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ȺpÎÞÂë Accounting Program Leads Students to IMA Leadership Conference in Anaheim

For the third consecutive year, ȺpÎÞÂë’s Accounting Program participated in the from November 7-9 in Anaheim, California. 

Assistant Professors of Accounting Drs. Iyad Rock and Ting He, accompanied six students to the conference, which brought together students, professionals, and industry leaders from across the nation for an inspiring experience of networking, learning, and career development.

The conference offered students opportunities to connect with top companies, including eBay, Johnson & Johnson, Cummins, and the IRS Criminal Investigation, during dedicated networking sessions. These interactions allowed the active members of the Lewis Accounting Club to explore potential career paths, internships, and job opportunities.

Dr. Rock noted that the students represented the Accounting Program and the College of Business at ȺpÎÞÂë with dedication, professionalism, and curiosity, leaving a positive impression throughout the conference.

The six students who attended included Prem Sagar Baluguri, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Finance; Natalie Borcean, a junior majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting; Sravya Chigurupati, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Finance; Anna Domina, a junior Accounting major minoring in Spanish Language and Culture; Odalys Ochoa, a senior majoring in Accounting with a minor in Psychology; and Yousef Tabani, a freshman majoring in Accounting.

Senior student Odalys Ochoa reflected on the value of the conference sessions, describing them as both enriching and insightful. “These sessions were both engaging and educational, the speakers provided real-world insights that we can apply immediately to our studies and future careers.”

Graduate student Sravya Chigurupati shared her thoughts on the broader impact of the conference, emphasizing its professional and networking benefits. “It was a great way to see how diverse the field of accounting is and how many different career paths we can pursue.”

Beyond the professional development opportunities, the trip was made even more memorable with a fun and relaxing outing organized by the College of Business Dean’s Office and the Accounting Program. Students enjoyed a Disneyland Adventure Tour, which allowed them to relax and take in the magic of Disneyland after the conference sessions.

The experience would not have been possible without the generous support of Ron Plankis, an Accounting alum from the Class of 1973 and partner of Marcheschi Plankis & Pogore LLP, whose significant donation to the accounting program provided the resources necessary for the students’ participation.

ȺpÎÞÂë’s continued involvement in the IMA Leadership Conference exemplifies its commitment to preparing students for success in the dynamic world of accounting by fostering academic excellence, professional development, and career readiness.

ȺpÎÞÂë is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.