Five years ago, CalCPA implemented the Campus Ambassador Program for students attending four-year schools in an effort to support their studies and secure a stronger transition into the accounting profession. This year, CalCPA expanded the program with an experiment. It selected two community colleges to adopt the Campus Ambassador Program. College of San Mateo was one of those chosen, and Suzanne McGhee became CSM’s first CalCPA Campus Ambassador.

CalCPA Event
As the CSM Campus Ambassador, Suzanne attended the statewide event “CalCPA Day at the Capitol” in Sacramento and subsequently planned and hosted a CalCPA event for students at CSM. The “CalCPA Day at the Capitol” was spent meeting members of the assembly and senators. She met with Senator Patricia Bates and Assembly member Marc Berman while participating in a lively discussion regarding current tax laws and issues sensitive to the accounting profession. These meetings were facilitated by CalCPA members who have worked several years as CPAs.

Suzanne’s CalCPA event, “So You Want to be a CPA When You Grow Up!” was a smashing success. With the aid of the Business Club, 150 students attended the event on April 23, which generated an increased CalCPA membership of 31 students. Suzanne led a panel discussion asking various questions to three CPA’s about the nature of the accounting industry and what to expect in the profession. David Grisham, CPA (forensic accountant), Michelle Okabe, CPA (recruitment), and Jonathan Anderson, CPA (tax accountant) were panelists. Suzanne also had representatives from both Roger CPA Review and Golden Gate University in attendance. The students thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Suzanne says, “I am extremely grateful for the support from the College of San Mateo administration, facilities, faculty and staff who so hard to make my CalCPA event so impactful and successful. I also appreciate the mentorship and support from accounting professor Bruce Maule. The astounding results of this event proved how much CSM needs to continue the CalCPA Campus Ambassador program.”

Suzanne is eager to continue serving as the CalCPA Campus Ambassador for CSM. The position allows her to connect with professionals and students in a way she couldn’t have before, allowing the College of San Mateo the recognition and reputation that it absolutely deserves. (Submitted by Elizabeth “Suzanne” McGhee)