORS: ALEXIS TANOUE

GRO

UP

2HELEN MELAKEDEMSON SALMONANGEL RODRIGUEZJOSE CAMACHOANA PAREDES

PEER COUNSELORS: SETH SAUER

GRO

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3NESTOR MOTO JR.JULIO PINTOKOURTNEY BROWNMASUD RAHMANEDGAR AVILEZBIANCA ONWUKWE

PEER COUNSELORS: STEPHANIE PAXTON & RACHAEL MCKINNEY

GRO

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4HUGO CASTANEDADAVID DAVIS JR.LILIANA LOPEZNICOLE SIMONDEDJRIK JEFFERIES

PEER COUNSELORS: ELENA MARTINEZ

GRO

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5JUAN CIFUENTESSAMATAR CHIRDONDANIEL ALVAREZSARA CSANALOSILESLYE MAGALLON

PEER COUNSELORS: TIM RAFF & RYAN STINE

THE WEEK AT A GLANCEWHAT THEY DID, WHERE THEY WENT and WHO THEY MET

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

SCHOLARS ARRIVE IN DENVERORIENTATIONwith Dr. Sharon Lassar

CASE INTRODUCTIONwith Brett Koll, KPMG

TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY (BIG WHEEL BUILD)with KED

WELCOME BBQwith SoA faculty and students

EVENING SPENT WORKING ON CASES

CAREER PLANNING: THE ROAD AHEADwith Bob Hickman

FINANCIAL LITERACYwith Ron Thompkins

FIRM VISITat Western Union


THE TRANSFER PROCESSwith University of Denver Representatives

INTERNSHIP WORKSHOPwith SoA alumni and students

RESUME WORKSHOPwith KED, SoA students, counselors and industry professionals

CAREER SUCCESS PANELwith industry professionals

NETWORKING RECEPTION AND MOCK INTERVIEWSwith industry prfofessionals and SoA faculty

ETIQUETTE DINNERwith Mary Medley


ADVISORY SPECIALTYwith Hugh Burgin, EY

TAX SPECIALTYwith Dr. Sharon Lassar and Patrick Gibbs, PwC

FIRM VISITat Deloitte

AFTERNOON and EVENING SPENT WORKING ON CASES

FINAL CASE PRESENTATIONS with judges from accounting firms

PROGRAM CONCLUSION with Dr. Sharon Lassar

SCHOLARS RETURN HOME

OF THE 2014 ACCOUNTING SCHOLARS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

SCHOLARSAMANDA PAJONKCommunity College of Aurora | Aurora, CO

Amanda was born in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. She is currently maintaining a 4.0 at the Community College of Aurora with plans to transfer to a prestigious Colorado university to complete her bachelor’s in accounting. She is aiming to become a CPA and help further enhance her love of helping people. She spends her time helping volunteer with different organizations and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and President of the Women’s Coalition of the Community College of Aurora. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her dogs and family while exploring all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

ANA MEDINACanada College | Los Angeles, CA

Ana was born in Mexico and raised in the United States. She comes from a very loving Mexican family that includes her four year old child. When she first became pregnant as a teenager, she was told her life was ruined, but her life truly began then. She worked hard to earn good grades in high school while being a new mom and started attending Canada College after graduation. Ana just completed her associates degree in accounting and her certificate in bookkeeping, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Next year, she will obtain two more associates degrees, one in economics and the other in business administration after which she plans to transfer and continue her education. Ana has been on the Dean’s list since she started at Canada College. Her parents and her son are her motivation for success and she plans to continue to make them proud because she truly believes education is the key to her success. She has beaten the odds and plans on continuing to do so. As a first generation college student, she wants to set a good example for the future generations. When she is not studying, Ana enjoys spending time with her family and dancing.

meet the

ANA PAREDESMiami Dade College | Miami, FL

Ana Paredes just graduated from the Honors College at Miami Dade College where she completed her Associates Degree in Accounting with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently interning at Resorts World Bimini in the Accounting/ Finance Department. She was the Student Government Association’s Treasurer and Phi Beta Lambda’s Vice President of Community Service at Miami Dade College. She was also an enhanced member of one of the five-star chapters of Phi Theta Kappa. She was born in Ecuador and moved to the United States at eleven years of age. She previously graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ronald Reagan Senior High School and is transferring to the University of Florida. Ms. Paredes speaks fluent Spanish and English. Her hobbies include skating, exercising, and creative writing. Her community service experience has included being a peer tutor and volunteering at the Victim Response, Inc. /The Lodge, while also working as a part-time instructor and supervisor in Kumon Learning Center.

ANGEL RODRIGUEZDiablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, CA

Born and raised in California, Angel enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2007 where he served six years as an aerospace ground equipment craftsman. In 2013, he attended Diablo Valley College. Currently, he is expected to attend Saint Mary’s College of California for fall 2014. Angel’s short term goals consist of graduating Saint Mary’s and beginning a master’s program in Forensic Accounting while studying for the CPA test. His hobbies include weight lifting, helping out local programs that positively impact the community youth and helping out fellow veterans.

BIANCA ONWUKWEPrince George’s Community College | Largo, MD

Bianca is the fourth amongst five children. She was born in America and raised in Nigeria before returning to the states seven years ago. She speaks English, Igbo and a little bit of French. She is the odd one in her family as her siblings are pursuing health-related majors whereas she is more interested in topics pertaining to business. She is currently 18 years old and is a rising junior. She attended Prince George’s Community College where she finished with a 3.9 GPA and will be transferring to the University of Maryland College Park in the fall of 2014 to pursue a degree in business and economics. In her spare time, Bianca loves to volunteer at Shelter Homes and Rehab centers, read novels, and dance.

2014 ACCOUNTING SCHOLARS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - THE SCHOLARS, CONT.

CHADRICK FREDERICKBorough of Manhattan Community College | New York City, NY

Chadrick was born in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia where he lived until July 2010. After graduating high school in Saint Lucia in 2010, he migrated to the United States where he then decided to further his education by applying to Borough Manhattan Community College. He is one semester away from receiving my Associates Degree in Accounting with an overall GPA of 3.8 and a major GPA of 3.85. At BMCC, he is currently an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor Society, A BMCC Foundation Scholar and the Vice President of the BMCC Accounting Club. His future goals are to transfer to Queens College or possibly University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business to pursue a degree in accounting with a minor in taxation. After accomplishing these goals he would then be able to sit the CPA exam and work to earn my CPA license. He also has a high interest in playing soccer as well as he has practiced with the BMCC soccer team and hopes to practice and play for the college where he will transfer.

CHUKWUNWIKE ONUAKUPrince George’s Community College | Largo, MD

Chuk was born and raised in Prince George’s County and currently resides in Lanham, Maryland. Chuk has recently graduated with honor from Prince Georges Community College (PGCC) with an Associate of Science in Business Administration. While at PGCC, Chuk was an active member in several organizations including the Diverse Male Student Initiatives (DMSI). DMSI is an aggressive retention program that focuses on providing academic and career oriented guidance for the men of color. Chuk is also a member of the Hillman Entrepreneurs, a scholarship program that focuses on developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Chuk plans to attend the University of Maryland at College Park, where he plans to pursue a double major in Accounting and another program of his choice.

DANIEL (HECTOR) ALVAREZCypress College | Cypress, CA

Hector was born and raised in Southern California. He currently attends Cypress College where he has just completed his first year. He knew accounting was the right field of study for him after takin gone year of an accounting class during his senior year of high school. He has always been amazed by and passionate about numbers. He has recently become aware of the many fields of accounting, but is still unsure as to which profession within the industry that he wants to pursue. After graduating from Cypress College, he plans to transfer to a university outside of California. He has his mind set on Universities within the state of New York. As a young adult still new to the real world, he is eager to learn and pursue the field of accounting and become a CPA to help himself and others in all possible ways.


DAVID DAVIS JR.Santa Monica Community College | Los Angeles, CA

David was born in Los Angeles, California and currently attends Santa Monica Community College. He is a Finance/Economics major with plans to transfer to a four-year university. David is a VITA volunteer and is also a member of Toastmasters International. His future goals include becoming a Certified Public Accountant and eventually becoming a top executive at a company.

DEDJRIK JEFFERIESPrince George’s Community College | Largo, MD

Born in Suitland, Maryland, Dedjrik recently graduated with high honor from Prince George’s Community College. Dedjrik has held active memberships with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Chief Financial Officer of the PGCC Enactus Team, Diverse Male Student Initiatives and Who’s Who among Students in American Universities & Colleges. Dedjrik has been accepted into the University of Maryland College Park as a Transfer Academic Excellence Scholarship recipient where he plans to major in Accounting. Dedjrik plans to pursue the Masters Degree in Business Administration and the CPA. Currently, Dedjrik works as an Accounting Intern for the Authentic Bartending School of Maryland.

DEMSON SALMONBorough of Manhattan Community College | New York City, NY

Demson was born in Jamaica where he has spent most of his life. While pursuing an Associate in Science Degree in Forensic Accounting at Borough of Manhattan Community College, he became the president of the accounting club, volunteered as individual tax preparer and maintained his 3.85 GPA, granting him membership in the Phi Theta Kappa honors society. It is his utmost desire to obtain his bachelors and masters in Accountancy and then sit for the CPA exam. He enjoys being a leader, loves to extend his gifts and employ his talents to benefit others and, above all else, loves to explore.


EDGAR AVILEZMiami Dade College | Miami, FL

Edgar was born and raised in Homestead, FL. He just graduated from Miami Dade College with an Associate’s in Accounting and graduated Phi Theta Kappa with a 3.95 GPA. As a first generation college graduate, he wants to set a great example for his younger siblings. After taking his first accounting course, he was immediately hooked and switched his major to accounting. He is currently employed at Miami Dade College as an accounting tutor. He plans to attend Florida International University to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting before becoming a CPA. He is very involved in helping the Hispanic community and acts as treasurer of a local organization called Homestead’s E.R.A. In his spare time, Edgar enjoys soccer, music and learning new things.

HELEN MELAKESouth Mountain Community College | Phoenix, AZ

Helen was born in Sudan, located in east of Africa. She moved to California at the age of eight with her father and six other siblings to have the freedom of an education. After high school, she entered the work force. After ten years of practicing finance, she made the decision to move to Arizona to study Managerial Accounting in 2012. She is currently attending South Mountain Community College to complete her Associate in Accounting. Beginning of Fall of 2014, she will be transferring to Arizona State University to continue studying for her Bachelors in Managerial Accounting full time. In two years, she will graduate with her Bachelors. She will then move back to San Francisco where she will hold a position as a Managerial Accounting for a big firm. With her work experience and a bachelors degree, she will be strong asset for her firm. After three years of practicing, she will study for her masters.

HUGO CASTANEDARed Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO

Hugo Castañeda is originally from Southern California and has been living in Colorado for almost three years. He attended Red Rocks Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in business and computer network specialist. At Red Rocks Community College, he helped established, played for, and captained the Red Rocks Rugby Football Club which is now the only community college with a rugby team in the NSCRO division. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society for all three years. He plans to transfer to the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Buisness to major in accounting.


JOSE CAMACHO de SACROEl Camino College | Torrance, CA

Jose currently resides in Manhattan Beach, California and attends El Camino College in Torrance, California where he studies Economics. He has made the Dean’s List two semesters in a row and will continue to do so. Upon graduating from his community college, he plans to pursue further education at either USC or DU to later explore a career involving accounting or finance. He believes that accounting is an integral part of many different businesses and the knowledge acquired through this education will help him with future careers. His aspirations include becoming a CPA, CMA and a Financial Analyst for an accredited corporation. When he is not working or attending classes, he enjoys weight training, staying active, and volunteering at homeless shelters in the Los Angeles Area.

JUAN CIFUENTESLaGuardia Community College | New York City, NY

Juan Cifuentes recently obtained his associates degree in accounting from LaGuardia Community College in New York. Three years ago, he came to the US looking for new academic opportunities. After he deeply analyzed his skills and interests, he found that accounting satisfies his objectives as a current student and future professional. His interest in math, finance and accounting subjects strongly suits this career. Academically, he expects to transfer to University at Albany and become a CPA around 2020. Moreover, he wants to network with different professionals and gain sufficient experience to decide what areas of accounting he feels the most comfortable in. In his free time, he likes to play soccer, volunteer and read nonfiction books.

JUAN GARCIAEl Camino College | Torrance, CA

Juan Garcia was born and raised in San Pedro, California as the oldest of three children. Starting in 2nd grade, he was homeschooled, an experience he says provided no barrier to his socialization or education. He was heavily involved in Boy Scouts, club soccer, the YMCA, church youth groups and other various activities. In college, Juan’s original major was mechanical engineering, but he ultimately opted out after falling in love with economics. His goals are to earn an advanced degree in economics with an either minor or double major in accounting. He would love to teach economics or accounting one day and perhaps become involved in politics and government.


JULIO PINTOReedley College | Reedley, CA

Julio Pinto was born in Colima, Mexico and raised in Reedley, CA. He is currently attending Reedley College (Reedley, CA) and pursuing an A.S. degree in Business Administration. At Reedley College, Julio is actively engaged in several student organizations such as the Student in Free Enterprise/Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization (S.I.F.E./C.E.O.) Club, Freshmen Academic Success Team (F.A.S.T.) Club, and the TRiO Stepping Stone to Success (S.S.S.) Club. For the 2014 – 2015 academic year, he will serve as President of the TRiO SSS Club. Julio plans to transfer to the University of California, Santa Barbara, complete a B.A. in Economics and Accounting and work towards becoming a CPA.

KOURTNEY BROWNSanta Monica College | Los Angeles, CA

Kourtney Brown was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She currently attends Santa Monica College, a great school she says has “a lot of life,” and works at Olive Garden Restaurants. In high school and college, she discovered volleyball, her favorite hobby. She also loves writing music, reading good books, exercising and learning new ways of cooking. In the future, she hopes to become a wonderful CPA and make enough money to support herself and the family she wants to have.

LESLYE MAGALLONArapahoe Community College | Littleton, CO

Leslye was born in a remote area of Mexico called Sonora, San Luis Rio Colorado. She is Mexican/Cuban with some African heritage. Leslye is currently pursing studies in business administration and accounting at Arapahoe Community College and wants to transfer to a university to complete her bachelor’s degree. She was a DECA state qualifier and participant two years in a row and has also participated in many leadership camps including the Air Force Academy camp where she spent two summers. Her interest in accounting is newly found, but passionate. Leslye was the student body president at her high school and sat on student council for four years in addition to her other extracurricular and community service activities. Her future plans include finishing the prototype for a product she created and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.


LILIANA LOPEZEl Camino College | Torrance, CA

Liliana was born and raised in Southern California. She earned an A.S. degree in Business Administration from El Camino College and has been accepted to the HAAS School of Business at UC Berkeley where she plans to attend in the fall. During her time at El Camino College, she was the Director of Finance for the governing student body on campus. She also participated in Track and Field as a multi-event athlete. She plans to continue doing Track and Field at UC Berkeley. She was recognized for her academic and athletic accomplishments by being selected as a Norm Verry Scholarship recipient. Her interest in Business is driven by the need to create educational opportunity to low income students just like her. She would like to attend graduate school and receive an MBA and become a CPA one day.

MD MASADUR RAHMANBronx Community College | New York City, NY

Md was born and raised in a small village in Bangladesh before coming to the United States in 2011. Last semester, he graduated from Bronx Community College with an Assoiate’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting option). While studying at BCC, he worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader at the City University of New York and interned in the student government association. He was an active member of the business club and Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society. He has recently been accepted into the Zinklin School of Business at Baruch College. His plan is to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Baruch College within three years and eventually become a Certified Public Accountant. Md is enthusiastic about taking up new challenges in life.

NESTOR MOTO JR.Cypress College | Cypress, CA

Nestor is a Southern California kid. He was born in West LA and was raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. He is currently attending Cypress College where he is pursuing a career in Accounting. He plans to transfer to California State University, Long Beach in the fall of 2014. He loves to play football and has run the LA Marathon every year since 2006. He plans to open his own Accounting firm and set up a scholarship fund in the future to help Americans realize their potential.


NICOLE SIMONMiami Dade College | Miami, FL

Nicole Simon was born in Miami Florida as the daughter of two Cuban immigrants. She attended the Miami Dade Honors College where she received an Associates Degree in Accounting. While in the Honors College, Nicole took extra honors courses and took part in community service projects. Nicole was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and also held the position of Treasurer for the Phi Beta Lambda Chapter where she organized and raised funds in order to participate in the Florida PBL State Leadership Conference in Orlando. Nicole plans on transferring in the Fall of 2014 to Florida International University where she will further her studies in accounting. Upon completing her Bachelor’s Degree, she plans to continue her studies with a Master of Business Administration and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Afterwards, she plans to open up her own accounting firm.

SAMATAR CHIRDONSanta Monica College | Los Angles, CA

Samatar Chirdon is a Las Vegas native, though his family is originally from Northern Somalia (Somaliland). He graduated from Northwest Career and Technical Academy as an engineering student, but soon changed his major to Finance during his first year of college in Santa Monica. He is currently searching for an internship in the finance and accounting community. He plans to transfer to a four-year college to graduate with a bachelors in either accounting or finance before getting a masters in finance. He hopes to work for one of the big 4 accounting firms before opening up his own firm in the future. Samatar loves all sports and is an avid soccer fan. He enjoys travelling and spending quality time with his family and friends. He is excited to be a part of ASDP in Denver as it fits all of his interests.

SARA CSANALOSIMiami Dade College | Miami, FL

Sara comes from a Trinidadian background. Her mother came to the United States when she was in her 20s with a heavy accent and no citizenship, so Sara considers herself lucky to have access to the education that she does. She is currently a student at Miami Dade College and plans to transfer to a four-year university in the fall of 2014 to study accounting. For three years, Sara has worked at a spa where she has grown into a management position that allowed her access to the business side of the operation. Through her involvement evaluating sales, revenue, retention, and other information, she decided to pursue Business Administration. Upon taking her first accounting class, Sara fell in love and immediately switched her major to accounting. Sara’s ultimate career goal is to become an accounting professor. When she is not studying, Sara loves going fishing and boating, running, and enjoying a glass of wine with friends.


2014 ACCOUNTING SCHOLARS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Faculty Counselors

SHARON LASSAR, Program DirectorSharon founded the Accounting Scholars Development Program in 2010 to attract exceptional students to a profession that will use their talents and propel their careers in various rewarding directions. She is the John J. Gilbert Endowed Professor and Director of the School of Accountancy in the Daniels College of Business at The University of Denver. Lassar has served the profession in many roles and is currently on the Pre-Certification Education Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Society of CPAs. She earned her PhD at the University of Southern California, her Master of Taxation at Bentley University, and her Bachelor of Accounting at West Virginia University.

KATHLEEN DAVISSONKathleen has a BS in Accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Denver. She is a licensed CPA in the state of Colorado. She serves on the Careers committee of the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants. She has held executive positions with a computer networking firm and a computer training firm. She teaches accounting information systems and managerial accounting. Her favorite role is that of advisor to the dual degree accounting students at the University of Denver.

SIDNEY ASKEWAs former treasurer and board member of The Carter G. Woodson Foundation (Newark, N.J.), Sidney Askew is an Associate Professor - Accounting at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY). Sidney has worked as a bank examiner for the Comptroller of the Currency. In private industry, he held several roles from auditor to financial analyst for leading global financial institutions. A member of the AICPA, the ACFE, and the American Accounting Association, Sidney’s favorite role is teaching accounting and steering accounting students towards the many careers in the accounting profession. Sidney is a graduate of Syracuse University and Cornell University.

MABEL MACHINMabel is a tenured faculty member at Edmonds College, MBA faculty at Florida Tech, and tenured faculty and department head for business/accounting at Valencia College. As department head, Mabel supervises faculty, offers guidance, revises and creates new curriculum and programs, and coordinates assessments, among other things. Mabel holds a CPA, CGMA and Digital Professor Designation. She obtained her graduate accounting degree (MPA) at Seattle University. Her professional memberships include: AICPA, ALPFA, AAA, CMA, TACTYC, and FAAE. Her speaking engagements and publications include: TACTYC, CMA, FAAE and Cengage/McGraw-Hill/Pearson Contributions. Mabel serves as site coordinator for the IRS VITA program with AARP and her schools and does pro-bono work for non-profit organizations.

MING LUMing Lu is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Santa Monica College. He teaches courses in principles of accounting and intermediate accounting. Ming received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from UC Berkeley and Master’s degree in Business Taxation from USC. Prior to Santa Monica College, he worked at Deloitte and Northrop Grumman. He has also worked as a consultant for KPMG and Fox. His broad accounting industry experience includes work in the areas of real estate, retail, insurance, legal entities, health care, banking, hi-tech, wineries, and high net worth individuals. His client list has ranged from business entities such as Fry’s Electronics, San Jose Sabercats, Peet’s Coffee, and Morrison & Foerster to multi-millionaires such as members of the Fisher family (owners of Gap, Inc.) and top executives from Bank of the West, Hewlett-Packard, Citibank, and Nestle.

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ELENAMARTINEZ SETH

SAUERRachael McKinney will be finishing her undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Denver the spring of 2015 and plans on immediately pursuing her Masters in Accountancy thereafter. She hopes to explore career options within public or governmental accounting once she acquires her CPA. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, she looks forward to sharing her transfer experience with the ASDP attendees in hopes of aiding in their educational decision-making. She is excited to be a part of the ASDP program as she strives to develop a rich network of accounting students and professionals.

Originally from a small town in New Mexico, Elena attended the Accounting Scholars Development Program in 2013 where she decided to pursue a degree in accounting. In Fall 2013, she transferred to the University of Denver where she is currently a senior pursuing a bachelor’s of accounting degree. She plans on staying for a fifth year to earn a master’s of accountancy before starting work in the industry. In her spare time, Elena enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing soccer in the beautiful Colorado sunshine. She is excited about the opportunity to encourage this year’s students to pursue a degree in accounting and help answer their questions as an alumnus of the program.

Seth is a motivated student at the Daniels College of Business. He is working towards his BS in Accounting and BSBA in International Business in addition to his Masters in Accounting. After graduation he hopes to work at one of the many great accounting firms here in Denver. Though technically not a Colorado native, Seth is one at heart. He takes advantage of the wonderful snow conditions whenever possible and enjoys hiking. Seth hopes to share the experience he has obtained in his accounting studies with others this year at the ASDP.

RYANSTINE

TIMRAFF

ALEXISTANOUE

STEPHANIEPAXTON

Ryan is currently a student in the Master of Accountancy program at the University of Denver and an intern at one of the Big 4 accounting firms. Ryan will graduate from DU in fall 2014 with both his bachelor and master degrees. Throughout his time at DU, he has kept busy both with the rigorous accounting coursework and his involvement in accounting outside of the classroom. He is the current President of Beta Alpha Psi – an organization that provides professional development, networking and community service opportunities for accounting and other financial information students. Outside of accounting, Ryan loves staying in shape through playing sports and going to the gym and is excited to get out and have some fun in the sun this summer.

Tim is a Colorado native and a dual-degree student at DU. He will graduate in Winter Quarter 2014 with his BS in Accounting, BA in Mathematics with a minor in Economics, and his Masters of Accountancy. He recently completed the CMA exam and is now studying for the CPA exam. This fall, he will be interning with Deloitte in their Advisory practice where he hopes to work full time after graduating. Tim is very involved in the School of Accountancy and DU. Last winter he ran the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and served as an officer in Beta Alpha Psi. He also works in the Daniels Office of Undergraduate Programs where he coordinates the Microsoft Office Certification Program. He hopes one day to get his PhD in accounting and eventually teach. In his spare time, Tim enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors. He is excited to have the opportunity to volunteer for the ASDP program and share his experiences with other students interested in accounting.

Alexis became interested in accounting when she was in the eighth grade. A youth leader who was studying for the CPA exam told her about auditing and encouraged her to take an accounting class in high school. Now, Alexis is a dual-degree student at the University of Denver and will graduate with her BS in Accounting and Master of Accountancy in March 2015. Following graduation, she plans to finish the CPA before starting as an audit staff with Ernst & Young in August 2015. Looking back, Alexis recognizes the significant impact the conversation she had in middle school had on her life. As a result, Alexis decided to serve as an ASDP counselor in the hopes of inspiring others to pursue a future in accounting and helping them to develop tools that will aid in their future success.

Stephanie is a current Master of Accountancy student at the University of Denver, with undergraduate accounting education from the Ohio State University. Stephanie enjoys accounting because of its resemblance to a puzzle and specifically loves tax accounting because the major concepts generally remain constant while the details continuously change. Stephanie shares her knowledge and passion for accounting by working as a teacher’s assistant for the Daniels College of Business. Additionally, Stephanie is in the process of completing the CPA exams - REG and BEC down, FAR and AUD to go! After graduating in August, Stephanie will begin a tax associate position with Grant Thornton in the Denver office. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys ice skating, eating sushi, reading the Game of Thrones books, and watching B1G football.

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Accounting Scholars Development Program 2014

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