Scranton Ledger - Fall 2019

SCR A N T ON ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

Online Master of Accountancy ranked among the best in the Nation for fourth consecutive year. See page 3.

Scranton Ranks among the best in the Nation for the CMA Pass Rate. See page 4.

The AACSB Recognizes Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Program Among Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States

T

he Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recognized The University of Scranton’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program for “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” Just 43 colleges from the two continents were included in the latest publication that recognizes the “impactful ways” AACSB member schools are redefining business education.

AACSB recognized Scranton for providing a non-traditional research DBA in accounting that “promotes diversity and practice relevance by providing a flexible path for experienced practitioners to gain the knowledge and credentials required to succeed in tenure-track positions at AACSBaccredited institutions.”

The University developed its DBA program in accounting in response

to the pending shortage of accounting faculty, and The Pathways Commission on Accounting Higher Education of the American Accounting Association (AAA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) call to develop more flexible, non-traditional tracks to an accounting doctorate for experienced practitioners.

AACSB also has recognized this need.

Pictured are Kania School of Management Doctoral Program Faculty and Students: Satya Chattopadhyay, Charles Speicher, Doug Boyle, Ran Li, Marian Farrell, Rebecca Mikesell, Hugh Lambert, Gregory Kogan, Thomas Parker, Marissa Hoffman, Dan Gaydon, Natalie Roberts, Elizabeth Quaye, Nadine Samuels, Robert Spalletta, Afia Oppong, James Sunday, Stasia Morlino, Laura Lamb, Jessica Hidebrand, Alexis Montelone, Jessie Wright, Ashley Stampone, Felisha Fret, Linette Rayeski, Anuradha Ghai.

Several Scranton accounting faculty members researched and published manuscripts in highly recognized journals, examining the national challenge as part of their research to develop the DBA program at the University. These journals included

the Journal of Accountancy, Accounting Horizons, Strategic Finance, and Management Accounting Quarterly. ...continued on page 2

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

1

The AACSB Recognizes Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Program Among Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States ...continued from page 1 The University’s DBA program in accounting, launched in the fall of 2017, is a research degree that was developed specifically to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career, while still providing for the development of the knowledge and skill set necessary to become a “scholarly academic,” that is one who is most qualified to serve in a tenure-track position at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation

by AACSB International.

Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA, associate professor, Accounting Department chair, and DBA program director at Scranton said the innovative doctorate program provides a flexible structure and practice relevance, in addition to training for teaching excellence.

“First, the program has a single concentration in accounting. This innovation enables the program participants to engage earlier and more deeply in research in the accounting discipline, thus better preparing them to publish in quality peer-reviewed journals,” said Dr. Boyle.

“Second, the program follows a cohort model and is delivered in a flexible manner through monthly on-campus residencies, allowing participants to retain their professional positions and practice relevance. Third, the program includes faculty from Scranton and nationally recognized scholars from other AACSB institutions, serving as global scholars in the dissertation process. In addition to extensive coursework in business literature, theory and methods, the program also includes courses in the academic governance, teaching excellence, Jesuit pedagogy and applied research to address practice relevance.”

2

According to Dr. Boyle, the DBA’s first three cohorts of 35 doctoral candidates represent a very diverse group of professionals with extensive practice experience. The majority of the candidates are female and over 20 percent represent individuals of color.

“This diversity far exceeds that of population of tenured faculty and senior accounting leaders in practice,” said Dr. Boyle. He also said the initial scholarly outcomes for the DBA students have included numerous conference presentations, proceeding and peer-reviewed publications, with several candidates already having published manuscripts in the top peer-reviewed practice journals.

To find out more about the DBA program, please contact Dr. Boyle at douglas.boyle@ scranton.edu or visit https://www.scranton.edu/ academics/ksom/dba-program/index.shtml.

This international recognition demonstrates the innovation, impact, and diversity of our DBA Program.”

– Doug Boyle

Master of Accountancy Program Continues to Top Best Rankings The University of Scranton online master’s in accountancy program (MAcc) ranked No. 1, No. 3, No. 4 (twice) and No. 7 in five separate 2019 “Best Online Programs in Accounting” lists.

• B est Colleges ranked the University’s program No. 1 in the nation in its ranking of the “Top 25 Programs for a Master’s in Accounting Online for 2019.”

• B est College Reviews, an online college review journal, ranked Scranton No. 3 in the nation in its list of the “40 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting.”

• M aster’s Program Guide ranked Scranton No. 4 in its list of the “50 Best Online Master of Accounting Degrees.”

• A ccounting Degree Review ranked Scranton No. 4 in the nation in its list of the “Top 50 Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting.”

• C ollege Choice ranked Scranton No. 7 in its “Best Online Master’s in Accounting” list.

• O nline Schools Center, an online college information source, listed Scranton among the “Top 15 Online Master’s of Management Accounting.” Schools were not ranked in the listing of just the top online accounting programs in the nation.

• A ccountingEdu.org. identified Scranton among the “15 Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting with the Best CPA Exam First-Time Pass Rates” in the nation for online programs.

MAcc director and associate professor James F. Boyle, DBA, CPA attributes this success to “our continuous assessment of the curriculum, significant practice experience and research of our faculty, and strong involvement of our successful executive alumni who currently serve in public

accounting (Big Four, national, and regional firms) and major public and private companies.”

For example, the Accounting Department’s research of current market accounting trends and feedback from accounting alumni recruiters revealed a need to develop specialized forensic and business analytics courses to prepare our students entering the work force. The 2018 PwC Developing a Digital Mindset outlined the real market need for a digital footprint in The University of Scranton’s accounting curriculum.

Beginning in the fall of 2019, The University of Scranton Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program will offer two new concentrations: (1) Forensic Accounting and (2) Accounting Analytics. MAcc students may select one of these new concentrations or the MAcc General Track program. MAcc Program Director Dr. James Boyle now uses the revised MAcc student study plans to advise MAcc students depending on their chosen concentration. New courses offered for the accounting analytics include Introduction to Business Analytics, Data Mining, Business Analytics Using R, Business Forecasting Models, Business Simulation, Business Database Management, and Business Intelligence.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

3

University Recognized Among the Best in the Nation for CMA Pass Rates Strategic Finance magazine recently highlighted The University of Scranton as having a top Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam pass rate in the U.S. In their March 2019 article, “CMA Pass Rates: Schools and Success,” the top colleges and universities were recognized for their exceptional pass rate scores as categorized by region, number of candidates, first-time test takers, and by schools endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountant (IMA) Higher Education Endorsement Program. The University of Scranton placed within the top nine for U.S. Endorsed Schools with an impressive pass rate of 60%. For this category, universities were required to have at least eight candidates sitting for the exam between January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017.

IMA Student Chapter Faculty Advisor Ashley Stampone was not surprised that the University was on this list. “With receiving the IMA’s Higher Education Endorsement in 2017, starting an on-campus student chapter, inducting students into the IMA’s Accounting Honor Society (IAHS), and offering CMA Scholarships from the IMA, we have seen increased interest from students at the undergraduate and graduate levels pursuing this designation,” she says. Increased interest indeed, as ten students from both undergraduate and graduate programs were awarded CMA scholarships in 2019, and nine were awarded in 2018 with many of these students having interest in sitting for

4

both their CMA and CPA. “We expect to see even more candidates take the exam within the upcoming year,” says Stampone.

“The need for future financial and accounting leaders to be able to demonstrate business acumen and adaptable skills is far greater today than

in the past,” says Harry Zike’76, CFO of Chinook Sciences, ADPAC Member and former IMA Global Board of Director.

“Becoming proficient not only in the public accounting realm, but also with the strategic and analytical skills associated with management accounting, is a must.

Universities that prepare their students

in both of these disciplines will be in the forefront of providing the most successful future business leaders,” he says.

Students interested in learning more about the CMA designation, or

scholarship opportunities, should contact Professor Ashley Stampone at ashley. stampone@scranton.edu.

You can access the full article in Strategic Finance at: https://sfmagazine.com/ post-entry/march-2019-cma-pass-ratesschools-and-success/.

STUDENT NEWS Student Attends Highly Selective Student Leadership Experience For the second year in a row, a University of Scranton student was selected for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Leadership Experience. This highly selective program included only five students from the around the world.

Nhu Nguyen of New Tripoli, a double major in accounting and international business at Scranton, attended the IMA’s Student Leadership Experience in Orlando, Fla., in February.

The annual event provides students with the unique experience to actively participate in the organization’s governance process. In addition to attending the IMA’s Global Board of Directors Meeting, Nguyen participated in meetings for the Committee on Ethics and the Volunteer Leadership Committee. She also watched a presentation on “Big Data and Analytics” and toured the Rosen Shingle Creek facilities.

“I not only had an opportunity to learn more about the IMA, but I also got to experience how passionate and dedicated the members are to the accounting profession and student development. There was a great amount of support and friendship between members, and I am glad that I was able to connect with these professionals,” said Nguyen.

In addition to pursing a double major Nhu Nguyen at Scranton, Nguyen has a triple minor in finance, Chinese and business leadership. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Nguyen is also a member of the University’s IMA Honor Society and Omega Beta Sigma, the women’s business honor society. On campus, she serves as a mathematics tutor for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, as president of the International Business Club and as vice president of the International Club. She is a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and her family resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

This is the second consecutive year a University of Scranton student has attended the Student Leadership Experience. Last year, Nicholas Varriano, class of ’17, ’G18, was selected.

The IMA Selection Committee only selects students from IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program member schools to attend this experience. Scranton received its endorsement in November 2017. Just 42 colleges in the U.S., and 30 colleges internationally, are currently endorsed by the IMA.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

5

STUDENT NEWS Accounting Internships – Student Success Stories!

U

niversity of Scranton accounting students may complete an accounting internship for academic credit during the winter or summer.

Accounting internship faculty advisor Dr. James Boyle explains: Many accounting students participate in internships with Big 4 and local accounting firms, as well as with many private companies, for academic credit. I enjoy reading their journal papers that discuss their internship experiences. Many interns receive a full-time job offer after completing an internship. The University intersession period and condensed spring course offerings allow students to participate in winter internships (which is the “busy season” for CPA firms) while still maintaining fulltime academic course loads.

Samples of our 2019 successful accounting interns appear below.

Alexandra Turner completed a 2019 winter internship with PwC in New York City. Alexandra is also The University of Scranton Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Alexandra Honors Society president and the Turner Maser of Accountancy Program graduate assistant. Alexandra discussed her PwC internship experience: “My internship experience with PwC was incredible. I had the opportunity to interact with and learn from many different people at the firm, including a lot of Scranton alumni! I was able to experience a Busy Season, and as an intern assisted in the year-end audit of both a large public manufacturing company 6

and a small private beauty company. The variety of experiences I had during my three months at PwC taught me a lot, and I learned so much about working in public accounting, working on a team, and implementing the various concepts that I learned in my undergraduate classes at The University of Scranton.” Alexandra graduated from Unionville High School and is the daughter of John and Melanie Turner.

Christina Parry interned with McGrail, Merkel, & Quinn Associates in Dunmore, Pa. “During my internship throughout tax season, I mainly worked on individual tax returns and Christina Parry worked on a few tax returns for C Corporations. In the summer, I worked on 401(k) audits and even went to clients’ offices on audits. I plan on graduating with my undergraduate degree in accounting in May of 2020. I then plan on staying at The University of Scranton for an extra year to complete the MAcc program. I hope to graduate with my graduate degree in May of 2021. After I graduate in 2021, I plan on taking the CPA exam. I am not sure about what my future career plans are, but I do know that I would like to stay in the area and work as an accountant.” Christina graduated from Valley View High School and is the daughter of Todd and Debbie Parry.

Ryan Dombroski

Ryan Dombroski completed an internship with Byrne Financial Freedom LLC in Franklin, Mass.

“This internship provided me with perspective on how everything that I am doing while at Scranton will be used in my

future. The University of Scranton is providing me with the academic knowledge, presentation skills and support needed to help me achieve my long-term career goals. I would recommend any student to engage in this type of internship because it provided me with real-world experience within a small firm that included a daily morning educational session with one of the head portfolio managers. We discussed market dynamics after listening to a daily webinar regarding national and international markets.” Ryan graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School and is the son of Steve and Laura Dombroski.

Jeffrey Colucci interned at McGrail, Merkel, Quinn, & Associates in Dunmore, Pa. “Interning at MMQ this past tax season was a valuable experience for both my educational Jeffrey Colucci and professional advancement.

The staff at the firm were incredibly helpful and great teachers throughout the process of the internship. From the start of the internship, we were completing corporate, partnership, and personal tax returns from start to finish. I had the ability to not only interact with the staff, but also the partners on a daily basis. I learned so much about accounting and about interacting with clients. I am so grateful to all those at MMQ for this experience, and for the staff at the Center for Career Development for helping me get there.” Jeffrey graduated from Mahwah High School and is the son of Jeffrey Sr. and Margaret Colucci.

Anthony DeGennaro

learning about KPMG’s audit process and also about how hedge funds operate. I greatly enjoyed my time with KPMG, which is why I accepted a full-time offer with the firm starting in the Fall of 2020. I am currently in the process of applying for KPMG’s Masters of Accounting and Data Analytics (MADA) program, which would allow me to obtain a master’s degree that was specifically designed for KPMG incoming employees.” Anthony graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School and is the son of Nick and Maureen DeGennaro.

Nicholas Constantinou also completed an internship with KPMG in New York City. “The work at KPMG was challenging, but provided an excellent learning experience in the industry Nicholas of public accounting. The Constantinou knowledge I gained from The University of Scranton’s Accounting Department adequately prepared me for this internship, and I am happy to say that I have accepted a full-time position as an audit associate at KPMG once I graduate.” Nicholas graduated from Park School of Buffalo High School and is the son of Michael and Danai Constantinou.

Anthony DeGennaro completed an internship with KPMG in New York City. “My internship with KPMG was a very valuable experience where I spent time in KPMG’s financial services audit team. I spent my time in the asset management practice SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

7

STUDENT NEWS Scranton Recognizes Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Society of Accountants Student Scholarship Recipients No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire.”

– L. Frank Baum, The Lost Princess of Oz However, acquiring such an education has more than doubled over the past 30 years.

To assist with the rising costs of higher education, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and the National Society of Accountants (NSA) award scholarships to aspiring accounting students. This year, four University of Scranton accounting students were granted scholarships from these prestigious professional organizations to aid in their pursuit toward accounting degrees.

This year, as part of its Legacy Scholars program and in support of the success of women in the accounting profession, the AICPA Foundation and the AICPA’s Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee launched the American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA) Scholarship Award providing financial assistance to outstanding female students majoring in accounting. This $5,000 award is granted to only four students each academic 8

year based on academic achievement, leadership, and future career interests in accounting. One of the recipients this year was Scranton’s Farah Azizi. Farah, who is from Scranton, Pa., earned her bachelor’s in accounting with a minor in finance in 2019 and is currently enrolled as an MBA student. She states that she is very fortunate to receive such a scholarship from “an organization that applauds women’s growing role in the business sector.” After graduation in the spring, Farah will start her rotational program at Bank of America Merrill Lynch while also earning her CPA. “Most notable throughout my undergraduate career were the relationships I built with my accounting professors—they embody the University’s platform of cura personalis, truly Farah Azizi going above and beyond to help students reach their individualized path to academic and professional success.”

This year, the PICPA’s scholarship fund awarded over $125,000 to recipients in four categories: Academic Merit, Diversity, High School, and Community College Transfer.

Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded to full-time accounting students who are attending a Pennsylvania college or university and who have attained a minimum GPA of 3.4. The University of Scranton’s two recipients this year were Tarquin Lenahan McGurrin and Emily Burden-Butts.

Tarquin, a senior accounting major from Scranton, Pa., received a $4,000 scholarship from the PICPA. He will earn both his bachelor’s and MBA in accounting in four years.

He states that receiving “this scholarship is very important to me as it will enable me to pursue goals along my career path while also reducing a portion of the financial costs. In addition, it is a testament to The University Tarquin Lenahan McGurrin of Scranton as well as the faculty in the Kania School of Management.” Upon graduation from The University of Scranton, he plans to earn his CPA and attend law school.

I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”

– Andy Bernard, The Office

Emily, a senior accounting major from Montdale, Pa., received a $3,000 scholarship from the PICPA. She states that receiving this scholarship “means a lot to me because my grandpa was a CPA and PICPA member, so I am honored to benefit from what he and many other great PICPA members have willingly given.” Upon graduation from The University of Scranton, Emily plans to earn her CPA license and continue to work in her family’s accounting practice.

In 2019, the NSA Scholarship Foundation granted $95,650 in scholarships to 45 students to help them continue their college education.

Applicants are accessed based on their scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, and financial need. This year, Grace Gallagher, a junior accounting major with minors in business analytics and business leadership, from Dalton, Pa., received the Harry Roman Award for $2,000. This award is in honor of Harry J. Roman, the NSA’s 1986 Accountant of the Year due to his stature and position within the accounting profession, his service to NSA, his public service achievements, and professional attainments. Grace states that this scholarship “alleviates a big portion of my student loans. I try to pay as much as I can from every paycheck to my student loans, so when I graduate, the burden is less strenuous. This scholarship takes a big portion of that worry away.” Upon graduation, she plans to become an auditor in New York City servicing clients both in the U.S. and abroad.

“Scranton has not only become my school over these past two years, but has also become my second home. The opportunities I have been granted, the individuals I have met, and the Grace Gallagher education I have received makes me so grateful to step on campus every single day. I cherish every day I learn and grow at this beautiful treasure of Scranton, Pa.” Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients!

When joy is a habit, love is a reflex.”

– Bob Goff SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

9

STUDENT NEWS International Student is Awarded Best Presentation Award at Academic Conference As part of his MAcc capstone research course, Mohammed Alshammary worked diligently and collaboratively with Accounting Department faculty member Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA, on a research study investigating and advancing the literature on the topic of corporate social responsibility and taxation. This research was submitted and accepted for presentation at the Clute International Academic Conference on Business (IACB) in New York on June 4, 2018. We were pleased to be informed by the IACB that our presentation was awarded the Best Presentation Award.

The IACB stated, “There were several remarkable presentations that truly embodied our mission of facilitating knowledge on a global scale. Your peers, from around the world, have named your presentation one of the best, therefore, we are pleased to announce your presentation entitled, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility And Taxation,’ has received the Best Presentation Award.”

Mohammed Alshammary was born and raised in the East province of Saudi Arabia, specifically Dammam City. He is the son of Luluwah and Hammad, married to Bashayr, and has one brother, Fahd, and four sisters, Maha, Shatha, Mai, and Jana.

He credits his academic success to his family and specifically thanks his wife and mother. Mohammed has worked as an accountant at SOMAC Contracting Co. and in May 2016 started teaching at the College of Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed believes that “teachers are the messengers who spread the knowledge

10

Mohammed Alshammary with Accounting Department faculty member Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA.

and goodness to humanity.” The College of Technology granted Mohammed a full scholarship to complete his bachelor’s degree in accounting and to study abroad to complete a MAcc at Scranton.

He has successfully completed all the requirements of the MAcc program and graduated with honors. Mohammed wants to continue to advance his academic career by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and earning the designations of CPA and CMA. Mohammed states, “Surely, The University of Scranton is a great place where those seeking higher education will gain valuable technical and interpersonal skills from very capable and respectful professors. It was my pleasure that I received my MAcc

degree from the nationally ranked and recognized program at The University of Scranton. More importantly, I want to thank Dr. Douglas M. Boyle for his leadership, mentoring, teaching and research. He always works closely with his students to advance their goals, shows modesty and respect to all, and supports anyone that is interested in advancing their knowledge. I honestly will never forget how Dr. Boyle professionally treated and dealt with every student based on their needs, which leads students to achieve their goals and success. As a final point, I would like to note that the experience of presenting at the conference at Clute Institute in New York City was a highlight of my academic career. I believe that “success will not seek people, and people should seek the chances that will lead them to success.” I always strive to seek out opportunities that I think will improve me, or make me better.

My advice to all is to be educated and never stop learning.”

The University of Scranton is a great place where those seeking higher education will gain valuable technical and interpersonal skills from very capable and respectful professors.”

– Mohammed Alshammary

Doctorate in Business Adminstration Research Awards At The Univeristy of Scranton’s Kania School of Management Annual Accouning Dinner in May 2019, Doctorate of Business Admminstration (DBA) students Daniel Gaydon and Ashley Stampone were awarded the annual Dr. Douglas M. Boyle DBA Outstanding Research Award for achieving exceptional research outcomes in the classroom and through peer-revew presentations and publications. Daniel, an associate vice president of financial reporting for Geisinger Health System, states, “I am extremely honored to receive this award and am thankful for the opportunities that the DBA program has provided me.”

former practitioner, the DBA program has really benefited me in three different ways. First, I am learning how to perform research that will allow me to be a successful academic. Second, it is allowing me to receive the terminal degree I need to secure a tenure track position in academia. And lastly, I am in a cohort with other very successful practitioners in the same position as myself. I am learning so much from them every day.”

Program Director and Accounting Department Chair Dr. Douglas M. Boyle states, “Daniel and Ashley are perfect examples of what this program “The faculty at The University of Scranton are is all about. They are building impressive research exceptional and the curriculum has allowed me to and teaching records. They bring their extensive develop the research skills needed to succeed in aca- professional experience from practice into their demia,” he adds. “Since enrolling in the program, research and classroom.”

I was fortunate to work with Dr. Doug Boyle to Congratulations to Daniel and Ashley! co-author two practitioner articles. This summer, I was teamed with global scholars Drs. Boyle and Todd DeZoort (University of Alabama) to help guide my dissertation proposal and experiment. Their knowledge and guidance have been thought-provoking and inspiring and have enhanced my research abilities. I would strongly recommend this DBA program to any aspiring academic professional.”

Ashley, a faculty specialist at Scranton, notes, “As a

Dr. Daniel Mahoney with Daniel Gaydon, DBA Cohort I

Dr. Daniel Mahoney with Ashley Stampone, DBA Cohort II

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

11

FACULTY NEWS Accounting Professor Awarded National Leadership Award from Institute of Management Accountants University of Scranton Accounting Professor Ashley L. Stampone was nationally recognized by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in receiving its 2019 Faculty Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes one faculty member in the nation who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA. In 2017, Professor Stampone helped to charter the University’s IMA Student Chapter, where she currently serves as faculty advisor. Last year, the student chapter had 22 active members and was named one of five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the 2018-2019 academic year. In addition to the student chapter, Professor Stampone established the IMA’s Accounting Honor Society (IAHS) on campus. The IAHS recognizes the academic achievement of students majoring in accounting, finance, or IT. Since 2018, 63 students have been inducted into the IAHS. Professor Stampone also helped the University’s undergraduate accounting program to join an elite group of schools endorsed

by IMA. The IMA’s Endorsement of Higher Education initiative recognizes programs that meet rigorous educational standards, enabling students to pursue and earn the Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) credential. The University received its Endorsement in 2017.

University of Scranton accounting professor Ashley L. Stampone was nationally recognized by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in receiving its 2019 Faculty Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes one faculty member in the nation who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA.

Professor Stampone joined the faculty at Scranton in 2016 after previously working in internal audit, financial reporting, and public accounting. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a DBA at the University.

Richard O’Hara – Newly Appointed Faculty Specialist in the Accounting Department

12

The Accounting Department warmly welcomes Rich O’Hara, a native of West Scranton and a 1984 graduate of West Scranton High School, to the faculty. Rich, who earned a B.S. in accounting from Penn State in 1988, serves as a faculty specialist in the area of data analytics.

Rich also earned an MBA at NYU and completed a series of advanced mathematics courses at Northwestern University.

analyst and portfolio manager and director of business intelligence at HIMSS. Rich’s education and employment background is ideal for his teaching responsibilities here in the Accounting Department, where students are already speaking very highly of Rich and his teaching abilities. When asked what he likes most about his new career in academia, Rich noted the enjoyment he derives from working with our students and the collegial nature of his Accounting Department colleagues.

Following graduation from Penn State, Rich went to work for American Express in corporate development, followed by his employment with Wayne Hummer as a quantitative research

Rich has three children – Kevin, a senior at Boston College; Kate, a sophomore at Boston College; and Ryan, a sophomore at Miami University of Ohio.

Article by Accounting Professors Wins National Gold Medal

A

n article by University of Scranton accounting professors has won a prestigious Institute of Management Accountants’ Lybrand Gold Medal as the “outstanding article of the year” for 2019, marking the fourth medal, and second gold medal, to be awarded to professors at Scranton in just six years. The manuscript recognized was “Beyond Internal Controls: The Need for Behavioral Assessment and Modification in Fraud Mitigation Efforts,” by professors Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., James Boyle, D.B.A., and Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., which was published in the fall 2018 edition of Management Accounting Quarterly.

The Lybrand Competition considers for awards all manuscripts published during the year in the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Strategic Finance and Management Accounting Quarterly journals, both of which are rated among the top five practitioner journals.

In 2016, the article “The Continuing Saga of Goodwill Accounting,” by Dr. Douglas Boyle, Dr. Mahoney and Brian Carpenter, Ph.D., received IMA’s Lybrand Gold Medal.

In 2014, the article “New Rules for Lessee Accounting: A Summary of the Lessee Provisions of Accounting Standards Update” by the three professors received IMA’s Lybrand Bronze Medal, and in 2015, the manuscript “Operation Broken Gate: The SEC Holding Gatekeepers Accountable” by Drs. Douglas and James Boyle, Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Mahoney received the IMA’s Lybrand Silver Medal.

In addition to the medals, manuscripts entitled “The SEC Whistleblower Program Expands Focus: Retaliatory Behavior, Confidentiality Agreements, and Compliance Personnel”

An article by University of Scranton accounting professors Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., James Boyle, D.B.A., and Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., received the Institute of Management Accountants’ Lybrand Gold Medal as the “outstanding article of the year” for 2019. This is the fourth Lybrand Medal, and second gold medal, won by professors at Scranton. At the June award ceremony are, from left, Dr. James Boyle, Kathy Williams, editor-in-chief emeritus of Strategic Finance and Management Accounting Quarterly, and Dr. Douglas Boyle.

Dr. Mahoney is absent from photo.

by Drs. Douglas and James Boyle and Dr. Carpenter and “Goodwill Impairment Adequacy: Perspectives of Accounting Professionals” by Dr. Douglas Boyle, Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Daniel Mahoney received 2016 Lybrand Certificates of Merit. Finally, manuscripts titled “Avoiding the Fraud Mindset” by Drs. Douglas Boyle and James Boyle and Dr. Mahoney and “Goodwill Accounting: A Closer Examination of the Matter of Nonimpairments” by Dr. Douglas Boyle, Dr. ...continued on page 14 SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

13

FACULTY NEWS Article by Accounting Professors Wins National Gold Medal Carpenter and Dr. Mahoney received Lybrand Certificates in 2015 and 2012, respectively.

Dr. Douglas Boyle currently serves as chair of the Accounting Department at Scranton, director of the University’s internationally recognized DBA program and the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. In addition, he, along with Dr. James Boyle and Dr. Mahoney, led the University’s effort to establish a Business High School Scholars Program.

Having influence and maintaining relevancy in the global accounting profession is dependent upon insightful research coupled with real life applications of that research.

The professors mentioned in this article have achieved these goals which has been appropriately recognized by IMA, the leading global management accounting association.”

– H arry Zike ’76, CPA, CMA, Former Member of IMA’s Global Board of Directors A Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Management Accountant, Dr. Boyle has more than 25 years of industry executive experience. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Boyle was profiled in 2019 as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected by Bschools.org, an online resource for entrepreneurs. Dr. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

14

...continued from page 13

Dr. Boyle’s research has been published in numerous academic and practitioner journals, such as The Journal of Accounting and Public Policy (JAPP), Accounting Horizons, Current Issues in Auditing, The Journal of Accounting Education, The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The Journal of Accountancy, Strategic Finance, Fraud Magazine, Internal Auditor, Management Accounting Quarterly, The CPA Journal, Internal Auditing, The Journal of Applied Business Research and The Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences.

An award-winning teacher and scholar, Dr. Mahoney earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from The University of Scranton as well as a doctorate in accounting from Syracuse University. A Certified Public Accountant, he was named Kania School of Management’s Professor of the Year five times and has won numerous other awards for teaching.

Dr. Mahoney’s research has been published in numerous professional journals, such as The CPA Journal, Internal Auditor, Management Accounting Quarterly and Journal of Business and Economics Research, Accounting and Financial Management.

Dr. James Boyle holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from The University of Scranton and a DBA from Kennesaw State University. He has taught at the University since 2009 — full-time since 2012 — and also served as an internal auditor for the University for more than a decade. He has published articles in multiple academic journals, including The CPA Journal, Strategic Finance, The Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting and Internal Auditing.

Accounting Professor Recognized for Professional Experience University of Scranton Accounting Professor Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA, was profiled as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected

by Bschools.org, an online resource for entrepreneurs. The professors, who teach at business schools in the Northeast with online MBA programs, were selected based on their professional experience and knowledge.

An award-winning researcher and teacher, Dr. Boyle is chair of the University’s Accounting Department, director of the University’s DBA program and the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the High School Business Scholars Program.

A Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Management Accountant, Dr. Boyle has more than 25 years of industry executive experience. He has served in executive roles in startup, middle market and Fortune 500 companies where he has held the positions of chief executive officer, president, chief operations officer and chief financial officer. He currently serves as chair of Allied Services Foundation’s Board of Directors.

At Scranton, Dr. Boyle was awarded the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award Douglas M. in 2019, the Kania School Boyle, DBA, of Management’s (KSOM) CPA, CMA Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018, and the KSOM Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He has twice earned the KSOM Teacher of the Year award and earned the Provost Excellence Awards for the Scholarship of Teaching in 2014 and for Scholarly Publication in 2012. He was awarded the Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2015. In addition, four research papers he has authored with fellow KSOM faculty members have received the Institute of Management Accountants’ Lybrand Medals for “outstanding papers.”

Dr. Boyle earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

Departmental Professor Keeps String Alive An important aspect of any professor’s responsibilities is to engage in and disseminate the results of their research. The dissemination of a professor’s research is ordinarily accomplished through publications in journals and/or presentations at academic conferences. The quality of journal publications can be assessed by reviewing the ranking of the journal where the publication was published.

For conference presentations, the quality of a presentation can frequently be judged by whether the presenter was presented with a “Best Presentation” award. Not all conferences bestow such awards, but most do. For one professor in the Accounting Department, such awards are commonplace. Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., CMA, has had more than ten such awards in his career. But more impressive is his recent string of such

awards. Over the past five years, Dr. Carpenter has been the recipient of seven consecutive awards for best presentations at conferences in Dublin, Ireland, Denver, Colorado, Barcelona, Spain, Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California, Venice, Italy, and London, England. Most recently, this mark of distinction was continued when Dr. Carpenter and his co-author, Douglas Boyle, DBA, CPA, CMA, were awarded a “Best Presentation” award for their presentation of “The Perceived Relationship between Accounting Doctoral Program Emphasis and the Importance of those Emphases on Career Success” in Dublin, Ireland, this past June (2019). Dr. Carpenter is hoping to continue this success in 2020 and beyond. If you are attending a conference where Dr. Carpenter is presenting, be sure to stop in to listen – and to possibly congratulate him if he is given yet another such award.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

15

Annual Dinner Recognizes Accounting Alumni for Outstanding Student Mentoring and Service

A

t the Annual Accounting Dinner on May 8, 2019, Accounting Department Chair Dr. Douglas Boyle and Dr. Daniel Mahoney presented the 2019 Accounting Department Professional Alumni Council (ADPAC) Honorary Awards to those distinguished accounting alumni who are actively involved with the advancement of The University of Scranton Accounting Department and its students.

Brian W. Carpenter Research Award: Lawrence R. Lynch, CPA, Partner at PwC Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Current Location: Princeton, NJ Hobbies: Golf, biking, tennis, skiing, and gardening.

What would you change about your professional life?: Hard to say; it’s been a rewarding career. I have some regrets and some things I might do differently given the chance, but all in all, I’m satisfied with how my career has played out.

Lawrence Lynch Fun Fact: I am one of nine children, with five siblings and two in-laws who graduated from Scranton. I spent eight years of my career in Paris with the rest split between New York and Philadelphia. I have five children and one son-in-law.

Daniel P. Mahoney Mentoring Award:

Most Missed About Scranton: The sense of community. The caring, nurturing professors and students.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending sporting events, baking, and running.

It’s hard for me to imagine finding professors more caring and dedicated than those serving our students at The University of Scranton. When you leave the University, you’re well positioned for success in all aspects of life. For those pursuing careers in accounting, you’ll soon learn as you practice your profession why the accounting education you’ve received is nationally recognized among the best offered in the United States.”

16

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Take advantage of the analytical, data, and statistic course offerings. Stay current with the technology tools utilized in the profession. More broadly, make the most of the humanities courses that develop your writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Finally, enjoy yourself and the wonderful experience of attending The University of Scranton, where you will develop life-long friendships. Work hard, but take time to play.

– Lawrence Lynch

Stephanie M. Mihal, CPA, Director at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C. Hometown: Clarks Summit, PA Current Location: Dalton, PA

Stephanie Mihal

Fun Fact: I completed an Ironman Distance Triathlon (140.6 miles) in Tempe, AZ, in November 2011.

Most Missed About Scranton: The people – friends and faculty. Many great relationships and friendships were created and I miss seeing those individuals every day.

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Plan Ahead. Accounting opportunities (for internships, challenges, awards, etc.) are coming up for sophomore students and if you do not plan accordingly you could miss many opportunities. You don’t

‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ The University of Scranton provides students (especially accounting students) with the tools to ‘go forth and set the world on fire.’ Students should recognize the abilities and strengths which they have developed at Scranton to make themselves better people and the world a better place.”

– Stephanie Mihal

wait until your senior year about to graduate to think about your future. You start thinking about it as a freshman and plan accordingly.

What would you change about your professional life?: I would dedicate more time to visibility and service within the community.

Michael O. Mensah Service Award: Robert Grasso, CPA, Partner at Deloitte Hometown: Peckville, PA Current Location: Lafayette Hill, PA Hobbies: Golf, coaching my kids’ baseball teams, reading, and playing pick-up basketball.

Robert Grasso

Fun Fact: My most fun high school/college summer job was working in the ticket office for the Phillies’ AAA affiliate, the Scranton/WilkesBarre Red Barons. They were great people to work with and I got to meet future Phillies all-stars!

John P. McLean Leadership Award and 2019 ADPAC Inductee: Peter M. Butera, CIMA, CPA, Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch

The University of Scranton is a special place and the Accounting Department has done an exceptional job responding to the changing dynamics of the profession to ensure our students are well prepared for the future.”

Hometown: West Pittston, PA

– Robert Grasso

Current Location: Harveys Lake, PA Most Missed About Scranton: Besides, of course, the classroom, I miss the time that I had to spend with friends and teammates either on the field or socially.

Hobbies: Tennis and Fishing Fun Fact: I try to be funny like Woody Allen; we all need to laugh more.

Most Missed About Scranton: Learning about history. I try to read a lot of historical books.

Peter Butera

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Do an internship at an accounting firm. It really shows you what the career is like.

What would you change about your professional life?: Work less hours.

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Take the time to build relationships with your professors; they have so much to offer and will guide you throughout your time at The University of Scranton and beyond.

What would you change about your professional life?: I wish I had taken the opportunity at Deloitte on an international assignment as a younger professional.

My accounting background made me the business professional I am today.”

– Peter Butera

...continued on page 20 SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

17

Annual Dinner Recognizes Accounting Alumni for Outstanding Student Mentoring and Service ...continued from page 19 2019 ADPAC Inductees David McCormick, DBA, CMA, CFE, Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Maryland Global Campus Hometown: Maine, NY Current Location: The Villages, FL Hobbies: Golf, volunteering David McCormick

Fun Fact: I am a certified private pilot (Check ride at Avoca Airport; circa 1974).

Most Missed About Scranton: The thirst for learning and having truly conquered the material.

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Accounting is the language of business and this training will benefit you for a lifetime – no matter what you do.

When someone falls at The University of Scranton, there is always someone there to help you up!”

– David McCormick

What would you change about your professional life?: I might have changed employers after about 10 years with my long-term employer.

The University of Scranton and its Accounting Department not only built a strong foundation for my technical accounting knowledge, but also blossomed my ability to connect and understand different societal and demographic backgrounds. This will be the core to building and nurturing professional relationships for years to come.”

– Sean Putnam

Fun Fact: I play pick-up soccer with former professional soccer players on Sundays.

Most Missed About Scranton: The people: friends, University of Scranton faculty, and the local community, which make Scranton so unique.

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: To diversify your knowledge into a variety of subject matters and to work continuously on improving your weaknesses.

Sean Putnam

What would you change about your professional life?: I wish I took more effort in obtaining my CPA immediately after graduating.

George J. Yager, CPA, Tax Principal at Untracht Early LLC Sean Putnam, CPA, CHFP, Corporate Accounting Manager at Scripps Health Hometown: Syracuse, NY Current Location: San Diego, CA Hobbies: I enjoy playing and watching sports, particularly baseball. I enjoy spending time with my wife, nine-month-old daughter, and nine-year-old labradoodle.

18

Hometown: Colonia, NJ Current Location: Randolph, NJ Hobbies: Golfing, exercising, enjoying craft beers, and spending time with family.

Fun Fact: I am a long-suffering Jets fan.

George Yager

The University of Scranton is a great place to learn, grow and develop relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Fun Fact: I once threw the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox Game.

Most Missed About Scranton: My friends – I gained lifelong friends at the University.

– George Yager

Most Missed About Scranton: Hanging out with friends.

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: In addition to taking accounting and other business classes, develop strong communication skills, which will be used throughout your entire career. Take advantage of the great opportunities offered by the Accounting Department and get involved.

What would you change about your professional life?: I would not change much as I am proud of my professional career, but I would try to maintain a better work-life balance.

Timothy J. Walsh, CPA, Partner-in-Charge Audit, Metro New York at KPMG, LLP Hometown: Binghamton, NY Current Location: New York City Hobbies: Biking, skiing, and going to the gym

Timothy Walsh

Advice for Incoming Accounting Majors: Study hard and be informed about opportunities post-graduation. Network with firms that come onto campus and use alumni as a networking tool.

The University provided me the foundation and opportunity on which I have built my entire career. That career has provided me with opportunities I could have never imagined. Everything I have achieved professionally began at The University of Scranton; for that, I’m blessed.”

– Timothy Walsh

What would you change about your professional life?: I would reduce the number of hours that my current role requires.

Thank you to all of our ADPAC members for their continued support of our students, department, and program. Any University of Scranton Accounting alumni interested in or desiring more information about the ADPAC council, please contact Dr. Doug Boyle at douglas.boyle@scranton.edu.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

19

IMA CORNER Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter Has Award-Winning Year

T

he University of Scranton’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter has reason to celebrate. The IMA recognized The University of Scranton’s student chapter as one of just five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The student officers, Kyle Hayes, president; Kyle Ascher, vice president; Nicole D’Alessandro, secretary; and Nicholas Constantinou, treasurer, participated in several IMA events such as the national student case competition, manuscript competition, and the Student Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Mo. “Participating in the IMA Student Leadership Conference with my fellow student officers was beneficial for both my personal and professional development,” says Hayes. “It was a great experience. I met so many wonderful people and learned a lot.”

In addition to the IMA events, the student officers planned and hosted a variety of meetings and activities. These meetings included a new member orientation, a CMA exam information session with Wiley, an accounting panel discussion with participants from various backgrounds including public accounting, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, and private practice, and a professional development session with Surgent CPAReview. Two former IMA Global Board of Directors members, Harry Zike ’76 and David McCormick ‘75/79, also

20

spoke on essential skills for top suite executives and servant leadership.

The IMA Student Chapter also partook in two off-campus site visits. The first was to Gertrude Hawk Chocolates in Dunmore, Pa., to learn about the family-owned business and to tour the facilities. David Hawk, owner and CEO, spoke to the students about the company’s history and the intricacies of the chocolate industry. The second was to IMA headquarters in Montvale, N.J., and Withum in Whippany, N.J. Jeffrey Thomson, CMA, CSCA, CAE, IMA, president and CEO, spoke to the students about the evolving accounting industry before they headed to Withum to meet with alumni and learn about the accounting firm.

Additionally, student chapter members participated in two community service events.

Student members collected toiletries that would be used by the University’s International Service Program as donations to charities and service organizations in the Caribbean and Central America. Over 150 business students brought in items for this cause. For the second event, IMA student members teamed up with Beta Alpha Psi and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners to participate in the Jog for Jude. This annual 5K race raises money for SIDS research.

During the Annual Accounting Dinner, we welcomed the 2019/2020 student officers:

Participating in the IMA Student Leadership Conference with my fellow student officers was beneficial for both my personal and professional development,” says Hayes. “It was a great experience.

I met so many wonderful people and learned a lot.”

– Kyle Hayes

IMA’s 2018 Student Leadership Conference. From left: Kyle Hayes, president; Kyle Ascher, vice president; Nicholas Constantinou, treasurer; and Nicole D’Alessandro, secretary.

N goc Nguyen of New Tripoli, Pa., President R osemary Wolf, Vice President G race Gallagher, Secretary S arin Baldante, Treasurer Ashley Stampone, faculty advisor, is very excited for the upcoming year. “Our student officers and chapter members do an excellent job in promoting the IMA and the University’s mission. I have no doubt that our new student officers will continue to strive for this success.”

The IMA will formally recognize Scranton’s student chapter at its national Student Leadership Conference in November in Charlotte, S.C. To keep up with the University’s IMA Student Chapter, follow us on Instagram at: uofs_ima.

David McCormick, DBA, CMA, CFE, CPA ‘75/79, presenting on Servant Leadership to the IMA student members.

University of Scranton IMA student members at IMA headquarters with Jeffrey Thompson, President and CEO, Jodi Ryan, IMA Director of Member Engagement, and Juliana Napalit, Community Relations Administrator and class of ’03.

Students Inducted into the IAHS In addition to the chapter events, twenty student members of the IMA’s Accounting Honor Society (IAHS) were presented with their honor certificates and graduation cords during the Annual Accounting Dinner. The IAHS acknowledges the academic achievements of students majoring in accounting, finance, or IT. Members of the IAHS must be in at least their junior year and have an overall and accounting G.P.A. of 3.0. We congratulate all of these outstanding students!

From left to right: Brandon Alteri, Darby McCann, Shiqi Zhou, Jeremy Bathan, Farah Azizi, Enis Murtaj, Christopher Viera, Ashley Stampone, Carrie Tsang, Alissa Zambler; Front: Mohammed Alshammary

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

21

BAP CORNER BAP Membership News

D

uring the 2018-2019 academic year, the student officers, Louis Belardi, president; Cynthia Russo, vice president; Farah Azizi, treasurer; and Cynthia Navarro, secretary, of the Nu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and the Society of Accounting Students (SAS) involved the clubs in many events both on and off campus, including chapter meetings, volunteer activities, and networking and recruiting events.

The clubs enjoyed informational presentations

by The University of Scranton Center for Career Development; alumna Susan Otto (’79); Becker Professional Education; and Baker Tilly. The students also took part in an interactive essential skills workshop focusing on interpersonal skills in the workplace presented by Surgent CPA Review. Additionally, they participated in two panel discussions focusing on the student internship experience and different professional accounting career options. The students wrapped up the semester with an Accounting Escape Room Challenge for which the students had to solve a number of accounting-related challenges to “escape” Brennan Hall’s Pearn Auditorium. Congratulations to the winning team of Michael Diehl, Douglas Rochler, Emily Turano, Carly Kreitzer, Ngoc Nguyen, Lauren Hughes, and Brigid Limerick!

Service events this year included city cleanup during the fall and spring Scranton Street Sweeps, basket donation to Relay for Life, table sits for Safe Trick or Treat, Christmas letter delivery and monetary donation to the veterans at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, and basket donation and participation in the 5th Jog for Jude. The chapter also held two fundraising events: the Fat Tuesday Bake Sale and 5.06 Weekend. Faculty advisor Prof. Amanda Marcy and two student members, Cynthia Russo and Andrew Sullivan, represented the chapter at the BAP Atlantic Coast Regional Meeting in Crystal City, Va., on March 15th and

22

16th. Prof. Marcy and 2019-2020 BAP and SAS President Alexandra Turner attended the 2019 Annual BAP Meeting in Chicago, Ill., August 8th-10th. While at this event, they participated in the BAP International Day of Literacy (sponsored

by KPMG LLP and KPMG Foundation), during which they distributed books to local organizations in under-served neighborhoods and taught the importance of literacy.

On May 8, 2019, at the Annual Accounting Dinner, sponsored by McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., Prof. Marcy inducted 28

Being Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi allowed me to gain numerous professional skills, learn about the future of the accounting profession, and create and grow professional relationships, which all helped to prepare me for my summer internship with PwC. I am grateful to have had this opportunity, am excited for the future of Beta Alpha Psi, and plan to continue to participate as an alumna.”

– Cynthia Russo, 2018-2019 BAP and SAS Vice President

new BAP student members and presented graduation cords and pins to 33 graduating seniors. Graduating senior Jessica Horst was presented with the Gleim Certified Public Accountant Exam Materials Scholarship, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program intern Christopher Vieira received the

Susan Brown Otto (’79) Aspiring Young Tax Professional Award. This year, the accounting clubs kindly invited University of Scranton Alumna Stephanie Mihal (’06), audit director at McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, P.C., as the keynote speaker. In this position, she provided informative career advice to the graduating seniors. Also at this event, Prof. Marcy installed the 2019-2020 BAP and SAS student officers: Alexandra Turner, president; Christian Brady, vice president; Michael Giordano, treasurer; Hannah Graff, secretary; and Michael Moran, SAS representative.

Prof. Marcy and the student officers spent the summer diligently working to develop innovative program ideas to cultivate the clubs in hopes of advancing the Nu Kappa chapter from Mission-based to Distinguished during the 2019-2020 academic year. Upcoming Fall 2019

I am very excited to be the new President of Beta Alpha Psi! I am looking forward to helping students learn more about the accounting profession, and helping them to develop connections between each other and professionals in the industry.”

– Alexandra Tuner, 2019-2020 BAP and SAS President

chapter meetings include The University of Scranton Center for Career Development and Becker Professional Education. Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring BAP and SAS events, please contact Prof. Amanda Marcy at amanda.marcy@scranton.edu.

Left to Right: Cynthia Navarro, Cynthia Russo, Prof. Amanda Marcy, Farah Azizi

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

23

ACFE CORNER Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Student Chapter: Year in Review

T

he University of Scranton’s Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Student Chapter had a busy and successful 2018-2019 academic year.

Student officers Brandon Garcia, president; Nicole D’Alessandro, vice president and secretary; and Carrie Tsang, treasurer, planned an array of on-campus events that included a(n): • New member orientation session • ACFE Exam webinar with John Gill, Vice-President of Education ACFE • Professional panel discussion • Presentation from Joseph Croce, AHFI, CFE, Vice-President of Lehigh Valley ACFE Chapter Additionally, the student officers conducted a T-shirt fundraiser that raised money for future ACFE events.

At the Annual Accounting Dinner, the graduat¬ing officers were awarded their ACFE pins to be worn for graduation and future ACFE events, and we welcomed the 2019/2020 student officers: Douglas Rochler, president; Michael Moran, vice president; Michael

Carrie Tsang, treasurer, and Nicole D’Alessandro, vice president and secretary, recruit new ACFE members.

Piscopo, secretary; and Shiqi Zhou, treasurer. In order to provide the most relevant opportunities to student members, the incoming officers plan to incorporate a data analytics component into the upcoming year.

The ACFE is the world’s largest anti-fraud orga¬nization. The mission of the student chapter is to provide student members with the opportunity to network with alumni and antifraud professionals, learn about industry opportunities, and develop the skills required in the field of fraud examination.

To keep up with the University’s ACFE Student Chapter, follow us on Instagram at: uofs_acfe.

Heather Stadalman, ACE, CFE, and CISSP, and Joseph Croce, AHFI, CFE, of the Lehigh Valley ACFE Professional Chapter speak with student members.

24

Meet the Kania School of Management Academic Advising Center Staff

T

he KSOM Academic Advising Center staff includes Director Gerry Loveless, Academic Advisor Kevin Stanford, Graduate Program Advisor Adam Szydlowski, and Administrative Assistant Karen Marx. They provide daily advice to accounting and all business students on course registration, majors, minors, internships, study abroad, and more.

KSOM Academic Advising Director Gerry Loveless started at The University of Scranton in August 2005 and became director in July 2015. She earned a BA in Social Welfare from Penn State University and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Gerry enjoys teaching ballroom dancing and wedding dances in her spare time.

Academic Advisor Kevin Stanford earned a BS in Business Administration from Penn State University and an MBA in Marketing from The University of Scranton.

Before joining The University of Scranton Advising staff, Kevin worked in retail, sales, logistics, and management for various organizations. Keven advises undergraduate students with their curriculum to help them accommodate internships, study abroad semesters, and additional majors and minors.

main point of contact for all KSOM graduate students (MAcc, MBA, MS Finance, and DBA), as well as providing administrative support to faculty and staff.

Administrative Assistant Karen Marx earned a BA in Liberal Studies from The University of Scranton. She greets and gets to know all of our students. Her responsibilities include managing all advising appointments, assisting the Advising team with processing student forms, and helping each KSOM student to succeed at Scranton.

The staff meets with students at least once a semester for preregistration and daily throughout the semester. In addition to the caring and expert advice provided to students by each of the Advising staff, the KSOM Advising Center’s First Year Student Handbook, Guest Handbook, and other resources also help students to “find their path to academic success!”

Left to Right: Gerry Loveless, Kevin Stanford, Adam Sydlowski, Karen Marx.

Graduate Program Advisor Adam Szydlowski earned a BS in Political Science and History and an MS in Human Resources from The University of Scranton.

He previously spent 10 years in various positions within The University of Scranton’s Graduate School and Registrar’s Office.

Adam now serves as the

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

25

SERVICE Accounting Faculty and Alumni Sponsor a High School Business Case Competition The University of Scranton’s accounting faculty sponsored a high school business case completion through its High School Scholars Club in May in Brennan Hall. The competition provided area high school students with the opportunity to analyze a business, formulate strategic recommendations, and make a formal presentation to a team of executive judges and faculty.

The idea for the competition came from the officers of the Business High School Scholars Club, who are high school students taking college courses at the University through the Business High School Scholars Program. Club officers include: Emma Boyle of Peckville, president, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Kylie Seyler of Wilkes-Barre, vice president, Wyoming Seminary; Marisol Olivares Hernandez of Covington Township, secretary, North Pocono High School; Alyssa Moore of Dickson City, treasurer, Mid Valley Secondary Center; and Madison Green of Archbald, historian, Valley View High School.

“Our club includes students from 12 area high schools who enjoy working together to network, learn and earn college credit,” said Emma Boyle, a senior at Commonwealth Charter Academy and incoming accounting major at The University of Scranton. “This competition provided yet another outstanding opportunity for our club to work closely with supportive faculty, generous executive alumni and area high school students interested in business to learn and network.”

Based on the judging at the competition, the top four teams were recognized. First-place honors were awarded to two teams, each receiving $500 and individual plaques. The 26

first-place team members were: Conor Adams and Russell Booth, both from Abington Heights High School, Jose Santiago de los Rios, Wyoming Seminary; and Justin Williams, Abington Heights High School. Members of the second team earning first-place honors were: Brooke M. Weiss and Sarah Zaleppa, both from Crestwood High School. Second-place honors were awarded to two teams, each receiving $250 and individual plaques. The second-place team members were: Randall L. Bonitz, Jr., and Joseph Kologe, both from West Scranton High School, and Claudia Pitts, Scranton High School. Members of the second team earning second-place honors were: Abigail Kush and Zi Xuan Weng, both from Coughlin High School.

The judges and financial supporters for the competition included: Peter Butera, senior vice president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; William Conaboy, Esq., president and CEO, Allied Services Integrated Health System; Chris Kane, trustee of The University of Scranton; Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., accounting professor at The University of Scranton; Pedro Olivares Hernandez, area business owner; and Harry Zike, CFO, Chinook Sciences.

The officers of the Business High School Scholars Club worked with the University’s Rebekah Bernard, information and technology specialist for admissions and enrollment, Laura Talerico, Accounting Department administrative assistant, and Douglas Boyle, DBA, associate professor and Accounting Department chair, to make the event a success.

The Business High School Scholars Program at the University allows local high school students to take business and other courses at a reduced

tuition rate. Students who apply should be entering junior and senior year with at least a 3.3 GPA. The students can apply credits earned toward a University degree, leading toward a path for an accelerated bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in a business area, saving them valuable time and money. Students may also apply for financial assistance with tuition and books, available through grants and the generosity of faculty, staff and alumni.

For more information about the Business High School Scholars Program, visit scranton.edu/ bhs scholars or contact Rebekah Bernard in the Admissions Office at 570-941-5918 or by email at rebekah.bernard@scranton.edu.

Students in the University’s Business High School Scholars Club hosted a case competition for area high school students.

First row, from left: Rebekah Bernard, University of Scranton admissions; Kylie Seyler, Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School; Emma Boyle, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Marisol Olivares Hernandez, North Pocono High School; and Madison Green, Valley View High School. Second row: Sarah Zaleppa, Crestwood High School; Joseph Kologe, West Scranton High School; Zi Xuan Weng, Coughlin High School; and Abigail Kush, Coughlin High School. Third row: Brooke Weiss, Crestwood High School; Randall Bonitz Jr., West Scranton High School; Jose Santiago de los Rios, Wyoming Seminary; and Claudia Pitts, Scranton High School. Row four: Conor Adams, Abington Heights High School; Russell Booth, Abington Heights High School; and Justin Williams, Abington Heights High School. Back row: judges for the competition William Conaboy, Esq.; Peter Butera; Pedro Olivares Hernandez; Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting at the University; Douglas Boyle, DBA, chair of the University’s Accounting Department; and Harry Zike.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

27

SERVICE Second Cohort Completes Nonprofit Leadership Program

A

t a ceremony on campus on July 19, 2019, The University of Scranton celebrated the second cohort to complete its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, which seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions.

Launched in 2017 by the Accounting Department, the certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes a capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent.

Members of the second cohort who completed Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the organizations they represent are:

E lizabeth Hughes, director of communications, Earth Conservancy; G retchen Hunt Greaves, director, nutrition programs and resource development, Commission on Economic Opportunity; A pril Kemp, program director, Marley’s Mission; T eddy Michel, regional director, Ignatian Volunteer Corps of NEPA; L auren Pluskey McLain, director of development, The Kirby Center; T odd Pousley, community revitalization manager, NeighborWorks NEPA;

A thena Aardweg, community services specialist, NEPA Alliance;

J oseph Salva, president/founder, Individual Abilities in Motion;

A ngeline Abraham, assistant director, Employment Opportunity Center;

J anine Tomaszewski, associate vice president of college relations, Johnson College;

E loise Butovich, leadership gift officer, University of Scranton;

T onyehn Verkitus, executive director, Luzerne and Lackawanna Medical Societies;

D iane Dutko, chief operations officer, The Luzerne Foundation;

A lison Woody, director of competitive grants/donor stewardship, Geisinger Health Foundation.

D avid Falchek, executive director, American Wine Society; K risten N. Follert, director of quality assurance, NEPA Community Health Care; K atlyn J. Gardner, development and human resource director, NEPA Community Health Care; S hannon Hayward, director WIC 28

administration, Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc.;

Local organizations sponsoring the program are: AllOne Foundation and Charities, Geisinger Health System Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, The University of Scranton and the Weinberg Foundation.

For additional information visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or call 570-941-4047.

The second cohort of students who completed The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program were recognized at a recent ceremony on campus. Seated, from left: Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduates Tonyehn Verkitus, Luzerne and Lackawanna Medical Societies; Eloise Butovich, University of Scranton; Lauren Pluskey McLain, The Kirby Center; Angeline Abraham, Employment Opportunity Center; and Joseph Salva, Individual Abilities in Motion; and Laura Talerico, administrative assistant for the University’s Accounting Department. Standing: Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduates Teddy Michel, Ignatian Volunteer Corps of NEPA; Katlyn J. Gardner, NEPA Community Health Care; and Kristen N. Follert, NEPA Community Health Care; Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of the University’s

Jesuit Center; Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program graduates Shannon Hayward, Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc.; Gretchen Hunt Greaves, Commission on Economic Opportunity; April Kemp, Marley’s Mission; Athena Aardweg, NEPA Alliance; David Falchek, American Wine Society; Elizabeth Hughes, Earth Conservancy; Diane Dutko, The Luzerne Foundation; and Todd Pousley, NeighborWorks NEPA; Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., director of the Nonprofit Leadership Program at Scranton; Kurt Bauman, Nonprofit Leadership Program faculty member; Sarah Boyle, Scranton Preparatory School; Patrick Quinn, ARC of NEPA; and Jesse Ergott, Nonprofit Leadership Program faculty member. Absent from photo were Janine Tomaszewski, Johnson College; and Alison Woody, Geisinger Health Foundation.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

29

SERVICE High School Business Scholars Program Thrives with Support from Faculty, Jesuit Center, and Alumni The University of Scranton Business High School Scholars Program was launched in 2018 to provide local students the opportunity to take business courses on campus at a greatly reduced rate. Through the Boyle-Mahoney Scholarship Fund, students in need are provided full scholarships. Over the past year, faculty and alumni have collaborated closely with the administration and Jesuit Center to enable thirty-two students from seventeen area high schools to earn two-hundred-and-twenty-two credits.

Dr. Douglas M. Boyle states, “We are most grateful to have such accomplished and generous alumni to join our faculty and administration to make this program change the lives of our local high school students. Each alumni advisory board member is an area native whose life was transformed by his/her education and experiences here at Scranton.” For example, as an undergraduate accounting student at The University of Scranton, Peter Butera commuted daily from West Pittston, where he was born and raised. He initially planned to pursue a career as a lawyer, but an accounting course that was made available to him while still in high school changed his whole career trajectory. He decided to enroll in The University of Scranton’s accounting program. While in college, Peter pos-

The program was founded by three area natives who are also Scranton alumni now teaching at the University – accounting professors Douglas M. Boyle ‘88, DBA, CPA, CMA, James F. Boyle ‘84, DBA, CPA, and Daniel P. Mahoney ‘81, Ph.D., CPA. Rev. Patrick D. Francis Rogers, S.J., executive director of The Jesuit Center, S.P. Chattopadhyay, Ph.D., chair of the management and marketing department, and Richard O’Hara joined the founding team of faculty to engage in the program. They teach classes specifically for

– Peter Butera the program and donate their compensation back into the sessed a strong work ethic with regard to his acaBoyle-Mahoney Scholarship Fund. Additionally, demic responsibilities. His work ethic extended the program’s alumni advisory board including off campus as well. He worked 20 hours weekly Tracy Bannon ’84, Peter Butera ’83, Christopher during the fall and spring semesters. During J. Kane ’86, Edward J. Steinmetz Jr. ’81, and Intersession and summer terms, he worked full Harry W. Zike ’76, provides student mentoring time. He did so in order to provide himself with and financial support for the program. the financial means necessary for earning his

I am thrilled to give back to the University of Scranton. I enjoy interacting with high school and college students who are just starting their accounting careers.”

30

First Row: Michael Avvisato, CPA; Dr. Doug Boyle; William P. Conaboy, Esquire; Jose de los Rios; Faculty Specialist Richard O’Hara, Dev Patel; James Brogna Second Row: Randall Bonitz; Austin Bentler; Alyssa Moore Third Row: Mackenzie McHale; Yashaswini; Katrina Beaver; Madison Green Fourth Row: Abigail Walsh; Vanessa Pinto; Nadia Wohlgemuth; Marisol Olivares Hernandez

accounting degree. His highly admirable work ethic paid off. After graduation, he worked for three years with the accounting firm of Kelly Barbetti & Co. From there, he went to work for Merrill Lynch where, some 33 years later, he continues to thrive. His work responsibilities entail wealth management/financial planning.

Peter is an ardent supporter of the Business High School Honors Program, something for which the Accounting Department and University as a whole are immensely grateful. His generous contributions of time and money make it possible for current students, particularly those who face the kinds of financial challenges Peter himself faced during his own high school and college years, to earn a University of Scranton degree.

Indeed, his devotion to the program stems from

his own experiences. When asked about the advice he would offer to current accounting majors at The University of Scranton, Peter stated, “Whether you are a current student or an alumnus of the program, get involved.” The Accounting Department is immensely grateful to Peter for his willingness to follow this advice and serve as such a valuable alumnus of our program.

Peter lives at Harveys Lake, Pa., with his wife, Lesa. He and Lesa have two daughters, Aileen, a physician at Geisinger in Danville, Pa., and Lauren, a junior at Misericordia University.

For more information on the program and how to support these students, please visit the BoyleMahoney Fund site: https://app.mobilecause. com/vf/HSBusiness.

SCRANTON LEDGER | ISSUE #5. VOL #5. FALL 2019

31

Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 520 Scranton, PA

800 Linden Street Scranton, PA 18510

SCR A N T ON

Don’t go to Harvard, but to the Business School at The University of Scranton, where they are changing lives.”

PETER DRUCKER FATHER OF MODERN MANAGEMENT

The K ania S chool

at

The University

of

S cranton

offers highly innovative business

programs enriched with the latest technological applications and sharply focused on educating the whole person for a lifetime of success .