Fowler College 2020 Outstanding Graduates
Fowler College 2020 Outstanding Graduates
Each year, the Fowler College of Business names its most “Outstanding Students” from
each department. This year's overall Most Outstanding Graduate is Kate Frels, Marketing.
Top students and their most influential faculty members for 2020 include:
Undergraduate
Accounting: Jenna Nguyen
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Brett Kawada
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Jenna Nguyen Q&A
"Jenna is a prime example of how to excel in the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy. She is very diligent in ensuring that she grasps a full comprehension of all course content. In addition to this strong work ethic, she takes full advantage of every opportunity available for her academic experience including frequent office hours visits to discuss any course material, consistent contact with professors over email, and yes, regular attendance to class meetings and participating in any discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed having her in my course and playing a role in her professional development. I have no doubt that she will find success in whatever she decides to pursue, both immediately subsequent to graduation as well as in her long-term career. It's student accomplishments like this that make the work we do as faculty so fulfilling."
-Dr. Brett Kawada
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: My choice to attend SDSU was based on personal preferences. I wanted to be close to my family, and to the beaches. However, I realized that I made the right choice when I switched my major to accounting. I was lucky enough to already attend a university with an amazing accounting program, which eased my transition.
Q: Why did you select Prof. Brett Kawada as your Most Influential Professor?
A: I chose professor Kawada as my most influential professor because of his attitude towards teaching and his students. He was not only my auditing professor, but also my informal mentor. I was able to seek his professional advice during office hours and his lectures. He would share work stories from his experience which were not only entertaining, but useful lessons. Additionally, he would always reassure me about my career path and academic performance when I doubted myself.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: As someone who struggles with self-confidence, I could have never imagined myself obtaining my bachelor’s degree in accounting. I always perceive myself as someone who was below average in comparison to my peers. Therefore, finishing my bachelors degree in accountancy with summa cum laude honors is my biggest accomplishment yet.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: I would tell future and current students to slow down and cherish their time at SDSU. When I look back I wish I attended more campus events and explored my surroundings. Also, I would encourage them to visit their family as often as they can. I always prioritized studying during my 4 years at SDSU, and neglecting spending time with my family. Upon reflection I wish I had visited my grandpa more frequently.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I will be pursuing a masters of science in accountancy information systems at SDSU, and interning at EY this upcoming summer.
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: The curriculum offered by the Fowler College of Business allows us to explore a variety of software. I have since learned how to utilize softwares such as SAP and SAP cloud analytics pretty well. My familiarity with such softwares can enable me to work more efficiently in a workplace.
General Business: Nicole Wagenseller
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Michael Sloan
Hometown:
Poway, CA
Nicole Wagenseller Q&A
“I admired Nicole's eagerness and determination to learn beyond the classroom and engage with industry leaders which requires a high degree of maturity and self-confidence. She always challenged herself and used her creativity, resourcefulness, and positive attitude to excel.”
- Prof. Michael Sloan
Q:Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: I transferred to SDSU because I was looking for a school where I could be immersed in the student life as well as focus on academics! I wanted to be involved in the business school because of the connections and amazing staff. There were so many inspiring business leaders that came from SDSU I knew I could blossom here as a student! Growing up in San Diego, SDSU seemed like the perfect choice for me because I absolutely love it here and can't picture myself anywhere else!
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: I transferred to SDSU so I was mostly just involved in my classes! I was a part of the Transfer Student Outreach Alliance and it really helped me feel settled at SDSU! I attended lots of workshops and was a part of the Women in Entrepreneurship & Leadership conference which was amazing and I learned so much from the powerful women! I also was able to use the zip launch pad while at SDSU which was another wonderful resource I would recommend to anyone hoping to start a business or wants to become a part of a business team! Lastly, I was able to have the opportunity to become a TA for one of my marketing professors! Helping her with her material, grading tests, and helping the students in her class was an experience I will never forget and really helped me expand my knowledge about the field of marketing!
Q: Why did you select Prof. Michael Sloan as your Most Influential Professor?
A: How could I not choose Professor Sloan! Sloan, since my very first day in his class made the classroom a place for creativity, friendship, humor, as well as mentorship! The classroom environment he creates is like no other! I have never taken a class more influential and touching! He makes each topic so relatable and finds a way to connect with each student! We shared a very special connection that semester and he has even passed along some of my ideas which has helped me tremendously! I can’t say enough good things about him! He changed my life! Thank you Professor Sloan!
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: I’m so proud of the strong relationships and connections I have made with fellow students as well as my professors! I know I have made friends for life and it’s so fulfilling to know that the connections I made at this school will last a lifetime! I am also very proud of just how much I’ve learned! I took some extra classes just to gain more knowledge and I learned more than I could have ever dreamed of! It was so interesting getting to study business as well as a few other subjects I chose that interested me!
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: My biggest piece of advice I can give is to get to know your professors! Go to office hours! Talk to them! All the professors at SDSU are amazing! They want you to learn and soak up their knowledge so do it! It will help you so much and you’ll make lifelong friends in the process! The staff at SDSU is truly incredible and will help you learn more than you ever imagined! They genuinely care about their students and want them to be successful. I am so glad I asked my professor questions, interacted every class and really got to know them because I learned so much more. It made me look forward to going to class and I really feel it helped me gain so much knowledge that I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to learn if I didn’t get to know them!
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I am looking for a job hoping to stay in the San Diego area! I hope to find something where I can travel as well because I absolutely love exploring new places! I hope to stay connected to SDSU too because SDSU alumni rocks!
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: Absolutely! I could not feel more prepared! Every single one of my professors was so influential on my life and my business career and I felt they made the biggest difference! They were all spectacular! I viewed college as real life training for my career/future and I would say every single one of my professors provided me with knowledge as well as experience which helped me reach where I am today. I would love to recognize the entire Fowler College of Business as a whole because the department provided me with so many amazing connections as well as experience in the field! Every single one of the professors I got to interact with changed my life and had a positive influence on me! The team went out of their way to provide the best college experience any student could have!
MIS: Chloe Ostroff
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Kaveh Abhari
Hometown:
Pleasanton, CA
Chloe Laura Ostroff Q&A
"I believe Chloe's unique combination of technical and social skills, plus her ardent self-drive and dedication, renders her an excellent candidate for this title. Her classwork consistently reflected a high level of critical-thinking, dedication, and attention to detail. During the team projects, she always displayed leadership skills and made sure her team keeps up quality work. In addition to her academic performance, I can also attest to her pleasant personality, politeness, and modesty, as well as her seriousness in pursuing excellence."
- Prof. Kaveh Abhari
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: I initially chose to come to SDSU because of the location. The combination of the beautiful campus, the weather, the beaches, and the high-ranked business school only confirmed that I had made the right choice once I arrived. Now, I cannot imagine graduating from any other school in any other city.
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: In my first year at SDSU, I decided to get involved in Greek life on campus by joining Delta Gamma. Four years later, I still think this is one of the best decisions I could have made, because the organization has provided me with a community of women who are constantly empowering each other, and pushing each other to be the best they can be. Some of my best friends that I have made in college, I have made through this organization. More recently, I was selected to be a part of Dr. Abhari’s Digital Innovation Lab, where I have been researching the role of digital culture and employee experience in digital transformation.
Q: Why did you select Prof. Kaveh Abhari as your Most Influential Professor?
A: I choose Professor Abhari as my most influential professor because he has taught me what a true education looks like. His mentorship goes far beyond academics; he has taught me the importance of humility, relationships, and self-worth. My first course with Professor Abhari was truly a turning point in my education journey as an Information Systems major. As a woman in IS, I have always been a minority in my classes. Professor Abhari instilled in me the confidence that I belong, and that I have the drive, determination, and ability to succeed in this field. He has taught me that I deserve to be here, just as much as anyone, and that If I truly put my mind to something, I can achieve anything.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: It’s hard to pinpoint what I am most proud of during my time at SDSU. I arrived as a freshman not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I am leaving with life-long friendships, an amazing mentor, colleagues who challenge me, and a direction in life. I am most proud of co-founding the non-profit organization, Angkor4kids to support volunteer efforts in Cambodia, where I found my passion for helping others. Since its founding I have led 5 trips to Battambang, Cambodia, where we teach English, help with various construction projects, and most importantly create lifelong relationships with the community. I am most proud of my personal development and work ethic I have developed at SDSU. Graduating as the Information Systems Outstanding Graduate of 2020, with the highest GPA is an unexpected honor that means so much given how hard I have worked over the past four years.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: My advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time here is to get involved! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take a chance. You never know who you will meet, or what you will become passionate about that could potentially change the trajectory of your education and your life. Making the most out of your SDSU experience means taking advantage of all the opportunities provided to you in these four years, both on and off campus. There are so many unique experiences waiting for you that will alter your perspective of the world. Finally, the most important thing I have learned is that in life it doesn’t matter where you are, or what you are doing, the most important thing is the people you are with.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: Upon graduation, I will be moving to San Francisco, where I will be starting my career at Ernst & Young as a Technology Consultant. I could not be more excited to begin this next stage of my life in Silicon Valley doing my part in building a better working world.
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: The Fowler College of Business is what exposed me to the field of Information Systems. Before coming to San Diego State, I had no idea what direction I wanted to take within business. My degree in Information Systems has prepared me for my future career by providing me with an all-encompassing foundation in business, exposing me to all the different moving parts of the field. Each course I have taken has left me with a unique skill set that I have used throughout my undergraduate education, and will continue to use in my professional career. The Fowler College of Business has taught me how to effectively be part of a team, the importance of creating inclusive environments, and how to be proactive with my work as well as in my career. It has given me the confidence to know that no matter where my future takes me, I have the knowledge and capability to excel in any direction. It has surrounded me with a community of exceptional professors, and driven colleagues who make me proud to be a graduate of the Fowler College of Business.
Finance: Noah Bargas
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Frank Ryan
Hometown:
San Ramon, CA
Noah Bargas Q&A
"I think Noah is a persistent learner and an engaged listener. Noah's questions and insightful observations during class not only helped his and his classmates' understanding but also helped me to do a better job teaching my class."
- Prof. Frank Ryan
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: I chose to come to SDSU for multiple reasons. First, I have a lot of family in the area, and this helped San Diego feel a bit more like home. When touring the school, I also really enjoyed the large campus atmosphere, and felt that I would be able to meet and interact with a diverse group of people. Finally, I believed that San Diego had so much to offer, both academically, professionally, and recreationally!
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: For the past three years (2017-2020) I have worked for Associated Students. I was an Operations Lead in the Aztec Student Union, and I enjoyed playing a role in so many of the great events that are put on in the Union.
From 2016-2019, I was a part of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, where I held the position of Philanthropy Chairman. I was responsible for hosting the fraternity’s annual Pike Fireman’s Challenge, an event aimed to benefit the Burn Institute of San Diego.
Q: Why did you select Prof. Frank Ryan as your Most Influential Professor?
A: I selected Prof. Frank Ryan as my Most Influential Professor because he challenged me to view Finance related coursework in a real world perspective. Prof. Ryan is one of the most knowledgeable and resourceful professors I have ever had, and I credit his classes for preparing me for a career post-graduation.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: I am most proud of graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors. This was a major goal of mine when coming into college, and it is nice to see that my hard work over the past four years will be recognized. My family was my biggest supporter, and I hope this makes them proud!
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: My advice is to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to try new things, join new clubs, and meet new people. College is short, go and push yourself to be the best person you can be!
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: Post-graduation, I will be returning to the Bay Area. In June, I will be starting as a Yearlong Tax Intern with Oracle in San Jose. I am excited to be around family again in the place I call home!
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: The Fowler College of Business has provided me with a hands-on approach to understanding Business and Finance. The College has given me ample opportunity to apply Finance skills and principles to real life cases, similar to what I will deal with in my professional career. On top of that, the interviewing and networking resources provided by the College granted me the ability to practice skills that will be hopefully fuel my future career growth.
Management: Carissa Ondek
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Kelly Shaul
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Carissa Ann Ondek Q&A
"From my vantage point, Carissa’s stellar academic performance is a byproduct of her very actively shaping and creating her future. More so her betterment is not self-contained. She is outwardly engaged, sincere, and willing to share. Thus, she unmistakably and kindheartedly elevated the educational experience of her colleagues, and I suspect will do so beyond her time here at SDSU."
- Prof. Kelly Shaul
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: Actually, SDSU was not my first choice of college, simply due to the fact that I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life. But after attending the school for four years, I can confidently say I ended up where I was supposed to.
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: Alpha Phi Sorority, member from 2016-2020 & member of the honor society Phi Kappa Phi 2020
Q: Why did you select Kelly Shaul as your most influential professor?
A: Professor Shaul always pushed his students to give their best effort. He emphasized that success in life is not a matter of luck, but what one can do with their opportunities and networks. Professor Shaul always expected the most from his students, but only because he knew we were capable of more than we gave ourselves credit for. Professor Shaul was a stern teacher and his class was not easy, but I learned much more than just business statistics that semester. First, I learned that no matter the circumstance, always give your best effort. He once said, “at the end of the day your name is on the paper, not mine, so you better make it good for your own sake.” He wanted students to take accountability and initiative with their work; I found this to be a great lesson. Secondly, I learned that it's okay to be vulnerable, Professor Shaul said this often. He even told our class he gets nervous when he teaches, he is human just like us. He wanted his students to embrace the imperfections in life as a means of growth. In all, Professor Shaul has a lot to teach his students, and I am grateful I got to be a part of his class.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of at SDSU?
A: I am most proud of earning Summa Cum Laude designation.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: Enjoy every minute of your college experience, even in the hard and stressful times. And do not be afraid to meet new people and always be yourself. SDSU has a spot for everyone! It's about making the most out of it for yourself.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: It was to start searching for jobs of interest, but with the COVID-19 pandemic not many companies are hiring. The current plan is to ride this crazy wave!
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your career?
A: The Fowler College of Business has prepared me for my career in so many ways. But most of all, it gave me a challenging platform to learn. I gained a lot of knowledge from the course work, projects, presentations, and most of all professors. The professors that teach at San Diego State are great mentors and encourage their students to always give their best effort, despite daunting obstacles. I am a confident, knowledgeable, and excited graduate, and I have San Diego State to thank for that! I had the best college experience, it felt like a dream.
Marketing: Kathryn Frels
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Kristine Ehrich
Hometown:
La Crosse, WI
Kathryn Marie Frels Q&A
"Kate is an outstanding grad for numerous reasons but one of them is her desire to put in the required work. As evident from her GPA and honors, she puts in the necessary work to achieve the highest grades but she also puts in the required work to succeed in life after graduation. She doesn’t just listen to get a high grade on an exam. She listens to learn, to truly learn and then apply what she’s learned. She has learned the importance of getting involved in organizations on campus, the importance of networking, the importance of getting an internship, and most importantly, she knows the importance of following through on commitments and doing the right thing. She has the integrity, persistence and determination that has served her so well at SDSU and will serve her and all those around her for the rest of her life. I’m so very proud of Kate!!"
- Prof. Kristine Ehrich
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: I definitely followed the sunshine and the ocean, at least initially. What really sold me, and my parents, on SDSU though was the caliber of experience I would receive here. Not only were the classes challenging and the college of business top tier, but there were so many opportunities for expansive personal and professional development. The organizations, internship opportunities, strong alumni connections, and much more, really proved there was an opportunity for me to better myself here. 75 and sunny was just the icing on the cake!
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: Yes, I was quite involved on campus in my four years and I truly believe that’s what
made all the difference in my experience.
American Marketing Association - Vice President of Operations: oversaw and supported
the entire operations branch with tasks from programming, to membership, to event
planning and more
Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society - Founding Member: inaugural member from the top 10%
of business students, and one of two students chosen to attend the 2019 Global Leadership
Summit in Chicago, IL
Best Buddies at SDSU - Peer Buddy: integrated individuals with developmental disabilities
helping build social skills in a large group, as well as a more personal one-to-one
friendship with an overall goal of inclusion. Dance Marathon at SDSU - Director of
Public Relations: created and coordinated multiple types of media from TV, radio,
newspaper and social, to generate organic buzz about San Diego State’s largest philanthropic
organization raising money for Rady Children’s Hospital
Fowler College of Business Council - Student Representative: appointed voting member
on issues pertaining to FCB students and RSO members
Associated Student Marketing Committee - General Member: helped with brainstorming
and innovating new ways to get students engaged on campus and assisted in planning
events for incoming freshmen.
Q: Why did you select Dr. Kristine Ehrich as your Most Influential Professor?
A: Professor Kristine Ehrich. She is one of the smartest and most interesting people I've ever learned from. Her teaching style is engaging and deeply educational, as her passion and enthusiasm emits out of her. Beyond being a fabulous professor though, she is to her very core one of the most genuine, best people I've met. The way she cares for her students is unmatched, and after having the privilege to be her student for not one, but two semesters, as well as be her TA, it is so apparent she wants nothing but success and true personal joy for each individual she teaches. I am so grateful for the way she has shaped not only my time here on campus, but also my perspectives on the world around me.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: The accomplishment I am most proud of personally is raising $365,000 for the kid’s at Rady Children’s Hospital alongside some of my very best friends who served on the Dance Marathon Leadership Team with me. Professionally, it would be receiving my offer from 3M to begin working with them post-grad, as well as being named the Most Outstanding Graduate for the Fowler College of Business - truly such an honor!
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: Don’t be afraid to fail, and try everything. Your time at SDSU is your experience, no one else’s. Be bold in the pursuit of finding the things that you are passionate about, and surround yourself with people who make you want to be the best version of yourself while doing so. Four years fly by - make sure you do things that fill your heart and soul just as much as your resume.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I will be joining 3M at their corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, MN to begin my career in marketing!
Graduate
MBA: Uriel Avila Zuniga
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Babak Lotfaliei
Hometown:
Coalcoman, Mexico
Uriel Avila Zuniga Q&A
"Uriel is a self-starter. He smartly figures out what is the next step in his path to success, commits to it, and achieves it."
- Dr. Babak Lotfaliei
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: Living in San Diego has always been a dream for me. When I was doing my research about business schools in San Diego, the SDSU alumni community caught my attention. After looking at the MBA program at SDSU, it was clear to me that SDSU's business school offers the best MBA program in San Diego. The classes are challenging and the campus is full of opportunities and events outside the classroom.
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: During my first week on campus, I was looking to join a student organization. I became a member of Out for Business for one year. At the same time, I was going to every networking event created by the Graduate Business Student Association (GBSA) and increasing my network on campus. I was honored to become the President of GBSA with a talented team of classmates.
Q: Why did you select Dr. Babak Lotfaliei as your Most Influential Professor?
A: As an MBA student holding a Chemical Engineering bachelor’s and manufacturing experience, I came into the program with high expectations of the knowledge I would gain in the business areas. The expectations were exceeded during the program. I chose Professor Lotfaliei because he expanded my thinking about Finance. His passion for and knowledge of Finance got me interested in a subject that was new to me.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: My greatest accomplishment at SDSU was to have the greatest time as a graduate student. I met incredible people, joined and led student organizations, worked at the Office of the President, had multiple jobs on campus, had full and part-time internships, worked out at the ARC, went to Aztec Nights, used the resources of the Career Management Center, took surfing classes, participated in the AMP, and made it to the honor business society Beta Gamma Sigma.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: Get out of your comfort zone. For graduate students, I recommend taking part in networking events, career fairs, workshops, and opportunities outside of the classroom that the College of Business and student organizations create. Network from the first day in the program, MBA is all about networking. Most importantly, do not forget to enjoy your experience as a student.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: My plan after school is to land an amazing job as a Business Analyst and work my way up in a company where I can keep growing professionally.
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: I came to the Fowler College of Business without a great deal of experience in the business area. The Fowler College of Business gave me the opportunities to challenge myself and learn new skills that are valuable for life after college. I took as many opportunities as I could to improve and develop new skills. The College of Business prepared me with networking skills, communication skills, analytical thinking, time management, teamwork among other qualities for my professional career.
MSBA: Kyle Steckler
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Prof. Narelle Mackenzie
Hometown:
Orange, CA
Kyle Steckler Q&A
"Kyle provides a wonderful example of the critical thinking skills that we look to encourage and develop in all our students in the Fowler College of Business. Kyle had taken the Winter 2019 (December 2018/January 2019) class for Taxation of Individuals (ACCTG 503). I stress in all of the tax classes that I teach that Tax is like learning a new language and you need to persevere until you have the "ah-ha" moment. Winter sessions are intense as you are learning 16 weeks of material in two/three weeks and your results are very much determined by self-discipline to stay on track and put forth the time and effort to succeed - grit and determination. Both of which Kyle demonstrated, Kyle then took Taxation of Business in Fall 2019 (ACCTG 624). This was not a required class for Kyle but he believed it was important to understand the taxation of business to be successful in his chosen career path. Kyle demonstrated his strong learning from the Winter class by teaching others in the Fall class (who were new to Tax) in the group work during class time. Sharing with others demonstrates the attributes of teamwork another skill we look for in our graduate students. The ability to write memos and orally present technical issues in an easy to understand manner are vital communication skills and Kyle demonstrated these in spades in the class. Kyle is one of those Aztecs who you know are going to be very successful in whatever path they choose. I feel very fortunate to witness his mastering of the tax technical skills and evenly more important see his soft skills that all business leaders need to possess."
- Prof. Narelle Mackenzie
Q: Why did you come to SDSU?
A: I was looking to go to graduate school in southern California and of the schools in the region that offered the program I wanted, SDSU appeared to be the one with the most history and a notable reputation of quality given the fact it was the first financial planning program in America to be taught within the business school at a university when it was pioneered by Professor Warschauer way back when.
Q: Why did you select Prof. Narelle Mackenzie as your Most Influential Professor?
A: I had the pleasure of having Narelle Mackenzie as my professor for two classes that covered the taxation of individuals and businesses. To me, tax was basically like learning a foreign language with numbers. It’s an incredibly complex subject to try to learn and one you can easily get lost in due to the sheer volume of items and rules in the Code. Professor Mackenzie created fun, lively classroom environments that made this dense topic a joy to study, which is no small feat, while still expecting the most out of us as graduate students. She cares deeply about the success of her students and I wouldn’t want to take another tax class if it wasn’t taught by her!
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: Achieving this Outstanding Student designation and passing the CFP exam while still working and going to graduate school.
Q: Any advice for future students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: School is only as hard as you make it and likewise you get out what you put into it. Such cliché sayings but they’re true.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: Moving up to Los Angeles, finding a job and seeing where life takes me from there.
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: The Fowler College of Business has prepared me for my future career by giving me the knowledge and tools to confidently deal with the wide range of personal financial issues brought to me by future clients all while staying grounded in a greater understanding of the complexities of the global system in its entirety.
MSA: Matthew Kerr
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Janie Chang
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Matthew Kerr Q&A
"Matthew Kerr was an outstanding student leader throughout his time as an MSA student at SDSU. Matthew joined Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) during his second semester. He was elected as the VP Communications and represented BAP to participate in case competitions. During his last semester, he was the President of BAP. As the President, Matthew was instrumental, sincere and professional in serving BAP members, SDSU students, and the firms participating in our on-campus events. His positive, confident, and humble attitude inspired the officers and members of BAP to accomplish the goals of the student organization. Matthew is a great role model for our student leaders."
- Prof. Janie Chang
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: I must thank my wife for bringing the Fowler College of Business to my attention. She was familiar with its reputation because she worked at SDSU when I was looking at graduate schools. My undergraduate degree was not in business and I liked the fact that the Fowler College of Business MSA program could provide me with the necessary classes to make me eligible for the CPA exam when I graduated.
Q: Are you (or were you) involved in a student organization?
A: I served as the Vice President of Communications and the President of Beta Alpha Psi, the honors accounting society, during my time as member of the organization from 2018 to 2019.
Q: Why did you select Dr. Janie Chang as your Most Influential Professor?
A: I had the pleasure of learning from and working with Dr. Janie Chang as a student in her accounting information systems course and later as her Graduate Assistant for the undergraduate version of the same course. Dr. Chang consistently motivated me to be successful in my own academics and when helping other students. Part of my responsibilities as Dr. Chang’s Graduate Assistant included helping students with their assignments during class. When I started as her Graduate Assistant Dr. Chang told me she wanted the students to work hard, learn a lot but not hate the course once they finished it. I knew Dr. Chang wanted to achieve these goals and was counting on me to help her do so. Knowing Dr. Chang wanted the best for her students and the fact that she placed her trust in me motivated me to work hard to help her achieve these goals. Working with Dr. Chang was a great experience. I encourage all students at the school to get to know her during their time at SDSU.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: I am most proud of my time as the President of Beta Alpha Psi because of all the added value I helped create for our membership.
Beta Alpha Psi operates as a small business. It was my responsibility as President to guide the Board of Officers to make the best business decisions for our Chapter. These decisions included setting goals for the Chapter, managing finances, identifying where the Chapter fit into its business environment and what was the demand for the Chapter in that environment. I also learned to motivate and collaborate with our Board of Officers to achieve the goals of the Chapter.
As the President I created a Member Focused Culture for the Organization. I have always enjoyed motivating and helping others. This organizational culture instilled a focus in the Board of Officers to make decisions in the best interest of the membership. I believe as long the members knew the Board of Officers was acting in their best interests the members would be happy with the Chapter.
I am enormously grateful to Beta Alpha Psi’s faculty advisor Professor Paul Sager. Professor Sager’s business advice was critical to the success of Beta Alpha Psi. I would also like to thank the Board of Officers who I served with. The Chapter would not have been successful without them.
It was such a pleasure to think back on the success of the Chapter at the end of the semester, and it is a very rewarding memory of mine.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: I encourage students to accept opportunities which are presented to them even if it requires them to do additional work. During my time at SDSU, I competed in competitions on behalf of our Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi in San Jose, CA and Chicago, IL. I worked with Dr. H. Leon Chan and Dr. Nathan Oestreich on a case study about tax credits. Dr. Oestreich and I presented the case study at a conference in Houston, TX. Our case study was subsequently published in a business journal.I was not obligated to do these activities and it took time and effort for me to perform them. The learning experience and accomplishments I received from my efforts made it all worthwhile. I’m glad that I accepted these opportunities when they were available to me.My advice to students is to say yes to opportunities and put forth your best effort because they may only be available to you once.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I am excited to start working as a Tax Associate at Lindsay Brownell LLP later this year. I am also studying for the CPA exam. Perhaps in the future I’ll return to SDSU and teach accounting!
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: The Fowler College of Business has all the academic and networking opportunities to get one started in the accounting profession. I believe successful students at the school have a high chance of receiving an employment offer before they graduate.
The Fowler College of Business stresses the importance of decision making and judgment rather than calculating numbers. Technology continues to become more sophisticated and automate more aspects of the business world. The faculty all urge students to focus their careers on jobs that emphasize judgement and decision making which technology is unable to perform and embrace technology to aid them in their analysis. I believe students who graduate from the college shall be well prepared for the evolving business environment.
Thank you to all my professors and fellow classmates for adding to my great experience at the school. Thank you to the faculty for selecting me as the Outstanding MSA Student from the Fowler College of Business, it is truly an honor.
MSIS: Amy Betterton
Most Influential Faculty Member:
Dr. Robert Briggs
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Amy Betterton Q&A
"Amy had a prodigious work ethic. In the finest tradition of SDSU, she held down a demanding job while she earned her degree, but nonetheless produced top-quality deliverables. She has an intellectual curiosity and a passion for excellence - she was determined to gain a deep and thorough understanding of the concepts, beyond what might be required to pass an exam. She wanted to know the bigger picture of how the concepts fit together and how they could be used in the field to make a difference that mattered. She was a nuanced leader who could lead-from-the-side and lead-from-below."
- Prof. Robert Briggs
Q: Why did you choose to come to SDSU?
A: As a mid-career busy full-time IT manager and mom, I was looking for a program that I could afford without going into debt, that would be worth the designated time I had to give, would fit into my schedule, and would yield the highest overall value for my career. SDSU, and particularly the Fowler College of Business, has an exceptional reputation in San Diego and many of my executive colleagues have advanced degrees from SDSU. I also received my bachelor's degree in MIS from SDSU over twenty years ago and it has served me very well!
Q: Why did you select Dr. Robert Briggs as your Most Influential Professor?
A: Dr. Briggs brings the most contagious enthusiasm for business and critical thinking to his teaching. He is so engaged in what he is doing I couldn't help but to also get excited about it. The things I learned in his class I was immediately able to apply to my IT management career.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at SDSU?
A: Honestly, I am most proud of completing the program and showing my two daughters that I could do it! It took me 3 1/2 years since I just took two classes per semester and didn't take summer courses (so I could have a break with the kids). There were a couple of times I thought I was crazy for taking on so much, but most of the time I really enjoyed it and was grateful for the opportunity. The SDSU campus is gorgeous, I loved walking around in the evenings and seeing all of the activity. There is such a spirit of hope for the future on campus and it was awesome to be part of that.
Q: Any advice for future and/or current students on making the most of their time at SDSU?
A: For future students, especially those who are mid-career like me, just go for it! Just chip away at it a little at a time and you will make it. It is worth your time and financial investment. For current students, try to enjoy it and savor the experience.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: I am continuing to grow in my IT management career at my current organization.
Q: How has the Fowler College of Business prepared you for your future career?
A: I feel having this advanced degree gives me an advantage with promotional opportunities at my current organization, gives me greater opportunity to take on broader assignments that give me greater exposure, and also makes me more marketable for positions outside of my company if I ever choose to leave.
