MEET A MEMBER MARCI BUTTERFIELD, CPA

What do you like about working with students? Working at the University of Utah has an energy that I feel as I walk on campus every day! Being in the classroom and getting to know my students each semester is my passion. I want them to know that I care about them. I love it when my students have “lightbulb moments” and figure out some of the concepts that I am teaching. My students are the reason that I teach at the U, and I tell them that frequently.

What would surprise people to know about you? I was an elite gymnastics judge for about 20 years and was able to judge two NCAA Championships as well as tons of Regional NCAA competitions. I got to travel just about every week, which sounds glamorous, but basically included a plane ride, judging inside an event center, and sleeping in a hotel room.

What is your favorite book? My constant read is the Book of Mormon, and I am always amazed at the daily insight it gives me.

What do you like to do outside of work? I love being with my husband, kids, and grandkids. We have Sunday dinner almost every week and celebrate holidays with parties, food, and activities. I hold a cousins camp for grandkids ages five and older each summer. I love to cook and bake, especially cookies by hand with my wooden spoon. Travel has been a huge part of my life as I have taken students to Paris, Amsterdam, Austria, and Germany. I got to teach in London last fall, which was an amazing experience! My husband recently bought a Missouri Fox Trotter, and I am learning about horses and enjoying the beautiful scenery as we take rides, typically up Middle Fork above Eden.

What are your goals both personally and professionally? My most pressing goal and highest priority is bringing Beta Alpha Psi back to the University of Utah. This is a daunting task, and I will need a lot of downtown support. I look forward to establishing new relationships with students, colleagues and professionals and strengthening ties with those of you who have always been there. Beta Alpha Psi will help students learn more about the profession, career opportunities and motivate them to give back to their communities.

What advice do you live by? “You can do this” and “nothing is impossible” are two of my taglines that help motivate me when things get tough. I wear a ring that says, “nothing is impossible” as a constant reminder that I can do hard things. n