November 2011

Organizations Involved In: Beta Alpha Psi-BAP (President, Fall 2011-Present), Students of Free Enterprise-SIFE (Fundraising Leader, Fall 2008-Spring 2010; Project Leader-Market Economics, Fall 2009-Spring 2010; Business Executive Leader, Fall 2009-Spring 2010; Treasurer, Fall 2010-Spring 2011), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance-VITA (Vice President, Fall 2010-Spring 2011; SIFE & BAP Coordinator, Fall 2009-Spring 2011), Be Something in Life That Counts (Committee Leader, Fall 2009-Spring 2010).

Accounting Field of Interest: Taxation

Reason for Nomination: Jennifer has been nominated by the faculty of Truman State University for LEAP's November 2011 Student of the Month. Dr. Debra Kerby, Truman's School of Business Dean, stated, "Jen is an outstanding student who exhibits quiet, but strong leadership. She has served in multiple officer and project leadership positions in both BAP and SIFE. Jen effectively assisted with coordinating a VITA program that served more than 300 clients in 2011."

She has been initiated into Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity, selected for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, placed in Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges, and earned Truman's Senior Leadership Award.

Jennifer was a tax intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers during summer break 2011. She has been offered a position with them, which will start fall 2012.

Organizations Involved In: Beta Alpha Psi (Member since 2008, 2010 Director of Membership and Community Service, 2009 & 2010 Regional Conferences Attendee,  2009-2010 VITA), Alpha Lambda Delta, Charity auction for the city of St. Joseph, 2008 & 2010 UMKC Community Service Projects, Raytown Emergency Assistance Program, Operation Blessing - Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort.

Accounting Field of Interest: Audit

Reason for Nomination: Lisa was nominated by the faculty at UMKC. Georgia Smedley, Department of Accounting Chair, stated, "I have known Lisa since she began her major in accounting in 2008. First as her instructor, and then as a mentor. She is exactly the kind of student every professor loves. Lisa is always prepared and inquisitive, works hard to master the material, and is generous with her time outside of the classroom as she helps other students understand and master course materials. She asks questions, interjects pertinently in class discussions, and pushes her professors to excel. Her efforts span from charitable projects to a very successful internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers."

"The previous statements and facts are exactly what you all see in every nominee for LEAP recognition. However, Lisa has overcome a very difficult childhood. Rather than limit herself by her past, she has chosen to work hard and pin her hopes on her future. Lisa will change the world, one person at a time, because she lives with this attitude; life is what you make it - not what is handed to you."

Lisa has earned a number of awards and honors: 2006 Scholars for Success Program Graduate; 2006 Horatio Alger Missouri Scholar; 2009 McGladrey Pathways Program Participant; 2008 Foresters Competitive scholarship; 2009 UMKC Women's Club "Going for Excellence" scholarship; 2009 KPMG scholarship; 2009-2010 Caroline E. Schutte scholarship.

She will sit for the CPA exam, this spring, during her last semester at UMKC. Lisa has accepted a position with PricewaterhouseCoopers, which will begin after she graduates with her MSA in May 2012.