It’s the language of business. It’s how companies keep score. It’s accounting, and it’s launched alumni from the Wisconsin School of Business into career paths all over the world.
“I can usually connect with a Wisconsin accounting alum in most major cities that I visit,” says Terry Warfield, an accounting professor and chair of the Accounting and Information Systems Department. “I have former students who have ascended to top positions at a variety of organizations — as partners in public accounting firms, controllers or chief financial officers — and some, after working as practicing accountants, are now pursuing academic careers and educating the next generation of accounting professionals.”
“I am honored to be recognized with the PwC Professorship,” Warfield said. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this relationship and how much we value it.”
“I’m proud to say I had this idea two years ago, and I worked on it with my colleagues to make it happen,” said Ray Wilson, PwC partner and liaison to UW-Madison. “With this donation, we are investing not only in the students, but in the future of the accounting profession.”
PwC has supported colleges and universities and their students with more than $49 million since 2008. The funds have been used for a variety of curriculum enrichment initiatives, faculty learning programs and other faculty and student support. Already, the gift to the Wisconsin School of Business is enabling accounting students at the school to receive more personalized instruction in introductory classes.
“When I became dean, I was delighted early on to hear of PwC’s great satisfaction with our alumni who are five to 10 years out of school,” said Dean François Ortalo-Magné. “Today, I am honored by this generous gift from our alumni and friends at PwC. We welcome their support of our outstanding faculty and co-curricular learning experiences for the benefit of our accounting students.”
