Weirich Recieves National Award for Accounting Education

WEIRICH RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR ACCOUNTING EDUCATION

Professor makes a difference in students’ lives for five decades

Central Michigan University Accounting Professor Tom Weirich has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Award by the American Institute of CPAs and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for his remarkable 50-year career dedicated to teaching and serving the accounting profession.

The award annually recognizes one accounting educator who has achieved national prominence through demonstrated excellence in teaching and a devotion to student development.

Tom Weirich (right) receiving his award from Mark Dawkins (left), the President of the American Accounting Association.

“Weirich brings public accounting to life in the classroom, bridging the gap to the real world and preparing them for the future,” said Denese Ennis, Director of Member Engagement and Academics for the Michigan Association of CPAs in a release announcing the award. “Weirich not only prepares students but helps them succeed.”

Weirich is passionate in his approach to mentoring students as they prepare for their future and his innovative teaching methods create a unique learning environment.

His forensic accounting class, for example, exposes students to capturing errors in large quantities of data, a skill many do not have exposure to before entering their careers in accounting. Students also learn from experts in the FBI, Homeland Security and the IRS, and are selected to collaborate with law enforcement to utilize their knowledge and solve fraud investigations.

To date, Weirich’s forensics accounting students, in collaboration with the Michigan State Police, have successfully resolved seven fraud investigations and two local Sheriff investigations. Because of its legacy, the class fills up within minutes of registration opening.

“Tom’s lifetime contributions to the profession and the university have been extraordinary, yet he ultimately deserves this recognition because of the profound impact he has had on our students,” CBA Dean Chris Moberg said. “Dozens of accounting alumni — from 25 to 75 years old — have told me about his passion for the profession and the difference he made in their lives while they prepared for the CPA exam and secured their first internship or job.”

Weirich’s impact extends beyond the classroom as he has authored several successful textbooks that have been widely used by other universities, CPA firms and corporations.

“This profession needs passionate, driven and open-minded individuals to forge the way for students and new professionals,” Weirich said. “Being honored for this award and recognized by my peers is a humbling experience, validating my lifelong focus on helping students with critical knowledge acquisition, personal development and career preparation.”