Message from the Chair Dr. Steven Johnson
Dear Students, Alumni, and Friends of the Accounting Program,
The end of the academic year has always initiated a sense of reflection for me. Sometimes that reflection inspires change. Sometimes it stirs innovation. And sometimes it simply brings a smile of contentment. This semester has overwhelmingly brought me a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for many things.
First, I am thankful for the students who have decided to make Minnesota State University, Mankato their home. We are fortunate as faculty to have the opportunity to engage with brilliant, hardworking, fun, and dedicated students. These interactions, for most of us, are the highlights of our careers.
Second, I am grateful for the outstanding faculty with whom I have the opportunity to create, collaborate, and innovate daily. We are blessed in the Accounting and Business Law Department to have a synergistically diverse group of faculty who enthusiastically contribute to student success. From world-class researchers to world-class teachers, we have a faculty mix that collectively makes student success a priority, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
Third, I am grateful for the connections and opportunities that come from deep relationships with our accounting alumni and firms. From the Meet the Firms event to internships, scholarships, and collaboration opportunities, I cannot express enough how important and impactful these relationships are, and I thank all alumni and firms for your continued support.
Finally, I am grateful for all the extraordinary work our faculty and staff do on behalf of our students, which often goes unrecognized. Specifically, I’d like to thank Dr. Byron Pike for his tireless efforts in making our MAcc and undergraduate programs the successes they are. His efforts, along with our entire faculty’s, are the reasons our accounting program has remained strong, while many accounting programs across the country have suffered material enrollment declines.
So, thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of our students and our accounting program. We are extremely grateful and look forward to continued collaboration and success in the future.
Best wishes,
Dr. Steven Johnson, CPA, CITP Chair, Department of Accounting & Business Law
Faculty and Staff News
The faculty in the Department of Accounting and Business Law have obtained some amazing achievements this academic year. We would like to highlight some of these accomplishments. Feel free to reach out to the faculty members directly if you are interested in learning more about their endeavors and activities outside of the classroom.
Wade Davis, J.D. was appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court to serve on the Alternative Pathways Committee to develop and recommend alternative ways to admit attorneys to the Minnesota legal bar beyond passing the bar examination.
Sean Fingland, Dr. Steven Johnson, and Dr. Ferdinand Siagian received the Best Case Award at the Southeast Case Research Association conference for their paper titled “Ritual Botanics, LLC: New Product and Transfer Pricing in a Startup.”
Dr. Oksana Kim was named as a 2025 Minnesota State University, Mankato Distinguished Faculty Scholar. This prestigious designation is awarded to tenured professors whose scholarly activity warrants distinction within the university community.
Dr. Kirsten (Kris) Rosacker is currently serving a three-year term as a Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) Chapter Advocate. In this capacity, Dr. Rosacker serves as a vital link between 37 BAP Chapters and the organization’s executive office. Dr. Rosacker also served as a planning committee member for the American Tax Association Teaching and Curriculum Conference, which was held in February in Dallas, TX.
Dr. Ferdinand Siagian and Dr. Jidong Zhang each received a 2025 Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Business Research Award for their research publications. Dr. Siagian’s manuscript is titled “Does analyst forecast informativeness affect managers’ financial reporting incentives?” and Dr. Zhang’s is titled “Impact of Cybersecurity Disclosure Frequency on Stock Price Crash Risk.”
Dr. Jidong Zhang received recognition for his outstanding service to the Institute of Management Accountants’ Research Foundation Committee, serving from 2014 to 2024.
• Aug. 25: Fall Semester begins
• Sept. 25: Meet the Firms
Message from the MAcc Director
Dr. Byron Pike
Hello Accounting Alumni and Friends of the Program,
We have once again wrapped up another successful academic year. In this edition of the accounting magazine, you will read about all the amazing achievements of our students and faculty. We could not be prouder of the accounting students at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Our students juggle many obligations as they pursue their degrees and prepare themselves for a rewarding career in accounting. Through it all, they are highly engaged in the classroom, extracurricular activities, experiential learning, and professional development, all while demonstrating Maverick pride and acting as tremendous ambassadors for the university. Thank you, students, for all your efforts both in and outside the classroom.
Our program continues to experience strong enrollment, helping to meet the need for more accounting professionals in the pipeline. This is contrary to the trend across most of higher education. This is no easy feat. Our faculty are critical to this achievement. They are highly invested in our students. Beyond providing a world-class education at an exceptional value, the faculty actively mentor students, assist with internship/employment opportunities, provide professional development opportunities, and recruit new individuals into the profession. We strive to create a culture of care where everyone is valued, actively working toward collective success. This has led to the strong reputation of our program, and our graduates, which is the number one reason why individuals choose to study accounting at Minnesota State Mankato.
YOU are another key factor in the strength of our accounting program. The accounting alumni, and supporting firms/companies, help us differentiate our program and provide added value to our students. From employment opportunities to mentorship and professional growth, your efforts make a tremendous impact on the lives of our students. We appreciate everyone’s contribution towards making our accounting program truly special.
Our Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is the largest graduate accounting program in Minnesota. Moreover, we had our largest graduating class in program history this year. The accounting profession is a challenging and technical discipline. The MAcc provides deeper technical knowledge and development of soft skills for individuals to not only become certified public accountants (CPAs) but also sets them on a trajectory for greater advancement to leadership positions. The flexibility of our program meets the needs of all learners. In fact, we create individualized study plans to help individuals find a pathway that works best for their personal and professional goals. This individualized and flexible approach allows us to reach a broader audience and address the needs of the profession. We are grateful for the firms and companies that support our learners as they continue their education.
I would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to our three graduating Master of Accounting Graduate Assistants: Audrey Kamps, Faith Milton, and Lexi Scharlemann. Their efforts have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our program and the students at Minnesota State Mankato.
Finally, there is no doubt that we all operate in an everchanging and uncertain environment. We have worked diligently to ensure our program is well positioned to meet the moment, to serve and benefit the local and global communities. We welcome your input and support on this journey. Feel free to reach out to me directly (byron.pike@ mnsu.edu) if you are interested in exploring ways to engage with our students and faculty.
Go Mavs!
Byron J. Pike, Ph.D., CPA
The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director
Student Development, Engagement and Achievements
Beta Alpha Psi-Accounting and Finance Club
Beta Alpha Psi-Accounting and Finance Club was involved in two exciting service projects this Spring Semester that had a similar theme: books for those in need.
In February, the Club sent four individuals to the Beta Alpha Psi MidYear Meeting in Dallas, Texas. As part of the conference, the students were encouraged to bring children’s books to contribute to a collective donation for Youth World, a non-profit dedicated to empowering kids in need and their families in south Dallas. While most Beta Alpha Psi chapter participants brought a few books each, the Minnesota State, Mankato chapter stepped up in a big way. Thanks to the generous donations of more than 25 different members and faculty, the chapter purchased and delivered over 25 books using $200 in donations.
Throughout the Spring Semester, the Club partnered with the Ethnics Studies Department to collect and distribute textbooks and novels to schools in Africa. Chapter members were asked to bring gently used textbooks and novels to meetings. The Club also had a dedicated collection box in Morris Hall. In total, the Club collected over 100 books with over 25 individual contributors. In May, two Club members delivered the books to Minneapolis in preparation for shipment to schools in Africa.
Photos from L to R: Miranda Breck, Nicole Klein, Faith Milton, Emily Noeldner, Kade Noyes, and Max Thompson
Thank You!
Thank you to all the firms that visited this semester!
We had another semester with notable firm engagement and networking with industry partners. Many firms connected with our students and provided insights into future careers in accounting, helping prepare students for the transition into the accounting profession.
One notable event was our annual virtual accounting visit this spring. The virtual accounting visit took place on January 31st. Students had the opportunity to attend the online meeting and listen to presentations from each of the participating firms. They also engaged in group breakout sessions to gain a deeper understanding of each firm. This virtual visit provided access to students who are off campus to ensure they have the same opportunities as on-campus students to engage with firms. At the same time, the event provided an accommodating medium for professionals to engage with our students during busy season.
Additionally, many different firms had on campus tabling sessions, classroom visits, and presented at Beta Alpha PsiAccounting Finance Club meetings. The firms brought staff members from different departments, and experience levels, to share their wide variety of expertise. These meaningful interactions provided greater insights into the accounting profession and facilitated professional development.
We would like to thank all the firms that engaged with our students. The events have provided students with an enriched understanding of a career in accounting along with its diverse pathways. Our network of supporting firms, companies, and partners contribute to us having an exceptional accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Introducing the New Graduate Assistants
Every year the Accounting and Business Law Department hires three to four graduate assistants (GAs) from the Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program. The GAs assist the university by providing tutoring to students enrolled in undergraduate accounting courses, teaching an accounting cycles course, promoting the accounting undergraduate and MAcc programs, and helping with many special projects. These individuals are amazing role models and mentors for our undergraduate students. We are pleased to introduce the new GAs that will be joining us in the fall of 2025.
Kade Noyes
Kade grew up in Jordan, Minnesota. He graduated last fall from Minnesota State University, Mankato with an undergraduate degree in accounting. In his free time, he likes to golf, go to the lake, and spend time with friends and family. Kade chose accounting because he knew he wanted a career in business. He enjoys the auditing side of accounting as he gets to examine and determine if a company’s financial statements are presented fairly and accurately.
Jada Peterson
Jada grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Her hobbies include playing pickleball, golfing, and spending time at her family’s cabin. She has two black labs, named Murphy and Elwood. Jada picked accounting because she took an accounting class in high school that clicked with her. Her interest continued to grow while taking the introductory financial accounting class at the university, sparking an excitement to learn more.
Madelyn Yetzer
Madi grew up in Faribault, Minnesota. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a major in accounting and a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. She enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time outside. Madi chose accounting because she loves math and enjoys seeing how different businesses operate. She took her first accounting class in high school. She found she was good at accounting and found she enjoyed it. Accounting has stuck with her ever since.
Intern Spotlight
It is no secret that an internship is very beneficial for students’ future career options and experiential learning. It is also an opportunity for students to commit to professionalism, self-improvement, and excellence. We asked a few students who completed an internship in the spring of 2025 to share their experience and skills developed during their first busy season.
Angie Castorena Gonsalez
Deloitte
The key to success during internships is being coachable, curious, and showing genuine interest in learning.”
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
The most valuable experience I gained during my internship was learning to collaborate with interns from different Deloitte offices across the United States. I also had the opportunity to network with industry professionals and learn about the path that led them to Deloitte.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
The key to success during internships is being coachable, curious, and showing genuine interest in learning. Real growth happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and adapt to new situations.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I learned about the internship through a fellow student who interned with Deloitte. By discovering how much Deloitte invests in its employees’ professional development and mentorship, including unique experiences such as Deloitte University, I felt that the firm was the right fit for me.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
As I explored different career paths, I learned that accounting offers a foundation to understanding the way businesses operate and succeed. It offers a diverse range of opportunities which provides a lot of growth throughout one’s career. The strong demand for accountants and the job security that this career provides confirmed that this was the path that I wanted to pursue.
What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
My biggest surprise was realizing that being an accountant requires more than basic accounting knowledge. Accounting involves knowing how to be professional, how to network, and how to communicate effectively with other professionals. Deloitte’s Discovery Internship helped me understand that it takes more than technical skills to succeed in the accounting profession.
Faith Miller
CliftonLarsonAllen-CLA
This experience helped prepare me for my future career in public accounting and understand the full tax process.”
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
The most valuable experience I gained during my internship at CliftonLarsonAllen was getting hands-on experience in the tax world. Getting to work with tax professionals to prepare business returns helped me learn more about tax laws and regulations. Additionally, I was able to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues and clients, strengthening my communication and client service abilities. This experience helped prepare me for my future career in public accounting and understand the full tax process.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
The key to success during an internship is building relationships and asking questions. Tax season can be a stressful and difficult time, so building connections with your coworkers is essential. It is important to create a support system to help during these challenging times and it helps to create a better work culture. In addition, do not be afraid to ask questions. This is crucial during your time as an intern. You are not expected to know everything. By asking questions, you demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow as an accountant.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I had an unusual experience where my internship actually found me. During my sophomore year, I took the Accounting Cycle Applications course where the Graduate Assistant happened to work at CliftonLarsonAllen. Later during the semester, I attended Meet the Firms where I had the opportunity to reconnect with her. Shortly after,
she reached out to me about applying and interviewing for the internship position with CLA, and I did. During my interview, it was clear that CLA was the right choice for me. The firm’s culture, the opportunities for advancement, and the people I met helped assure me that this was the right place to further my career and gain experience in public accounting.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
Working with numbers and mathematics has always been an interest of mine, even from a young age. However, it was not until my junior year of high school where I took my first accounting class and discovered my passion for the field. This experience led to my decision to pursue a degree in accounting at Minnesota State University, Mankato. During my time at MSU, I have had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of accounting through my coursework and internships. These experiences have given me confidence that I chose the right career path.
What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
The biggest surprise to me while starting my career in accounting was how different the coursework is from actual hands-on experience. While everything we learn during our accounting classes is important and beneficial for our careers, you also must learn much more as a professional. From tax and accounting software to client communication, it was a big jump from the classwork that I was previously familiar with. However, I found it exciting to learn these new skills and adapt to these new challenges. I highly recommend an internship before starting your career as it provides a great learning experience and helps to build connections in the accounting field.
Haley Nelson
Murry and Associates
The most valuable part of my experience was the opportunity to see tax for what it really is, and the real-world impact that we have on our clients.”
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
My internship at Murry and Associates was my first exposure to tax outside of the classroom. The most valuable part of my experience was the opportunity to see tax for what it really is, and the real-world impact that we have on our clients. While working with many clients that were small business owners, I was able to learn from staff, managers, and partners how tax expertise and strategic planning can help people in a big way. I went into my internship with a minimal interest in tax and ended up loving it.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
Getting comfortable with asking questions is crucial to getting the most out of your internship experience. It took me quite a while to get out of my head and just ask when something didn’t make sense, but one cannot learn if we do not ask questions. When I started asking more questions, I felt more autonomy in my work and my understanding grew exponentially.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I met Murry and Associates at Meet the Firms, but I only talked to them because my friend had interned previously with them, and I found her at their booth. We all call it a very happy accident. I wanted experience at a smaller accounting firm, and I connected immediately with the staff during my interview. As soon as I started my internship, I knew I
had made the right decision because I could be honest about what parts of my training were and were not working for me. They were receptive to that feedback and took a hands-on approach to make changes to better suit my learning style.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
I started at MSU as a Human Resource Management major, but a few influential accounting professors encouraged me to make the change. Accounting is very different from HR but, ultimately, I felt more challenged in this major and I loved that aspect about it. Many of my professors took a genuine interest in my curiosity about the field and encouraged me to work hard in a major that often is not inherently motivating. My role as an accounting MavPASS Leader solidified my desire to continue my education in hopes of eventually teaching it myself. Right now, I am focused on learning as much as I can about accounting in hopes of one day applying that knowledge in my own classroom.
What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
There are so many rules in this profession, especially in tax. I assumed the fundamentals that I learned in undergraduate courses covered most of it, but that was far from the case when I started working. Regardless of what direction you go in accounting, there will always be things you do not know. You truly will always be learning, and that additional challenge is what makes accounting fun for me!
Brian Anton Boulay
My biggest surprise was how much emphasis is placed on teamwork and communication in public accounting.”
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
The most valuable experience I gained during my internship was developing strong client interaction skills. Working directly with clients gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of communication, relationship building, and professionalism in public accounting. I recall being nervous during one of my first video conferences with a client, where I had to ask them about several very old accounts receivable records I found in the aging report. My senior associate encouraged me to speak up during the meeting and provided helpful pointers on how to approach difficult and awkward topics. I learned very fast that addressing uncomfortable issues directly and professionally is an important skill to have as an auditor.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
The key to success during an audit internship is asking a lot of questions and staying engaged. Being proactive about seeking clarification, learning new processes, and showing a willingness to grow made a significant difference in my performance and confidence.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I found my internship opportunity through my accounting professor, Sean Fingland, who invited a group of preMAcc students to visit Boulay and RSM
in April 2024. After meeting the team at Boulay and learning about their firm culture and approach to client service, I knew it would be a great environment to gain real-world experience and grow professionally.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
I have always been strong with numbers, and my interest in accounting began when I took a financial accounting course in college. I remember falling in love with the class. However, it was during that time that I faced a serious illness that prevented me from transferring to the business school at my university. After many years of recovery, I am now in remission, and I decided to return to finish what I had started. This time around, I chose Minnesota State University, Mankato, because it offered the flexibility I needed to balance the rigorous accounting courseload with my work responsibilities.
What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
My biggest surprise was how much emphasis is placed on teamwork and communication in public accounting. I initially expected the work to be mostly independent, but I quickly realized that collaboration with team members and clear communication with clients are critical to completing audits successfully and efficiently.
Jack White
Eide Bailly
The most valuable experience I gained during my internship was the ability to communicate professionally with partners, managers, and associates.
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
The most valuable experience I gained during my internship was the ability to communicate professionally with partners, managers, and associates. Additionally, learning the technical skills necessary to prepare tax returns for businesses, individuals, and trusts proved very valuable.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
The key to success during my internship was not to be afraid to ask questions! Everyone at the firm was always eager to provide me with help and support in whatever challenge I might be facing.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I found my internship through Meet the Firms, and I knew that Eide Bailly was the right fit for me after my interview and attending a few events with the firm. Their culture was resounding, and I got a great feeling from everyone I interacted with.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
I chose accounting because I knew that I wanted to have options. The accounting field has many opportunities and an active job market, which was very enticing to me. While some of the concepts and classes can be challenging, I welcome the challenge with open arms, as I know it will pay off down the road in my career.
What
was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
I was surprised by how approachable everyone was at Eide Bailly. At other jobs, I could see it being nervewracking to approach someone higher up than me. At Eide Bailly, everyone was willing to help and allow me to succeed and thrive in my role. Working in the tax department truly felt like being part of a team, with everyone contributing in their own way to a greater goal.
Marissa Scherer
The most valuable thing I gained in my internship is the ability to adapt in every situation.”
What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?
The most valuable thing I gained in my internship is the ability to adapt in every situation. You will not always have someone to help you and sometimes you will have to figure out things on your own. I had to utilize the skills I learned in my accounting classes to get me through job assignments. I also learned to be a self-starter. Make sure you know your debits and credits.
In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?
The key to success during an internship is knowing that you will make mistakes. Making mistakes helped me learn faster and asking questions of why we do things a certain way was important instead of just doing the task and not clearly understanding the full picture. Knowing the “why” helped me piece together the steps taken during an audit.
How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?
I found my internship during the MSU Golf Event. I knew it was the right fit after researching other firms, asking lots of questions of professors and people who worked or interned at the firms, and learning about the cultures. I picked Abdo ultimately because of the size of the firm, the extremely friendly recruiter, and the firm culture and benefits.
Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?
My journey of choosing accounting is not a typical journey. I am a nontraditional Master of Accounting student. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2006 and had been working in banking and finance for the past 13 years, as a credit analyst. I knew I enjoyed reviewing the financial statements and wanted to learn more about them. My last year in my career as a credit analyst did not have a lot of job security due to the higher interest rates and others in my field were laid off. That was when I decided I needed a career change. After a lot of thought, I decided accounting was a great choice for me because I like working with numbers, and I really like when things balance.
What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?
The biggest surprise when I started in the field of accounting was all the different systems. It was overwhelming coming from the finance field where I had typically only used 1 to 2 different programs and systems. I used Excel in my previous career but nowhere near the extent to which I used it for my internship as an auditor in public accounting. I was also surprised by the fast-paced environment in public accounting. You must learn quickly and be comfortable with feeling unsure of many things but have confidence that it will get easier.
Abdo
2024 - 2025 Honors Banquet
In early April, the College of Business (COB) honored 8 business students at the second annual COB Honors Banquet. These graduating students were named student of the year in their respective programs. Below we present the Accounting student of the year and the Master of Accounting student of the year.
Tyler Steffen Accounting Student of the Year
This year, the recipient of the graduating accounting student of the year award is Tyler Steffen. Tyler was an intern at Abdo this busy season and has worked there since 2024. Tyler finds this experience very beneficial because he gains real-world knowledge, learns through a hands-on approach, and networks on a deeper level with accounting professionals. Tyler is a member of Beta Alpha Psi-Accounting and Finance Club, as well as the Honors program, where he learned the “importance of surrounding himself with people who have similar goals and values in life.” These experiences also fostered his desire to lead, and
he took on leadership roles in both organizations. Postgraduation, Tyler will begin summer classes in the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program, continue working at Abdo part-time, and become a CPA in the next two years.
Tyler’s advice to accounting students just starting out is that “while initial accounting courses may seem daunting and difficult, you will find success by staying engaged in the bigger concepts. Individuals seeking to have success in the accounting profession should act as a sponge, for it is important to absorb as much information as possible. Take advantage of opportunities and challenge yourself to try new things. Spending the time to get to know your accounting professors shows that you care and is a skill that is needed in the real-world. There are many things that Minnesota State, Mankato does well, and accounting is one of them.”
Faith Milton Master of Accounting Student of the Year
This year, the recipient of the graduating Master of Accounting Student of the year award is Faith Milton. Faith started her accounting journey as an Associate of Arts student, with an interest in accounting. She then transferred to MSU and received her bachelor’s degree in accounting. As a Master of Accounting student, she served as a graduate assistant and participated in Beta Alpha Psi-Accounting and Finance Club, earning the Executive Graduate Honor. She highly recommends joining the club as she has made many professional and personal connections from across the world while being involved during both her time as undergraduate and graduate student. After graduation, Faith is looking to work in public accounting,
and she is working towards obtaining her CPA licensure. Long term, she is interested in working as an accountant in the entertainment industry.
Faith’s advice to accounting students just starting out is to “First, try. You are never going to learn by stressing over the material. Take the time to try and understand it, and if you need help, reach out to instructors or tutors. They all want you to succeed and are willing to help you. Second, talk to people and make connections. Accounting is not meant to be done alone. Collaboration is needed to be successful. Starting out in classes, I felt alone, but as time went on, I made friends in my classes. It is much easier to smile and learn as a group, rather than stress about the material by yourself.”
Maggie Hamen
Accounting Senior of the Year
The Accounting Senior of the Year is given to the student that best exhibits the qualities of academic performance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It is the highest student award presented by the Accounting and Business Law Department. The Accounting Senior of the Year award is made possible through a gift from Allen and Kathy Lenzmeier.
This year, the recipient of the Accounting Senior of the Year award is Maggie Hamen. Maggie has been involved on campus in a couple of different ways. She served as the Treasurer for the Society for Human Resource Management last fall. Maggie is also a MavPASS Leader. She started with MATH 130 (Finite Mathematics and Introductory Calculus) and now supports ACCT 200 (Financial Accounting). She
plans to continue this role for the next two semesters. She is finalizing plans for a summer accounting internship. After graduation, Maggie will enroll in the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program at Minnesota State University, Mankato and complete the CPA exams before beginning a career in public accounting.
When asked if she could provide advice to students in ACCT 200, Maggie said, “Use your resources! Go to your professor’s and GA’s office hours and ask questions for clarification or guidance, attend MavPass sessions, and study with your fellow students. The nice thing about accounting is that it’s universal. I’ve had students tell me that YouTube videos have helped guide them through understanding concepts when they’re in a pinch. Don’t go into the ACCT 200 course thinking you won’t do well if you don’t like math – accounting isn’t difficult because of math. It relies upon core concepts. The challenge comes when the more complex conceptual calculations are thrown at you.”
Photo L to R: Dr. David Hood (Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs), Zachary Ruger, Tyler Steffen, Morgan Robinson, Faith Milton, Stephen Ekbom, Kaylee Sivertsen, Matee Kpowulu, Joseph Reineccuis, and Dr. Seung Bach (Dean, College of Business)
Accounting and Business Law Golf Outing
On May 16th, the Accounting and Business Law Department hosted the 14th Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Event at Shoreland Country Club in St. Peter, MN. This event continues to grow each year, and we had another record number of participants at the event. While the weather conditions were less than desirable this year, the alumni and student participants made the most of the day and had an amazing time.
This is a premier event where students participate and network with employers, alumni, and faculty. The event is a fun, low pressure golf scramble that is always a nice way to conclude the end of the academic year. This event usually leads to new friendships, expanded professional networks, and many internships and employment opportunities for our students. Nearly every firm and company that recruits our accounting students was represented at the event.
We are extremely grateful for everyone’s support and participation. More importantly, we appreciate all the students who stepped outside their comfort zone and participated in the event.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
A special thank you to the premier sponsors of our golf event:
2025 Congratulations Graduates!
BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING • Spring
Mohamud Abdiasis
Samuel Abebe
Mohamed Ali
Libby Bailey
Tiegan Barkema
Joshbir Bedi
Marcus Belka
Jesse Bidwell
Kayla Bush
Bailey Conrad
Paige Dahal
Sarah Douglas
Derek Dunn
Cassandra FitzHenry
Jacob Hennen
Ben Huncha
Thor Keilen
Qasim Khaliif
Christa Kuempel-Latterner
Miranda Litzau
Tucker McKinney-Wuerflein
Ali Metz
MASTER OF ACCOUNTING • Spring
Michelle Brouellette
Brian Bunten
Lillian Church
Josiah Crawford
Natalie Doran
Justin Dorr
Daniel Drill-Mellum
Robert Eidson
Maxwell Gruidl
Braeden Hanson
Lauren Miller
Elise Mishmash
Noah Nessman
Jaeger Ohm
Yousif Osman
Ryan Park
Sarai Perez
Jada Peterson
Mason Pike
Tyler Reiter-Putnam
McKenna Rohlik
Spencer Ruedy
Sydney Schneider
Keely Shellum
Conlan Spencer
Tyler Steffen
Holly Ulanowski
Davee Vang
Jack Waltman
Alexis Zachariason
Konnor Zick
Jacob Hulscher
Audrey Kamps
Angela Kloempken
Jasmine Lamar
Kristen Manor
The Cuong Ngo
Peyton Rychtik
Alexis Scharlemann
Samuel Throldahl
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
Full-time Accounting & Business Law Faculty
Wade Davis, J.D. wade.davis@mnsu.edu
507-389-2207
Dr. Abo-El-Yazeed Habib abo-el-yazeed.habib@mnsu.edu
507-389-5408
Dr. Steven Johnson steven.johnson@mnsu.edu
507-389-2760
Dr. Oksana Kim oksana.kim@mnsu.edu
507-389-5411
Todd Lundquist, J.D. todd.lundquist@mnsu.edu
507-389-5429
Dr. Byron Pike byron.pike@mnsu.edu
507-389-6909
Dr. Kirsten Rosacker kirsten.rosacker@mnsu.edu
507-389-5413
Dr. Ferdinand Siagian ferdinand.siagian@mnsu.edu
507-389-5407
Sean Fingland sean.fingland@mnsu.edu
507-389-5388
Dr. Katheryn Zielinski katheryn.zielinski@mnsu.edu
507-389-5412
Dr. Jidong Zhang jidong.zhang@mnsu.edu
507-389-5415
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. Cathy 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.
