Accounting alums give back ... can they count on you?

February 2, 2014

BUFFALO, NY- The reputation of the Canisius accounting program is renowned:Graduates who sit for the CPA exam earn among the top pass rates in New York State and the nation. Ninety percent of students secure jobs in the field or admission to graduate school by their senior years. The college’s 3,000-plus accounting alumni thrive in their careers at top international, national and regional firms, as well as Fortune 500 companies.

“The professors are anchored in the practical world and provide students with the tools to hit the ground running,” says William J. Swierat ’72, president of Gould & Swanson CPAs.

Swierat is one of nearly 30 accounting alumni who are returning the support they received as Canisius students, through a new fundraising initiative for alma mater. Led by Thomas R. Emmerling ’75, managing partner at Dopkins and Co. LLC, the initiative aims to double the representation of accounting alumni in the college’s Leadership Society.

“It’s clear that times are changing and differentiating yourself from your competition applies to almost every aspect of life,” says Daniel S. Paolini ’07, CEO of S1Tech. “Philanthropic support of the Leadership Society can help Canisius differentiate its accounting program – and the college as a whole - and I am honored and excited to be a part of this effort.”

The Leadership Society is one of the college’s most important and influential groups. Through their annual contributions of $1,000 or more, Leadership Society members provide valuable tuition assistance for students and much-needed educational resources for faculty to develop distinct new learning opportunities. Gifts can be allocated to a particular program, such as accounting, although a designation is not necessary. Either way, gifts to the Leadership Society play a vital role in helping Canisius recruit and retain the very best students.

So, can accounting alumni count on you?

Rise to the challenge and become a Leadership Society member by clicking here.