Bonus points...something extra
Just as students like to have a few bonus points
— you will like these "extra" stories
Students, faculty, and staff have varied interests outside the classroom and away from campus. For some, those interests may be how they get recharged from a challenging semester or an involved assignment. For others, it may be an escape not to think about academics for a while. Still others may be fostering an interest they have had since childhood or high school. You will appreciate some of these insights into the non-academic side of a sample of our accounting majors and our faculty/staff.
Business of music
Dennis Macias (BBA '25) is a first-gen student who has set his sights on becoming a CPA. He is from a musical family and his older siblings are involved in many aspects of the music industry as singers, songwriters, performers, and producers. Yet, working with numbers, performing financial analysis, and the business of money management are the things that appeal to Dennis. "I've seen firsthand how important accounting is in the business side of music. I look forward to applying the accounting knowledge I acquire to my love of music." Dennis is working his way through college with nearly a full-time schedule as a teller at Wells Fargo and while earning top grades in his academic studies.
Accounting, travel, & movies
Valeria Escalante (BBA '24) is an accounting major with a minor in international business. She chose the minor to gain a better understanding of how business operates across national borders. It also gave her an opportunity to participate in the McCoy College Study Abroad Program in Spain that fulfills her love for travel. When she is not studying or traveling, Valeria does volunteer work, enjoys time with her family, and is a movie buff. Her academic and career plans include an internship with a Big 4 firm in summer 2024, with hopes of focusing on international tax, and looking ahead to becoming a CPA.
Making plans for Study in America
Nate Cannon, Associate Professor, received a grant from McCoy College to lay the groundwork for a trip next year (and subsequent years) with students as part of a Study in America class he is developing. Plans are to take the class members to Washington, D.C. to visit several of the regulatory agencies that impact the accounting profession and to let students explore many of the rich cultural experiences in D.C.
Summer travel for faculty
Hiking in the Alps
Will her knees make it across 60+ miles of hiking in the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps? That concern is why Jeanne Davidson, Lecturer, wants to go now, traveling with her eldest son on a unique guided trip for eight days and seven nights. She says she will be "camping," but, a better descriptor might be "glamping" because they will be staying in Gucci style lux accommodations. Maybe it will not be too tough. She describes the hiking trip as being on her bucket list while her knees can still handle it. We are certain you can do it, Jeanne!
Tracing family roots
Linda Campbell, Associate Professor, and her husband have summer plans to take a long-delayed trip to Northern Ireland. It was originally set for 2020, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. Campbell is a bit incredulous that it has taken three years to finally be able to arrange this trip. Now, they have an itinerary that includes touring the beautiful countryside and they will also be doing a bit of research in archives and other historic sources. Their goal is to trace and document some branches of their family tree that date back to the 18th century.
Scotland's unique attractions
Laurie Brown, Assistant Department Chair and Senior Lecturer, is packing for a trip to Scotland where she will enjoy many unique attractions such as castles, golf courses, and scotch distilleries. Likely, there will also be numerous opportunities to see and hear the music of Scottish bagpipes. She is currently debating whether she should partake of the national dish of Scotland, haggis. The origin of this dish is usually cited as being in the late 1400s and is often made as a savoury pudding. It can also be served fried. Look up the description of haggis and you may want to tell Laurie, "Don't do it!"
Travel with NABA students & trips with family
Jerry McWilliams, Clinical Assistant Professor, will be traveling in June to New Orleans as faculty advisor to our student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) for that group's national convention. He will also be on the road with his eldest daughter, heading to Louisville, Kentucky and Orlando, Florida for her to compete in two national basketball tournaments. Next year, she will be a high school senior and she is dedicated to earning a college basketball scholarship. There are many reasons for McWilliams to be a proud dad because his daughter is also competitive in running track and earns high marks academically. Additionally, he will be spending time on a research project on the NABA Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP).