Assumption Accounting Students Awarded Competitive MSCPA Scholarships for 2020
Citing their exemplary work in the classroom and dedication to the field of accounting, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) has awarded Olivia Boncaldo ’21 and Kayla Silverio ’23 MSCPA Educational Foundation scholarships. According to the MSCPA, the goal of the Educational Foundation, which presents these awards through a competitive process, is to help to account students throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursue quality careers in the accounting industry and to help companies and accounting firms through the formation of well-trained and educated accountants.
Boncaldo, a Holbrook resident majoring in accounting, is the first-ever recipient of the Gregory T. O’Gorman Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence in the pursuit of a career in public accounting in Massachusetts. The award was established by CRR CPA, where O’Gorman worked for more almost a decade, to honor their colleague who lost his battle with cancer in 2018. Boncaldo has fully immersed herself in the field of accounting, having previously completed a full-time internship at O’Connor & Drew, P.C, a public accounting firm on the South Shore, and this summer will be interning full time at the Boston offices of Marcum, LLP, a public accounting firm headquartered in New York City.
“Olivia’s commitment to academic excellence is coupled with an impressive track record of leadership, service, and a deep philosophical connection to accounting as a profession,” said Paul Piwko, CMA, MBA, visiting assistant professor of accounting. “Her integrity, intelligence, energy, and authentic dedication to our profession reflect the timeless qualities of accounting at its best.”
On campus, Boncaldo participated in the SOPHIA program, which assists Assumption students in their vocational exploration. According to Prof. Piwko, her involvement in SOPHIA has enriched her view of accounting as a profession. “I believe she has developed a deep understanding that the ‘best values’ of the accounting profession are similar to her own values – and that both enable the social value that is created by our profession,” he said.
Silverio, a Marlboro native who currently resides in Worcester, received the Emerging Diversity & Inclusion Scholar Award, part of the organization’s commitment to expanding the diversity of those working in the accounting field by helping to recruit, retain and advance individuals from underrepresented communities. This is the second year Silverio has received this award. She was also recognized by the MSCPA while in high school, having been invited to the Accounting Career Awareness Program, a summer camp designed to help students learn more about the field of accounting through hands on activities and class lectures.
“Kayla is a wonderful young woman who has a remarkable work ethic,” said Professor Daniel Jones, CPA, MBA, associate professor of accounting. Prof. Jones added that Silverio was always prepared for class and her “performance in the course was extraordinary,” adding that she would have earned an ‘A+’ if he was allowed to assign such a course grade. “I wish that I had more students like her in class.”
The accomplishments of these exceptional students reflect the strength of the Grenon School of Business’s accounting program. The program prepares students for careers in the accounting field and gives students the skills required to sit for the CMA and CPA examinations. In June, Assumption’s accounting program earned an endorsement from IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), making it one of just three schools in New England to receive this endorsement. Last year, Associate Professor of Accounting Jennifer Niece, CPA, MBA, received the MSCPA’s 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, which recognized her excellence in teaching and her contributions to the accounting field.
The MSCPA Education Foundation is funded entirely by its members and has awarded more than 250 scholarships to college students totaling over $1 million since its inception in 2006. This year, the Foundation awarded $146,500 to accounting students throughout Massachusetts.