Standing before a room of business leaders, community partners and fellow students, �鶹ӳ����ý junior Mariana Guerrero introduced herself not only as an accounting major in the and a student, but as someone shaped by a lifetime of seeing what meaningful engagement can do.

Born and raised in Orlando, Guerrero grew up with �鶹ӳ����ý woven into her life. Her parents, both proud Knights, spent their early careers working full time while attending school part time. Her mother’s two decades in government and community relations meant that childhood weekends were often spent at university events long before she understood what it meant to belong to a campus community.

So when it came time to apply to college, she submitted only one application.

“I have always been a Knight,” she said.

Her parents’ work ethic allowed her to fully immerse herself at �鶹ӳ����ý. She joined the College of Business Ambassadors, now serving as vice chair, became active in the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), mentors two students, and chairs the President’s Leadership Council. Each role, she says, has deepened her sense of community and purpose.

Her interest in accounting began at age 13, when her parents enrolled her in a financial literacy summer camp she initially resisted.

“I just wanted to be a normal teenager,” she said.

Instead, she discovered how engaging personal finance could be, especially through the board game Cash Flow, which she played so often her cousins eventually called her for help.

That curiosity grew in high school, where she researched teen financial literacy and realized how few young people had access to the conversations her parents encouraged at home. When she took her first financial accounting class at �鶹ӳ����ý, her interests aligned, and she began envisioning a future where her love of numbers could translate into meaningful work.

Her professional world expanded quickly. She represented �鶹ӳ����ý in competitions, including the KPMG-sponsored HSI Battle of the Brains Case Competition, where �鶹ӳ����ý won first place. She attended leadership programs at the KPMG Lakehouse and joined the firm’s Global Advantage Program in Lisbon, Portugal. Next summer, she will return to KPMG as an audit intern, with plans to earn her CPA and begin her career in public accounting.

Guerrero closed her remarks with gratitude for her family, for �鶹ӳ����ý and for partnerships like the one between the university and KPMG.

“I am excited to make the leap from being an involved �鶹ӳ����ý student to being an engaged �鶹ӳ����ý alumna,” she says.

Her introduction set the tone for an evening focused on shared purpose.

Impact of Partnership

�鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright followed by highlighting the significance of the Crossroads Speaker Series and its partnership with Dr. Phillips Charities. The series, he said, is designed to explore how business, philanthropy and values-based leadership can work together to create positive change.

Cartwright emphasized KPMG’s engagement across the university, from supporting the Professional Selling Program to mentoring students at the KPMG Lakehouse. Their recent support of �鶹ӳ����ý Space Week reflects a partnership committed to innovation across disciplines.

He also spoke about �鶹ӳ����ý’s continued momentum, including achieving the final metric required for Florida’s Preeminent University designation.

“That is what makes �鶹ӳ����ý remarkable,” he said. “We open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.”

“That is what makes �鶹ӳ����ý remarkable. We open doors, spark possibility and empower students to make a lasting difference.” — �鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright

Remarks from Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, reinforced the importance of investing in people and partnerships. From there, the evening shifted to its featured conversation.

Sherry Magee ’92, senior director of community relations at the KPMG Lakehouse and a �鶹ӳ����ý graduate, moderated a fireside chat with Jennifer Flynn Dear, managing director of corporate affairs for KPMG US—offering the audience a close look at leadership, service and purpose through Dear’s experience.

“We are so lucky to have �鶹ӳ����ý in our community,” Dear began. “They are wonderful community partners as well as a stellar business school thanks to the excellent Kenneth Dixon School of Accounting, KPMG accepts 70% of �鶹ӳ����ý applicants.”

Her career with the company began more than 25 years ago when she moved to New York City hoping for an advertising career. Feeling overwhelmed on her first day, she called her mother to say she would not last. Instead, she built a career across 12 areas of the organization, learning continuously.

One of her most memorable projects involved partnering with the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, to raise awareness for adoption issues. That work sparked a passion for connecting business with causes that matter.

“I like pairing business and industry to raise awareness of an issue,” she said.

Dear shared that KPMG employees have donated more than $67 million and logged 130,000 volunteer hours. She takes special pride in the firm’s work in education and mental well-being, noting that KPMG Family for Literacy has provided more than 7 million new books to children in low-income communities since 2008.

The more employees get involved, she said, the more fulfilled they feel.

“Even before Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, KPMG had a match set up for hurricane assistance, and participation was incredible.”

Philanthropy, she added, is considered an obligation as employees advance.

She also described the KPMG Lakehouse, a learning and innovation center where employees and clients engage with emerging technologies and leadership training.

“We train every day on AI,” she said. “We invested $2 billion in Microsoft to keep our data safe and to be more efficient and effective.”

The evening closed with remarks from Rodney M. Grabowski, �鶹ӳ����ý’s senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships and CEO of the �鶹ӳ����ý Foundation.

“This is our fifth year for Crossroads,” he said. “We are grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities, to Mariana Guerrero, and to KPMG and Jennifer Flynn Dear for sharing their stories. Thank you for joining us. Go Knights and Charge On!”

1. Pop Parlour

Serving up sweets is practically in graduate Brandon Chandler ’10’s DNA. In 2013, Chandleropened Pop Parlour, a shop offering fruity, creamy and boozy frozen treats as a tribute to his grandfather PopPop, who sold similar items after World War II. Pop Parlour has grown to two locations and serves coffee, tea, craft beer and wine, depending on which spot you visit.

���dz����پ��DzԲ�:��4214 E. Plaza Drive on the �鶹ӳ����ý campus; 431 E. Central Blvd., Suite C; ThePopParlour.com
(Pop Parlour’s �鶹ӳ����ý location will be closed on Small Business Saturday due to campus closures, but you can still visit the downtown location or stop by another day.)

2. Six28 Boutique

Six months after graduating with a degree in elementary education, Rachel Ledbetter ’16 took a risk to pursue entrepreneurship by opening clothing boutique Six28. Located near �鶹ӳ����ý, Six28 sells trendy, affordable women’s clothing and accessories, which can also be purchased on the store’s online site.

Location:12082 Collegiate Way; 407-630-3890; Six28Boutique.com

3. Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux

Cycling enthusiasts Darrell Cunningham ’93 and Jen Cunningham ’95 ’96MSW opened Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux to provide a space for people to bond over good food, drinks and company. With a commitment to health in mind, the shop sells breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, beer, wine and more daily and at special events each month. While at �鶹ӳ����ý, Darrell studied civil engineering and Jen majored in social work.

Location:3022 Corrine Drive; 407-427-1440; BikesBeansandBordeaux.com

4. Deli Fresh Threads

Marketing major Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo ’98 merged his love of sandwiches with another creative passion by opening Deli Fresh Threads, a clothing store? with designs inspired by what he considers the #KingOfMeals. You can buy foodie fashion in the form of T-shirts, hats, pins and stickers on the online shop. Bencomo also hosts a monthly #SandwichEatUp at local shops around Central Florida to help support other small businesses.

Location: 321-303-5129; DeliFreshThreads.com

5. Tactical Brewing Company

Owned and operated by veteran and psychology graduate Doug Meyer ’14 ’16MBA, Tactical Brewing Company serves craft brews created on-site to veterans, first responders and all beer lovers alike.

���dz����پ��Dz�:��4882 New Broad St.; 407-203-2033; TacticalBeer.com

6. Retrolando

Retro Orlando captures the City Beautiful’s history while giving back to others. The online T-shirt company offers men and women’s clothing inspired by former iconic Orlando businesses, organizations and landmarks. Each purchase is something you can feel good about because owner and English major Shannon Flesch Couillard ’04, donates a new shirt to a local homeless shelter for each shirt sold.

���dz����پ��Dz�:��Retrolando.com

7. Yaupon Brothers Tea Co.

Brothers — �鶹ӳ����ý senior hospitality major Kyle White and legal studies graduate Bryon ’09— have revived an ancient Native American superfood with their yaupon holly tea company. The brothers sustainably harvest their organic crop and distribute their product at restaurants and shops. Online purchases can also be made on their official site and Amazon. Yaupon Brothers also offers sustainable agricultural consulting services for Florida farmers looking for alternative crops.

���dz����پ��DzԲ�:��Various local shops such as Lucky’s Market, Credo Coffee, Infusion Tea and Dandelion Communitea Café; YauponBrothers.com

8. A Piece of Work

Started by marketing graduate Curtis Young ’04 in 2007, A Piece of Work apparel company creates custom embroidery and screen printing. Through partnerships with companies such as the Orlando Magic, Funky Buddha and more, the online site offers quality work clothing. A Piece of Work also sells eco-friendly items such as recycled journals and organic cotton totes.

���dz����پ��Dz�:��321-662-3836; APieceofWorkGear.com

9. Just Save the Date

Whether you need to put together a small intimate gathering or a major extravagant event, Just Save the Date can help make any occasion special. Communication graduate and owner Kelly Erickson Fowler ’02 started the event planning company after planning her own destination wedding. Just Save the Date operates from two locations in the Orlando and Key West areas.

���dz����پ��DzԲ�:��Orlando – 407-258-1944; Key West – 305-767-3774; JustSaveTheDate.com

The course is an integral part of the #�鶹ӳ����ýBusiness Primary Business Core, five required courses that help provide students a foundation in business and some direction for their chosen field of study.

“Accounting for Decision Makers provides all of our business students with an understanding of accounting when they enter the workplace,” said Ray Sturm, Ph.D., an associate lecturer of finance and the course instructor. “By introducing this much-needed class, we are giving our students the opportunity to learn how decisions affect accounting choices on financial information used by stakeholders.”

The class builds on material learned in accounting principles, familiarizes students with the business tax environment, and prepares students for more rigorous financial statement and business valuation analysis.

For more information on the college’s undergraduate curriculum, visit .

“We are very pleased to see that our undergraduate and master’s accounting programs are beginning to get more external recognition. The Accounting.com top 50 rankings for both programs are a reflection of the hard work and accomplishments of the Dixon School of Accounting faculty over the last 5 years,” said Sean Robb, Ph.D., director of #�鶹ӳ����ýBusiness’ Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting.

“It’s really impressive when you realize that there are over 1200 U.S. business schools with undergraduate accounting programs.”

To be included in Accounting.com’s rankings, a school must report at least two out of the four following metrics: acceptance rate, enrollment rate, retention rate and graduation rate.

“The high level of faculty engagement with students through office hours, College of Business events, and student organizations is what gives the Dixon School an edge in accounting education. I have never felt like I was on my own in this program, which is why I was eager to return for an M.S.A.,” said Renee Giron, ’15, accounting alumna and former college student ambassador.

“While it may not be tested on the CPA exam, the positive connections with other students and faculty are what drive me and many others to succeed.”

Watch her , shown at the Black & Gold Gala, to learn more about Melanie.

“I hadn’t graduated from high school exactly,” he said. “And I hadn’t exactly graduated from Valencia College.”

Plaumann’s credentials simply lagged his accomplishments. An Orlando native who took summer courses in calculus and trigonometry for fun, he finished his high school’s three-year accelerated program in just two years. He then tested out of all the courses for his associate’s degree, and was only a year away from earning his bachelor’s degree by the time his high school and Valencia handed him diplomas in June 1973.

Today Plaumann is a managing member of Greyhawke Capital Advisors LLC, a Greenwich, Conn., firm that he co-founded. It controls several million square feet of real estate around the country. He chairs the audit committee of three public companies, is chairman of the board of a small private company, and serves as a trustee of the Eagle Hill School where his 14-year-old daughter, Margaux, attends. Married to Marilyn Wilson, he and family live in New York.

With all his success he remains grateful to �鶹ӳ����ý for embracing his fast paced approach to academics. “I flew through the university because they bent over backwards for me,” he said.

He shows that gratitude with generous support of the university’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. His special interest is in science and technology startups, reflecting his lifelong love of science and engineering.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea for the university to combine disciplines to develop ideas for viable, new companies,” he said. “Stanford University has done an excellent job of that. So have the University of Texas Austin, and the Boston area with all its colleges and universities. �鶹ӳ����ý could create the same sort of environment and take it to the big time. People could think of �鶹ӳ����ý as the school that develops dynamic entrepreneurs who are discovering the next Google.”

Plaumann’s varied career has provided him with a broad view of what is possible. He was 18 years old when he joined Ernst & Ernst as the youngest employee of the then Big Eight public accounting firm’s Orlando office. He was still completing his bachelor’s degree.

Viewed as a prodigy, Plaumann was training for a prestigious assignment in the firm’s new consulting division when he decided he needed an MBA. Again he turned to �鶹ӳ����ý, studying at night to complete the degree in 1979.

Now, giving back to the university that named him to College of Business Administration Hall of Fame is an obligation he is happy to fulfill.

“I was the son of a manager of a Black and Decker store. My dad was the only one earning money in the family, and we weren’t wealthy by any means,” he said. “�鶹ӳ����ý was flexible and affordable because I could live at home while I studied. And the education was rigorous. I am grateful for my career, and �鶹ӳ����ý prepared me for the success I have had.”

The group obtained first place for the second year in a row and will compete in the national competition on August 8-10 in Anaheim, California.

Beta Alpha Psi, founded in 1919, is an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals. �鶹ӳ����ý’s Epsilon Gamma chapter is open to accounting and finance majors and is advised by Donna Bobek Schmitt, Ph.D. You can find out more about the chapter on their website.

The awards are presented by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants each year to candidates who obtained a cumulative average score above 95.5 across all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination More than 90,000 candidates sat for the exam in 2011, but just 37 people received the Sells Award.

Kyle Summerlin, ’09 and ’10, a senior associate of assurance at Ernst and Young, was among the 37. He offers the following advice for those preparing to take the exam:

“Attempt to take as many of the sections as possible prior to beginning employment. Commit to a study routine, recognizing that the exams are too exhaustive not to afford yourself adequate time to prepare. Finally, do not become flustered during the exam if you find it more difficult than you may have expected,” he said.

“The exams are supposed to be rigorous. Just because it is challenging does not mean you are not doing well enough to pass.”

He feels �鶹ӳ����ý prepared him to do well on the exam because of the strong graduate program that focused on teaching various accounting topics, and taught him to conduct self-directed research. He credits Professors Charlie Kelliher and Gregory Trompeter for helping him.

Ryan Ossowski, ’07 and ’08 won the Sells Award in 2009.

Since joining �鶹ӳ����ý in 2005, Sutton has supervised or is currently supervising seven �鶹ӳ����ý Ph.D. students, six of which have focused their research on technology effects on accounting and auditing practice, as well as users of accounting information.

In addition to his work at �鶹ӳ����ý, he has extensive global experience and he has co-supervised Ph.D. students from the University of Melbourne, University of Auckland, and the University of Technology Sydney, and has served as an external dissertation examiner for Ph.D. graduates at the University of Maastricht, University of Queensland, University of South Australia, and the University of Waterloo.

Two of his Ph.D. students have received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Information Systems Section of the American Accounting Association: �鶹ӳ����ý Ph.D. graduate Clark Hampton (2012, assistant professor, University of Waterloo) and Melbourne Ph.D. graduate Carlin Dowling (2007, associate professor University of Melbourne).

Sutton is widely published and received the Outstanding Researcher Award from the Strategic and Emerging Technologies Section of the AAA in 2003.

“It is quite humbling to be recognized by your peers for the work that you do out of passion. I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some great Ph.D. students who are not only very talented, but also good, caring people who impact the lives of many, many students,” he said.

Sean Robb, Ph.D., director of the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting is proud of Sutton’s recognition, and adds “Steve Sutton is a prolific accounting researcher and an extraordinary research talent. This award merely formalizes a consensus opinion about Steve’s abilities that has existed in the accounting academy for many years.”