The Abstract Accounting Magazine 2023

THE

ABSTRACT

Accounting Magazine

DECEMBER 2023 / ISSUE 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Dr. Oksana Kim

THE ABSTRACT Accounting Magazine

02 04 05 07 14 16 09

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

MESSAGE FROM MACC DIRECTOR

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT & ACHIEVEMENTS

STUDENT NEWS

COB GRADUATION

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

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Dear Friends of the Accounting Program, I hope that the warm winter does not affect your holiday plans and Christmas spirit. This winter closely resembles my first winter in Minnesota in 2011 when I joined Minnesota State Mankato. Lack of snow and high temperatures made me believe that I had been misled by others on the type of winter Minnesota would normally have. Little did I know that next winter would bring a record amount of snow and a major blizzard in May during finals week. As someone who spent three Christmas seasons (summers) in Australia during my PhD studies, I recall celebrations over ice cream cakes, rather than warm homemade dishes, amidst 120 degrees F and extreme humidity, combined with local bushfires. Thus, things need to be looked at in perspective.

I am happy to share some updates with you. We had a great start to this academic year and welcomed two professors as fixed-term faculty members— Professors Robert (Bob) Rosacker (taxation) and Todd Lundquist (business law). Both Bob and Todd have made a great impact on the learning experiences of our students. Dr. Rosacker has taught core accounting courses in financial accounting, taxation, and several MAcc courses, while Dr. Lundquist taught undergraduate core and elective courses in business law. As we prepare for the spring 2024 semester, I am happy to share that all our scheduled classes are full, and some have significant waiting lists. Therefore, we again have been fortunate to avoid challenges and stress that our Minnesota peers, other accounting programs, have been facing including low enrollment and lack of engagement. In fact, we experienced some increase in accounting major declarations and one important trend this semester is high interest towards our accounting program from transferring students. We work with such students very closely and develop an individualized transfer path for them. I will repeat it again that the success of our accounting program is an effort of many— faculty, the College of Business advising team, the administrative personnel— combined with the fact that Mankato is recognized as a vibrant community that thrives economically and provides significant employment opportunities for our students.

As you will read in this issue of the Abstract, remarkable events took place this semester, for which I cannot thank the faculty members and our partners enough. Some highlights include revival of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) whose food pantry initiative, working with local schools on the financial literacy, and a trip to Washington DC are among important achievements. Further, it appears that the recent visit of Minnesota Supreme Court, organized by business law faculty, has sparked students’ interest in legal careers. Copeland Buhl’s

donations of textbooks for the core Intermediate Accounting course was a great source of motivation and inspiration for many students. In addition, the newly merged Beta Alpha Psi – Accounting Club organization has seen significant growth in membership and increased engagement among students. Importantly, the MACC program has a record number of enrolled students. Despite being busy with teaching and service, our faculty also remain scholarly active and publish in high quality journals, as noted in this issue.

We hope to continue our success and will provide further updates in the spring. Please stay connected with us, and we wish you Happy Holidays!

Best wishes, Oksana Kim, Ph.D., FCCA Chair, Department of Accounting & Business Law The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of Leadership & Diversity

DATES TO REMEMBER • Accounting Golf Event May 10 • Meet the Firms September 19 MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO / 3

MESSAGE FROM FROM THE MACC DIRECTOR AND LENZMEIER PROFESSOR OF EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS Dr. Byron Pike Hello Accounting Alumni and Friends of the Program, As individuals apply to our Master of Accounting (MAcc) program, they are asked to respond to the question: “What prompted you to apply to the MAcc at Minnesota State University, Mankato?”

The overwhelming most popular response to this question by our future MAcc students is the Reputation of our Graduate Program. I am honored and humbled to know that we have built an accounting program at Minnesota State Mankato that is viewed so positively by our future learners. This reputation is not a result of happenstance. Rather, it is attributable to the efforts of many individuals and groups. Our faculty are passionate about providing a high-quality educational experience for all our students, ensuring that they are well-prepared to join the accounting profession. Current and former students have also contributed to the excellence of our accounting program. It’s hard to find a Minnesota State Mankato accounting student that isn’t also working to support themselves as well as juggling many other responsibilities. Because of this, our students are driven, determined, and have a work ethic that sets them apart from others. After graduation, these skills, coupled with the knowledge acquired in the classroom, allows our alumni to immediately make meaningful contributions to their employers. This contribution does not go unnoticed. In fact, many recruiters are now recommending our MAcc program as they interview candidates that need a deeper background in accounting for CPA licensure. Finally, and maybe most importantly, our external partnerships and the firms/companies that provide incredible internship and employment opportunities for our students make our program exceptional. We are proud to say that we care about our students’ education as well as ensuring they find meaningful employment opportunities in the profession. We could not do this without our network of partners and the longstanding relationships we have with firms across the state. It is from these efforts that our MAcc graduates essentially have a 100 percent 4 / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS THE ABSTRACT

placement rate in the profession upon graduation. Thank you for helping us become one of the best places to pursue a degree in accounting.

As I’ve mentioned in previous editions of this magazine, we are actively working to bring more individuals into the accounting profession. This includes adult learners completing an accelerated path that includes core undergraduate accounting courses and the MAcc program to become CPA eligible.

This avenue continues to be a significant area of growth for us. So much so that we are excited to share that we will be launching the Accelerate Accounting Certificate in the fall of 2024. This certificate allows individuals to enter the MAcc program to achieve CPA eligibility, provides a quick pathway to start working in an accounting function, or accumulate the necessary accounting credits for CPA licensure. The accelerated certificate will contribute to our ability to be flexible and broaden the opportunities for individuals to enter the accounting profession.

As you can see, we are not stagnating in our approach to educating our students and meeting the needs of society and the profession. In this edition of the magazine, you will see many examples of this innovation and the corresponding success of our students and graduates. Despite all the current and future challenges, it is still a great time to be a Maverick and an accounting professional. We are excited about the future, which will include additional conversations and partnerships with you as we continue to promote and grow this amazing profession. Your support is a big reason why our accounting program is truly special. Please feel free to reach out to me directly (byron.pike@mnsu.edu) if you are looking for help with recruitment, engagement, or wish to provide scholarships to our students.

Go Mavs!

Byron J. Pike, Ph.D., CPA The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS Dr. Seung Bach, New Dean of the College of Business As of July 1, 2023, Dr. Bach assumed the role of the College of Business dean. He came to us from the School of Business and Public Administration at California State University, Bakersfield where he served as interim dean. Dr. Bach oversaw four academic departments, five undergraduate degree programs, and three graduate degree programs. In this position, he oversaw five centers that included entrepreneurship and innovation, research, and agribusiness. “Dr. Bach brings a commitment to student success and equitable outcomes for all, and a strong foundation in teaching and learning, academic leadership and community engagement” according to Minnesota State University, Mankato Provost David Hood. The main goal for Dean Bach this year is to provide affordable education for everyone. Dr. Bach is examining our academic programs to evaluate their equity, affordability, and access to everyone, including degree seekers or non-degree seekers and traditional students or adult learners. Dean Bach brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to academic advancement to the College of Business. We have enjoyed getting to know Dean Bach and look forward to working with him to strengthen our accounting program and external partnerships.

Faculty Research When faculty members are not teaching, advising, or providing services to the University, they engage in scholarly activities that advance the body of knowledge in accounting. In many instances, this research also informs the faculty members’ teaching, creating a better learning environment in the classroom. Below are the 2023 publications of the Accounting and Business Law Department faculty. Feel free to contact the faculty members directly if you are interested in learning more about their research endeavors.

Bradbury, M. and O. Kim. (2023). The impact of the IFRS adoption reform on audit market concentration, auditor choice, and audit quality. Journal of Applied Accounting Research.

Chui, L., Curtis, M., and B. Pike. (2023). Improving Fraud Performance with a Different Perspective. Current Issues in Auditing 17(2): 11-17.

W. Davis. (2023). Damages in Business Tort Actions. Minnesota Business Disputes: Claims and Remedies (16): 1-38.

Garanina, T. and O. Kim. 2023. The relationship between CSR disclosure and accounting conservatism: The role of state ownership. Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation 50.

Fingland, S., Pickard, J. S., and M.D. Piercey. (2023). How Does High Uncertainty in Accounting Estimates Impact Auditor Litigation Risk? Opposite Effects in Jury Trials and Attorneys' Out-of-Court Settlements. Current Issues in Auditing 17(2): 18-25.

Rosacker, K., Rosacker, R., and S. Fingland. (2023). A Monte Carlo Simulation of the Tax Burdens and Impacts Associated with Common Intergenerational Family Farm Transfer Strategies. Journal of Applied Business and Economics 25(2): 10-23.

Award: 2023 Distinguished Research Award, North American Accounting Society MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO / 5

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS Accounting Advisory Board Meeting The Accounting and Business Law Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato held its annual Accounting Advisory Council Meeting on September 14, 2023, before Meet the Firms event. At the meeting, members were introduced to our new Dean, Dr. Bach, and the department presented the current state of the accounting program. Members then discussed the MNCPA pathways to broaden the CPA credentials. Highlights from this meeting include the following: •

The undergraduate accounting program had a 10% increase in enrollment, defying the national trend of declining accounting enrollment.

•

Fall 2023 was the largest enrollment ever for the MAcc program, with 63 students.

•

College of Business accounting graduates are of high quality and in demand.

•

Three certificates are being launched in 2024; Accelerated Accounting Certificate, Business Law Certificate, and Graduate Certificate in Assurance.

•

Council members suggested ways to close performance gaps in accounting courses.

•

We discussed the newly merged Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting and Finance Club and how it has led to greater student engagement and additional scholarship opportunities.

•

The Eide Bailly Fellow, Sean Fingland, presented how he has led efforts to increase student engagement, grow enrollment, and help recruit new individuals into the accounting profession.

•

The council members discussed their thoughts on broadening the CPA credentials.

A special thank you to our Accounting Advisory Council Members Chris Austin

Redpath and Company

Tyler Rick

Federated Insurance

Taylor Corporation

Jennifer McCabe

Hormel

Morgan Wallace

Brittany Wencl

Copeland Buhl

Jesse Stamm

Murry & Associates

Clifton Larson Allen

Tim McNeal

United Health Group

Derek Wills

Ashley Forrer

RSM

Heather Thielges

CarlsonSV

Froehling Anderson

Chris Powers

Eide Bailly

Matt Wills

Joe Hellman

Abdo

Dan Wagner

LB Carlson

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS Our Largest Meet the Firms Event Yet At the beginning of every fall semester, the College of Business hosts its premier accounting and finance career fair for students: Meet the Firms (MTF).

This event features public accounting firms, private industry companies, and government agencies that recruit students seeking professional careers in accounting and finance. MTF this year was the most successful event thus far, with over 50 firms/companies. Employer representatives attending MTF engaged with over 250 students from Minnesota State University, Mankato. MTF this year was our largest attendance ever, for both students and employers. Students had endless opportunities to network and learn about the various companies that offer accounting and finance positions. Many students secured an internship or other employment opportunities after attending. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the event this year. We hope the 2024 MTF is even more successful. We also want to offer a special thank you to the firms/companies/agencies that participated in the MTF this year. Mark your calendars, the 2024 MTF career fair will be on September 19th. For more information on next year’s event, please contact Samantha Campa, Internships and External Partnerships Coordinator, (samantha.campa.2@mnsu.edu / (507-389-5414). We look forward to seeing you there.

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS NABA in Action Established in 2020, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) is a dynamic organization that empowers minority and underrepresented students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, information technology, and other business-related fields.

Minnesota State Mankato’s NABA provides members with many opportunities to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare for successful careers. Members gain valuable insights into accounting, finance, information technology, and business-related fields through workshops, seminars, and networking events with the primary goal of developing leadership potential within their members.

Members actively participate in volunteer initiatives, including offering financial literacy and Tax 101 education to underserved communities and collaborating with the Maverick Food Pantry before the holiday season, when the need is often the greatest.

NABA Takes a Trip to Washington D.C. for Regional Meeting At the beginning of October, NABA attended the NABA Inc Regional Conference in Washington D.C. They experienced three days of educational presentations.

Everyone at the entire conference was encouraging, inspirational, and engaging. The conference empowered and inspired professionals to reach new heights in their careers and personal growth. It was an immersive experience filled with enriching sessions, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking discussions. NABA is grateful for Abdo’s financial support in making this trip possible!

NABA Visits Mankato Charter School On November 3, NABA visited a Mankato charter school to discuss financial literacy with senior students in an economics class, led by the club’s executives. The students learned about financial literacy through planned activities, active participation, and posed questions. The event was a resounding success and proved to be highly interactive. Students gained valuable insights into the importance of financial awareness and budgeting. NABA aspires to continue working with high school students as part of their commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact.

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS Business Law Students Experience the Minnesota Supreme Court and Law Firm Life On November 6, Professors Wade Davis and Todd Lundquist brought 13 business law students to St. Paul and Minneapolis to the Minnesota Supreme Court and a visit to Minnesota’s largest law firm. After watching an emotional oral argument appealing a first-degree murder conviction, the students personally met and talked with Supreme Court Justice G. Barry Anderson and appellate court judge Elise Larson. The judges answered questions and talked about their personal journeys of growing up in out-state Minnesota, entering the legal profession, practicing law, and transitioning to the judicial system. The students then toured the Minnesota Capital Building, stopping to take in the rotunda and the House and Senate chambers.

The group then made their way to the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron in downtown Minneapolis to meet with six attorneys who practice in the fields of civil litigation, employment and labor law, white-collar crime, intellectual property, and securities law. They had a spirited and wide-ranging discussion of the legal field, law school, the intersection of business and the law, and the work life of a practicing attorney.

As experienced attorneys, Professors Davis and Lundquist are always looking for ways to share their experiences and breathe life into their Business Law courses. But nothing compares to personally witnessing oral arguments in the state’s highest court, talking with a Supreme Court justice, and meeting with a group of seasoned attorneys in a boardroom that overlooks downtown of a major city.

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS Copeland Buhl Surprises Intermediate Accounting Students with a Kind Donation.

Copeland Buhl Background Copeland Buhl & Company is a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm founded in 1971, providing Minnesota businesses and individuals with exceptional financial and accounting services, tax planning and preparation, audit services, and information systems consulting for more than 50 years. Because of significant growth, innovation, and opportunities, the firm recently moved to a new office location in Plymouth. Copeland Buhl offers many opportunities for students to expand their knowledge in accounting and tax services through valuable experiences. Tax and accounting internships are available each year beginning in early January. The in-depth training provided for interns prepares them for success through developing real-world skills. Interns gain hands-on experience in general accounting, corporate, individual tax, and financial statements. By working with clients and experienced accounting professionals, interns gain valuable business experience that will set them apart from other job candidates.

Copeland Buhl Covers Textbook Costs for Intermediate Financial Accounting Students.

In 2022, Copeland Buhl started a program where the firm covers the cost of the textbook for all students enrolled in the first intermediate financial accounting course. The firm viewed this as a unique way of supporting future accounting professionals’ scholarship and generating greater awareness of their firm and employment opportunities. This program is designed not to show favoritism towards any one school and rotates annually. Copeland Buhl selected the accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, for the textbook initiative in the calendar year of 2023. They selected Minnesota State Mankato because of the faculty’s willingness to go beyond students' education, creating avenues for students to learn more about the accounting profession. Copeland appreciates the opportunities Minnesota State Mankato offers to engage with students, which includes Meet the Firms, club and classroom visits, the annual golf event, and many others. Moreover, the firm believes the educational experiences at Minnesota State Mankato prepare students well for a long and lasting career in accounting.

Not only did this donation help relieve financial burdens, but it also motivated students to excel in their accounting courses.

We would like to express our gratitude to Copeland Buhl for their generosity and belief in our students.

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS What Students had to say about this gift.

“

I was completely caught off guard by the donation. What a wonderful surprise! I cannot help but think that Copeland Buhl's generosity goes a long way in demonstrating their values and what my experience would have been like had I applied and been accepted there. I hope to pursue a future opportunity with them. I am a non-traditional Pre-MAcc student, a 37-year-old father to an 8-month-old son, and a first-generation college graduate determined to do better for my children just as my parents did better for me. I am making a career change from tech sales to accounting because of the predictability and security I expect it to provide for my family. Some days, I am less than convinced that I am making the right decision. Your generous gift reminded me that I am making the right decision. Thank you, Copeland Buhl.”

“

I was excited and relieved because textbooks can be significantly expensive for students, so knowing that I did not have to worry about this expense was a generous gesture but also a tremendous source of motivation. Giving back to the community is invaluable, so receiving this donation reminds me of the positive impact that businesses can have on students’ lives. It is motivating to know that there are companies like Copeland Buhl who recognize the importance of education and are willing to invest in the future of students like me. This gift has strengthened my commitment to excel in my accounting studies, work hard to make the most of this opportunity, and give back to others when possible. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to Copeland Buhl for their generous gift. Your support has lightened my financial burden and inspired me to strive for excellence in my accounting classes."

“

I was surprised and delighted to learn that my textbook expenses would be funded. It meant a great deal to me, as I have been struggling with financial difficulties this semester as an international student. Pursuing this degree has encouraged me to focus more on my studies and has shown me that companies like Copeland Buhl are willing to support and encourage us in our academics. It has also made me aware of the many opportunities in my chosen field of study. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Copeland Buhl for their generous donation that covered the cost of my textbooks. Not only has it helped me financially, but it has also inspired me to strive for academic excellence.”

“

I was happy and grateful to have my textbook paid for. I was on the waitlist for ACCT 300 and got in at the last second. To have a cost that I was not expecting covered was a relief. The donation has inspired me to be more engaged and work harder in my accounting courses. I want to say thank you to Copeland Buhl. You have an amazing firm and community. It is very kind of you to bring that energy to our campus by being at Meet the Firms, stopping by classrooms to introduce yourself, and providing donations. Thank you, Copeland Buhl.”

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO / 11

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS Congratulations to some of our new Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) Graduates from the accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato have some of the state’s highest CPA exam pass rates. We want to highlight a few graduates who recently achieved this professional milestone and share their advice for current students and memories from their time at Minnesota State Mankato.

Alissa Carlson

Alissa grew up in Chanhassen, MN. She works at RSM US LLP as an Assurance Associate at their Minneapolis office. Alissa’s fondest memory from the accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato is the friendships she made while in the MAcc program. Her friends helped make the difficult classes a little easier, and post-college, it makes her look forward to coming back for events like Meet the Firms and the Annual Accounting Alumni and Friends Golf event that much more fun. Alissa’s advice to current students is not to give up. Although it may not be easy, it will be worth it. Also, to make sure to stay connected with friends and professors. She recommends getting an internship as well since, most times, it leads to a full-time offer and allows you to learn about areas you are interested in accounting. She chose the accounting field because she always enjoyed working with numbers and, when she took her first accounting class, it felt like the right decision. She also wanted a career that would be a constant challenge and keep her engaged. During her internship and first year full-time at RSM, she learned more than she thought was possible.

Olivia grew up in Sparta, Wisconsin. She currently works at Schlenner Wenner & Co. as a supervisor in the audit department at their St. Cloud office. Olivia’s fondest memory was interacting with students from various locations and accounting backgrounds in the MAcc program. She enjoyed enhancing her soft skills and growing her confidence in accounting. Olivia’s advice to current students is to make connections with classmates. The support will be helpful throughout the program and in the future. She also recommends developing good study habits now since it will make a world of difference when taking the CPA exams. Olivia chose the accounting field after she took an accounting course in high school, where she learned how much she enjoyed balancing financial statements and seeing how one transaction could affect so many parts of the financial statements.

Olivia Johnson Garret grew up in Mankato, MN, and attended Mankato East High School. He currently works at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) as an associate in auditing not-for-profit organizations. A big lesson that he learned from the accounting program is problem-solving skills. He discovered it’s essential to have problem-solving skills in the accounting field and is glad that he improved these skills during the accounting program, helping him succeed in his career. His advice to current students is to appreciate how hard your professors work, learn to have time management skills, and remember to do what you enjoy. He chose the field of accounting during his last year of high school. During this time, he took an assessment that suggested an accounting career path. He knew that accounting is one of those transferable skillsets where he could switch to the private industry or public. After realizing how a good background knowledge in accounting provides countless opportunities, he decided it would best suit him.

Garret Winch 12 / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS THE ABSTRACT

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, ENGAGEMENT, & ACHIEVEMENTS

Jace Westman

Jace grew up in Jordan, Minnesota. He currently works at Barton, Walter, & Krier (BWK) as a tax associate at their Maple Grove office. His fondest memory from the accounting program was the life-long friendships he built. Before joining the accounting program, Jace thought it would not require much interaction with others. Once he entered, he realized the importance of people skills.

The communication skills he learned in group projects and working with professors are attributes he uses daily and have helped him build lifelong friendships. His advice for current accounting students is to take it all in. The education required for some fields of work requires students to learn things they may never use in their professional careers. Accounting is not one of those fields. Weekly, he encounters an accounting item/issue he learned throughout his education. He recommends learning it now because you will be revisiting it later. He chose the field of accounting for the wide range of employment opportunities (tax, audit, bookkeeping, payroll, private accounting, etc.) and because he has a passion for organization and accuracy.

Introducing the new GA’s for Spring 2024 Every year, the Accounting and Business Law Department hires graduate assistants (GAs) from the Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program. The GAs help by tutoring students enrolled in undergraduate accounting courses, teaching an accounting cycles course, promoting the undergraduate and MAcc programs, and helping with many special projects. We are pleased to introduce the new GA for the coming calendar year.

Lauren grew up in Mankato, Minnesota. She will graduate in 2023 from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with her undergraduate degree in accounting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going for runs, reading mystery novels, going on hikes, and recently learned she enjoys crocheting. Lauren originally started as a marketing major, but after her first accounting course, she decided accounting was better for her. She enjoys the problemsolving and collaborative aspects of accounting to work towards a common goal as a team.

Lauren Reuter

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO / 13

STUDENT NEWS Scholarship Recipients We would like to express our gratitude to the alumni, faculty, and friends for their generosity, continued support, and belief in our students. Join us in congratulating the students receiving the 2023 accounting awards and scholarships: Accounting Senior of the Year Award Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship Daryl and Karyl Henze Endowed Accounting Scholarship Daryl and Karyl Henze Endowed Accounting Scholarship Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Werner Fick Accounting Scholarship Endowment Dr. Paul Schwinghammer Accounting Scholarship Joan and Brad Brolsma Accounting Scholarship Murry & Associates Accounting Scholarship Lyndon E. Opsal Memorial Endowed Scholarship Abdo Accounting Scholarship Abdo Accounting Scholarship N. Patrick Baker Accounting Scholarship Endowment Eide Bailly Accounting Scholarship Eide Bailly Accounting Scholarship RSM Accounting Scholarship Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship Federated Insurance Accounting Scholarship Minnesota Society of CPA's Endowed Scholarship Minnesota Society of CPA's Endowed Scholarship Sam Erickson Endowed Scholarship Abdo Family Accounting Scholarship Abdo Family Accounting Scholarship Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Hellman Family Scholarship Institute Of Internal Auditors-Twin Cities Chapter Scholarship Minnesota Society of CPA's - Southern Chapter Accounting Scholarship Minnesota Society of CPA's - Southern Chapter Accounting Scholarship Dan Welty Business Law Endowed Scholarship Lewis Miller Memorial Accounting Scholarship Toivo Luoma Memorial Accounting Scholarship

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Riley Alcorn Elizabeth Peterson Alex Wittwer Kossi Kavi Cassidy Schultz Maleia Ryberg Audrey Kamps Faith Milton Victor Nguyen Cienna Pleoger Faith Miller Zachary Finholdt Zachary Campion Thomas Thornton Rachel Wall Lauren Reuter Robert Blachard Kylie Niebuhr Rekek Amsalu Elfaz Hussien Joshbir Bedi Dashawn Gardener John (Jack) Pemble Faith Hanson Yonbo Huang Joshua Makana Max Schwabe Mark Strand Angie Castorena Gonsalez Elizabeth French Brent Marciano Walker Tinklenburg Cassandra FitzHenry Kaltuma Hassan Ethan Johnson Abdulaziz Mohamud Sarai Perez McKenna Rohlik Waleed El Saadi Kary Petricka Jasmine Lamar

STUDENT NEWS Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Club Merge to Form BAP-AFC In the Summer of 2023, Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Club decided to merge and are now named Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting and Finance Club (BAP-AFC). The primary motivation behind the merger was to eliminate the duplication of efforts for the club speakers, student leadership, and faculty advisors. Multiple firms also expressed a desire to send their delegations annually to speak to a larger club audience. In many cases, firms met with both groups, on separate dates, with much of the audience between the two student organizations overlapping. In addition, both clubs recruited the same students and supported members in a similar mission. The newly merged organization has seen tremendous growth. In the fall semester, BAP-AFC regularly had 4050 attendees.

BAP-AFC obtained sponsorship from nine Accounting and Finance Firms.

With this sponsorship, they have eliminated the one-time, $100 membership fee and are offering $13,000 in academic scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.

In 2023, BAP-AFC leadership attended two conferences. In March, they attended the Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The group won 1st place in the “Best Practices – Reimagining Community Service” category with their presentation: “Ivy House Inventory Count and Valuation.”

In August, they attended the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lastly, BAP-AFC has changed the structure of their meeting schedule. While two-thirds of the meetings remain classroom presentations by invited speakers, one-third of the meetings are now sponsored events where students socialize and network with companies at the University Bullpen, local restaurants and patios, the Wow Zone, and more.

BAP-AFC meets on Wednesday nights during the Fall and Spring semesters, typically between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO / 15

BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING • Summer & Fall Sajad Al Dawood Nicholas Anderson Noah Androli Caylie Arnold Ketsia Bokoli Benjamin Burns Lillian Church Carson Davis Ingrid Djoman

Jason Fagan Naomi Fikresilassie Madison Freeburg Tcheleo Groubela Elizabeth Heckel Shandler Heggem Marco Hernandez Mikayla Hinzmann Tyler Homich

Caleb Inselmann Sabrina Johnston Minjung Kang Madison Klingenschmitt Joel Korir Nathan Kotsmith Brent Marciano Sam McDonough

Courtney Miller Aaron Mohr Francine Ndah Thanh Quang Nguyen Luella Reilly Lauren Reuter Brock Rohlik Karsten Ruliffson Yuhi Sekine

Mark Strand Tyler Studer Steven Vang Rachel Wall Max Weidner

Michaela Paskach Campbell Paterson

Zachary Rome Cecelia Schieffer

MASTER OF ACCOUNTING • Summer & Fall Sydney Anderson Donghong Chen

Guanglong Hu Nathan Hvidsten

Charles Kahiro Jay McCutcheon

Are you looking to help support the Minnesota State University, Mankato accounting program and students?

Please consider donating via QR code or giving link: https://engage.mnsu.edu/accounting 16 / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS THE ABSTRACT

Full-time Accounting & Business Law Faculty Wade Davis, J.D. wade.davis@mnsu.edu 507-389-2207

Dr. Todd Lundquist todd.lundquist@mnsu.edu 507-389-5429

Dr. Ferdinand Siagian ferdinand.siagian@mnsu.edu 507-389-5407

Dr. Abo-El-Yazeed Habib abo-el-yazeed.habib@mnsu.edu 507-389-5408

Dr. Byron Pike byron.pike@mnsu.edu 507-389-6909

Sean Fingland sean.fingland@mnsu.edu 507-389-5388

Dr. Steven Johnson steven.johnson@mnsu.edu 507-389-2760

Dr. Kirsten Rosacker kirsten.rosacker@mnsu.edu 507-389-5413

Tasia Winrow tasia.winrow@mnsu.edu 507-389-5415

Dr. Oksana Kim oksana.kim@mnsu.edu 507-389-5411

Dr. Robert (Bob) Rosacker bob.rosacker@mnsu.edu 507-389-5349

Dr. Katheryn Zielinski katheryn.zielinski@mnsu.edu 507-389-5412

To learn more about the Accounting & Business Law Faculty or to get in touch go to cob.mnsu.edu/accounting-faculty

If you are interested in exploring additional opportunities to contribute to Minnesota State, Mankato. Please contact Cathy Willette, Director of Development (catherine.willette@mnsu.edu) Cathy Willette joined the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation as the Director of Development for the College of Business in November of 2021. But if you ask her, she has always been a Maverick. Willette started her higher education journey as a first-generation student at Minnesota State Mankato in 1982. The Mankato resident is married and has three grown kids (all Mavericks as well).

Willette enjoys meeting alumni and learning of their Maverick stories. As she likes to say, “sometimes life’s journey takes you back home. Once a Maverick, always a Maverick!” Please reach out to Cathy if you are looking to start a conversation.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the College of Business at 507-389-5420 (V), or 711 BUSC663NE_12-23 18800-627-3529 / COLLEGE OF(MRS/TTY).

BUSINESS THE ABSTRACT

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