Sparking an Interest

Sparking an Interest
Rochester COAP Program Showcases Accounting for Students

By Julie Valpey

On June 27, the Rochester Chapter kicked off its second annual Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program. Like last year, the event was held at held at SUNY Brockport and included five days of speakers, interactive sessions and field trips to Rochester-area businesses. The program’s goal is to introduce the accounting profession to minority high school students and hopefully spark their interest in pursuing accounting as a career.

Unlike last year, this year the students stayed on campus for the entire program. The 20 Rochester-area high school students accepted into the program were housed in one of the college’s residence halls, with SUNY Brockport accounting students and graduates serving as resident assistants. Theresa Campbell, quality assurance administrator for the NYSSCPA, helped coordinate this year’s program and also served as residence director.

COAP board members began planning for this year’s program soon after the completion of last year’s program. Building on last year’s success, the board members developed programs that had students preparing tax returns, touring a Wegman’s facility, participating in goal-setting exercises, writing resumes, playing a forensic accounting game and “interviewing” for jobs. In addition, leaders from Rochester-area businesses and academia took time out of their busy schedules to speak to the students. For the second year in a row, the staff of Eldredge, Fox and Porretti, LLP, a local accounting firm, held an open house for the students. The EF&P staff provided office tours and gave the students a hands-on lesson in tax return preparation. Michael Finney, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, visited Brockport’s campus to speak to the students. Mr. Finney gave the students an account of his experiences running a large manufacturing business in Michigan and helping to bring businesses to the Rochester area through his work at GRE. He challenged the students to develop goals and follow through with them, and he stressed the value of a college education in helping to fulfill their goals.

One of the highlights of the program was an etiquette dinner held at one of Brockport’s banquette facilities, which was attended by both students and COAP board members. Maria Richart, Accounting Program Coordinator of the Co-operative Education Office at Rochester Institute of Technology, presided over the event. During the meal, Ms. Richart coached the students on appropriate behavior, attire and dinner conversation. She also gave a lesson on which utensils to use for the various courses served, and even provided some good-natured scolding to students (and board members) who committed etiquette faux pas! The students enjoyed a four-course meal while learning the importance of conducting themselves in a professional manner during a business meal.

The event ended on a decidedly high note with a commencement ceremony and dinner for the students and their families. Patricia Stevens, Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Human Services and a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees, served as keynote speaker. In her address, Ms. Stevens emphasized the importance of setting high goals, working hard at school and at home, and getting involved in the community. Her speech was inspiring to everyone in the audience.

The evening concluded with a “graduation” ceremony, where COAP Board member Toni Spina presented each student with a “diploma” and, as she did last year, imparted some final encouraging words to each student as they accepted their diploma.

COAP board members felt that this year’s program was a resounding success, and are already looking forward to planning for next year’s program. Many of the COAP board members feel that their involvement in the COAP program serves a two-fold purpose. Networking with the other accountants, academicians and Rochester-area business people involved in the COAP program is career enhancing, while getting involved and making a difference in the lives of young people is personally fulfilling. The board encourages other chapter members to get involved. Those interested in serving on a COAP committee for the 2006 program are urged to contact Bill Dresnack, Chairman of the Rochester Chapter COAP Board, at 585-395-5532 or wdresnac@brockport.edu as soon as possible. COAP makes a difference; you can too!