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Master of Professional Accountancy Hooding Ceremony a Memorable Event
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Students Line Up for the Hooding Ceremony
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On Friday, May 9, about 200 people gathered at the Museum of the
Rockies to celebrate the graduation of the College of Business'
Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) students. Marc
Giullian, associate professor of accounting, welcomed family and
friends attending the ceremony, followed by Rich Semenik's Dean's
Address, which touted the students' achievements this past year.
Afterwards, Anne Christensen, professor of accounting, gave a
brief presentation about the history of the hood and its
significance before she and Christie Johnson, associate professor
of accounting proceeded with the hooding of
the students.
The excitement was apparent on the students' faces as they
received their hoods. After the hooding ceremony, Tina Dykstra,
MPAc class speaker, thanked her professors, addressed her fellow
peers and talked about the graduating class academic journey. She
credited the extraordinary accounting faculty with the
transformation most of the graduates experienced--a change from
young students struggling to make sense of debits and credits,
financial statements, and journal entries to mature professionals
capable of understanding complex accounting theories, tax
returns, and passing the CPA exam.
Dykstra stated, "Today, I believe that we can all say we have a
future and a hope. This new chapter in our lives is a beautiful
road stretched out before us. From where we began, to where we
are today, we could not have done it without the support of you,
our friends and family. We would not be able to walk across this
stage today and tomorrow, to wear our hoods without the many
teachers who have guided us along the way. From the depths of my
heart, I would like to thank each and every person here for
taking part in this incredible transformation." The emotional and
touching speech deeply affected the audience as sniffles were
heard throughout the auditorium before those attending erupted
into thunderous clapping.
A slideshow introducing all the newly hooded students was shown
after Dykstra's presentation. Closing remarks were given by Micki
Munro, adjunct instructor of accounting. She gave the graduates
five pearls of wisdom, four of which she attributed to a great
teacher and constant companion, Sophie, her five year old African
grey parrot. The pearls were: Attitude is everything; Look at
challenges from all perspectives; Quack, Quack (teamwork); Don't
say anything you don't want repeated and Continue to make a
difference.
The hooding ceremony was an unforgettable event both for the
students, their families and friends in attendance. It marked the
closing of one chapter of the students' lives and the opening of
yet another.
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