Department Life
Upcoming Events
Announcements about department events, and/or other College of Business and Public
Management events, will be posted periodically on this page. Check back frequently
or call 610-436-2236 to obtain information about dates, venue, etc.
Find out more about these general WCU Campus Events by clicking the appropriate link:
Student Groups
In line with WCU's diversity goals and also to encourage extracurricular activities, our accounting students have established many professional student groups/associations.
Accounting Society
The Accounting Society is for Accounting students who are interested in more than just the knowledge the classes offer. Our society helps students to interact with others in this major and help them gain valuable skills necessary for their future careers. Networking is a valuable part of our society and the knowledge that is obtained from our presenters and speakers from the work force. The Accounting Society is a great way to build basic knowledge of career opportunities, networking skills, and resume writing skills.
Beta Alpha Psi
Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility.
Requirements to be an official member include completion of at least 2 years of collegiate courses, completion of at least one 300 level class in your major, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Participation, however, is welcome by all prospects, so underclassmen are welcome to attend and participate.
The group participates in community service events, networking events with firms and corporations, social events, and professional presentations.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Empowering accountants and financial professionals to drive business performance. IMA is the worldwide association for accountants and financial professionals working in business. We are committed to helping you–and our more than 60,000 members–to expand your professional skills, better manage your organization, and enhance your career. IMA meetings are joined with Accounting Society meetings.
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
NABA's goals include the following:
- To promote and develop the professional skills of our members.
- To encourage and assist students entering in a profession of their choice.
- To provide opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibilities.
- To promote public confidence in our members and the services they provide.
- To encourage cordial relations among members and cooperative relationships with other professionals.
| Advisor | Organization |
|---|---|
| Bob Caruso | Maillie |
| Christopher DiGuiseppe | EY |
| Brooke Hawa | Siegfried Group |
| Chris Meshginpoosh | Kreischer Miller |
| Nicolina (Nikki) Morelli | Rainer & Co. |
| Doug Pacitti | Fischer Cunnane |
| Alexis Parks | Incyte Pharmaceuticals |
| Keith Rymer | PwC |
| John Russo | KPMG |
| Matthias Szczepanek | Azer Scientific |
| Mike Trolio | Gunnip & Co |
| Torpey White | Wipfli |
Professional Groups
The Accounting Department supports and partially funds student membership fees in the following organizations:
- The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA)
- The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Philadelphia Chapter (Affiliate Code: #5)
- Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
- National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
Student Achievements
Accounting Department 2023 Recognitions
Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Morgan Culbreath, Allison Highfield, Dominique Kline,
Mollie Nellist, Jessica Yablonski
2023 Outstanding Seniors: Brian East, Shannon McDermott
2023 Outstanding Junior: Erin Heffleger
Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Brittany Fry
Accounting Department 2020 Recognitions
2020 Outstanding Senior: Alexa Laskowski
2020 Outstanding Juniors: Carly Coll, Caitlin Kelly
PICPA Award: Kristopher Lepka
Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Matt Kerns
Accounting Department 2019 Recognitions
2019 Outstanding Senior: Analise Friedberg
2019 Outstanding Junior: Alexa Laskowski
PICPA Award: Eric Howe
Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Brett Weinstein
Accounting Department 2018 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Madison Kelly, Stewart Morcom, Gregory Raudenbush, Amanda Zhou
- 2018 Outstanding Senior: James Hodson
- 2018 Outstanding Junior: Lauren Mansfield
- PICPA Award: Sara Driggers
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Michael Coppola
- Spirit Award: Jinman Li
Accounting Department 2017 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Amanda McNally, Giovanna DeAngelo, Casey Pullyblank, Brittany Lanz, Lauren Lawlor
- 2017 Outstanding Senior: Samantha Mottola
- 2017 Outstanding Junior: Sara Driggers
- PICPA Award: Morgan Gass
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Tiffany Byrne
Accounting Department 2016 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Nikki Lynch, Diana Saputelli, Matthias Szczepanek
- 2016 Outstanding Senior: Chris Whittall
- 2016 Outstanding Junior: Danielle Kreppel
- PICPA Award: Erica Shade
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Gia DeAngelo
- Spirit Award: Megan Rose
Accounting Department 2015 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Kirstie Cox, Erica Giunta, Kayla Snyder
- 2015 Outstanding Senior: Trevor Newman
- 2015 Outstanding Junior: James Tresco
- PICPA Award: Anthony LaFratte
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Mark Fala
Accounting Department 2014 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Laura Hayes-Oberst, Jenny Powers, Lauren Simmons
- 2014 Outstanding Senior: Sarah Neuin
- 2014 Outstanding Junior: Meiling Lawless
- PICPA Award: Caitlin Gardner
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Katie McCollum
- Spirit Award: Eugene Law
Accounting Department 2013 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award: Dalia Nahas, Amy Raucheisen, Sarah Bauknight
- 2013 Outstanding Senior: Rori Imhof
- 2013 Outstanding Junior: Sarah Neuin
- PICPA Award: Andrew Lindsey
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Rachel Daviduk
Accounting Department 2012 Recognitions
- Wayland Schatz Senior Award:Tara Skreenock, Michael White, Eric Martin
- 2012 Outstanding Senior: Matthew Whitall
- 2012 Outstanding Junior: Rachel Daviduk
- PICPA Award: Alicia Kordalski
- Tax Executive Institute Scholarship Award: Mike O'Donnell
Scholarships
The Accounting Department has several scholarships available annually to support its students. To apply for these scholarships and others, please visit West Chester University Financial Aid or contact Dr. Robert Derstine (RDerstine@wcupa.edu) for more information.
- Ali Naggar Excellence in Managerial Accounting
- Will support a student who has obtained at least 60 credits, declared Accounting major, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above, has obtained a B+ or better in Accounting 303, and participant in Beta Alpha Psi. This scholarship is non-renewable.
Clyde Galbraith Excellence in Financial Accounting- Will support a student, who has obtained at least 60 credits, declared Accounting major, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above, and has obtained a B+ or better in Accounting 301 or 302. This scholarship will be non-renewable.
Wipfli LLP Scholarship- Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has an interest in public accounting upon graduation, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 or above, has obtained a C or better in ACC 301 and ACC 302, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.
Maillie - WCU Accounting Department Scholarships
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits (15 credits from WCU), has a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 or above, demonstrated involvement in student accounting organizations, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.
Kreischer Miller - WCU Accounting Department Scholarships
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits (15 credits from WCU), has a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 or above, demonstrated involvement in student accounting organizations, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.- KPMG - WCU Accounting Department Scholarship
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits (15 credits from WCU), has a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 or above, demonstrated involvement in student accounting organizations, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.
Surgent CPA Review Scholarships
Will support a student, who is graduating in December 2020 or soon, is a declared Accounting major, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 or above.
The Glenn Soltis Accounting Scholarship
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 or above, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.
WCU Accounting Faculty Scholarship
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 or above, and financial need as determined by the WCU Office of Financial Aid.
CMA Scholarships
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, successfully completed ACC 303, ECO 251 and FIN 325, has a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 or above, and an interest in managerial accounting.
Excellence in Government Accounting Scholarships
Will support a student, who is a declared Accounting major, has obtained at least 60 credits (15 credits from WCU), has obtained an A- or better in ACC 320 and ACC 407, and completes a 250-500 word essay addressing interest in government accounting and experiences in teamwork and problem solving.
