Chapters Reach out to Students

Nassau Chapter President-Elect John Kearney with
a student attending the chapter's education night.

Staten Island was the first chapter to introduce an education night over ten years ago, but similar programs soon spread to other chapters. These events promote a positive image of the accounting profession and allow students to interact with CPAs in an informal, friendly atmosphere.

"Despite our best efforts in academia to portray a realistic view of the profession, there is no greater teacher than actual work experience. Affording students an opportunity to discuss with practitioners what is involved in the daily life of a CPA will enable the students to get a realistic glimpse into the profession," said Rita Buttermilch (Nassau), associate professor at SUNY-College at Old Westbury.

Some of the chapters' student activities this year include Suffolk's fifth annual reception for accounting majors, which took place on October 27. The chapter also invited the Long Island members of the CPA Candidates Association, and the Suffolk Chapter's Young CPAs Committee supported the event. At the Nassau Chapter, former New York Islander Bob Nystrom, now a business consultant, spoke at the ninth annual student night on November 17, attended by local students and CPA Candidates Association members.

Additional chapters hold similar events and other educational activities throughout the year. Northeast plans an education night this winter. Mid-Hudson sponsors its scholarship night honoring local college students, which the chapter holds in conjunction with its annual election dinner. Buffalo participates in the career fairs at local colleges and universities.

For more information about chapter educational activities, contact the local chapter president or chair of the Cooperation with Educational Institutions Committee. *