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Quick Facts
Additional specialized accreditation by AACSB
M.Acc. program was first in the nation to offer a data analytics concentration
Beta Alpha Psi fraternity has achieved Superior status continuously for the past 40 years
Free tax assistance through the VITA program
Industry connections
Accounting Advisory Council:The council advises, counsels, and assists the Department of Accounting with maintaining and improving the Department’s programs, the quality of its students, the success of its graduates, and the overall standing and reputation of the Department. The Council helps the department develop community partnerships among our faculty, our students, and accounting professionals that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and benefit and serve both the Department and the Richmond community.
Beta Alpha Psi: The fraternity has been connecting top accounting majors with successful alumni and employers for the past 40 years as a Superior Chapter.
Controllers Executive Roundtable:We partner with CERT to provide professional continuing education and networking opportunities for controllers of member firms.
NABA Inc.:A nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black business students and leaders in accounting, finance, business and entrepreneurship.
Student of the Year: The Student of the Year Award is presented to a senior or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership.
Distinguished Service Award: The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a student who has provided distinguished service to the department, university and community.
Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award: This award is presented annually to an outstanding student who has taken at least six hours of taxation courses at VCU and has demonstrated the most promise in the field of taxation.
Student of the Year: Hector Luna
Hector Luna is an outstanding student and future accounting professional. He exhibits an incredible work ethic and a sincere interest in others. These qualities are demonstrated in his active engagement in Beta Alpha Psi where he holds the role of Treasurer. In recognition of his academic achievements he was selected as a PCAOB Scholar, and he has been awarded the Thomas M. Berry Jr. Scholarship from the VSCPA Educational Foundation, the Chuck Gallagher Endowed Scholarship from VCU Business, and the Stewart Family Scholarship from the VCU Accounting department. Following graduation, Hector will be joining Keiter and pursuing CPA licensure.
Distinguished Service Award: Jeffrey Kum
Jeffrey Kum greatly deserves this recognition for the tremendous effort he has put forth as a President of Beta Alpha Psi. In this role, he has been instrumental in bringing innovative ideas to life that benefit the VCU Accounting community. In particular, the highly successful inaugural VCU Accounting Expo was Jeff’s brainchild. Jeff is also a high-achieving and hardworking scholar. He has held internships with PwC, KPMG, and Withum, and he has been the recipient of several competitive scholarships. Following graduation in May, Jeff will be pursuing CPA licensure as an Audit Associate at PwC’s Seattle office.
Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award: Shawndel Holder
Shawndel Holder’s high performance in taxation and her overall academic excellence make her truly deserving of the Freasier Tax Award. Shawndel is a senior in the VCU BS Accounting program who plans to continue her education in a Master of Accountancy program as she pursues CPA licensure. Her academic work is characterized by skills that will be assets in her career as an accounting professional - she is highly organized, trustworthy, detail-oriented, and able to manage the demands of a fast-paced professional work environment.
Student of the Year: Simranjeet Kaur
Simranjeet is outstanding in her scholarship and leadership accomplishments. She currently has a 3.867 GPA and serves as a Director of Community Service for VCU's Epsilon Zeta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. While carrying a very full course load, Simranjeet has completed internships at BluePrint Automation (BPA) and Harris, Hardy & Johnstone. In the Summer of 2022, she will be interning with Deloitte, a Big Four public accounting firm. Upon graduation, Simranjeet plans to continue working in public accounting as she pursues CPA licensure.
Distinguished Service Award: Kelsey Watlington
Kelsey demonstrates outstanding commitment to service. She serves as the President of VCU's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Amongst other endeavors, Kelsey led an initiative between BAP, the Virginia Society of CPAs, and KPMG to donate school supplies and books to Carver Elementary. Kelsey also captained an award-winning ethics competition team. As a student, Kelsey worked in the accounting department at Averhealth, where she made an impact by championing process improvement. In her senior year, Kelsey interned with Deloitte and will return to Deloitte to work as an auditor after graduation.
Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award: Brian Evans
This award is presented annually to an outstanding VCU student who has demonstrated the most promise in the field of taxation. Brian completed the Post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting in December 2020, and he is currently completing the requirements for the Master of Accountancy with a concentration in data analytics. Brian consistently earns top grades in his taxation and other accounting courses. He is actively engaged in Beta Alpha Psi, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is in the process of sitting for the CPA exam.
Student of the Year: Laura Cooper
Laura has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership. She graduated with a 4.0 accounting GPA. In addition to her academic achievement, she completed three internships: one with KPMG in tax and two with Deloitte in audit and assurance. Laura was very active in the Accounting Beta Alpha Psi, serving as its Vice President and coordinating meetings for accounting students. She is currently studying for her CPA exam and, in September, will begin working as an audit associate at Deloitte, a Big Four public accounting firm.
Distinguished Service Award: Michael Viola
Michael has provided distinguished service to the department, university, and community. He served as president of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society, for the 2020 school year. He helped lead Beta Alpha Psi’s efforts to host a speaker series, the combined annual Leaders Workshop and Meet the Firms for recruiters and other networking opportunities. Michael has also led BAP community volunteer efforts with Feed More and VITA. He is pursuing his Master of Accounting and CPA before commencing employment as an Audit Associate with Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP in January 2022.
Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award: Christopher M. Pirrello
This award is presented annually to an outstanding student who has taken at least six hours of taxation courses at VCU and has demonstrated the most promise in the field of taxation. Christopher succeeded in Tax Accounting, Advanced Tax Accounting, and Tax Research and Planning courses at VCU. After graduating, Christopher will begin to pursue his CPA designation and plans to continue his career at Capital One.
Student of the Year: Derek Hetrick
Derek Hetrick has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership. He will be graduating with a 3.875 accounting GPA. In addition to his academic achievement, he also was selected for and completed three internships. While at VCU, he served one year as President of the VCU National Association of Black Accountants and one year as secretary. After graduation, Derek will pursue his Master's in Accounting with Data Analytics and then begin to work as an auditor for KPMG, a Big Four public accounting firm.
Distinguished Service Award: Justin Nedwick
Justin Nedwick has provided distinguished service to the department, university, and community. Justin served as President of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society, for the 2019-20 school year. He helped lead Beta Alpha Psi’s efforts to host an all-day leadership summit, a speaker series, the annual Meet the Firms for recruiters, and other networking opportunities. Justin has also led BAP community volunteer efforts with Feedmore and VITA. He will pursue his CPA once he completes his Certificate of Accounting.
Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award: Hung N. Loung
This award is presented annually to an outstanding graduating senior who has taken at least six hours of taxation courses at VCU and has demonstrated the most promise in the field of taxation. Hung earned top grades in both Tax Accounting and Advanced Tax Accounting. After graduating, Hung will pursue his CPA and will work with Tax in a public accounting firm.
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