Joni Wynecoop recently celebrated earning her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Eastern Washington University with an inspiring post on social media. For Wynecoop, the MBA degree is the most recent in a list of achievements earned through the determination to overcome obstacles and improve her life.

Wynecoop, an enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, grew up in Wellpinit, Washington. She began her college education at Eastern in 1994 but left college prior to earning her degree so that she could work full-time and support her young daughter.  Wynecoop is a mother of 3 kids, ages 25, 14, and 13, and she has also had guardianship of her niece and nephew.

Life was often difficult for Wynecoop, who has experienced domestic violence, alcoholism, and depression as well as significant health challenges.  Looking back on those years, Wynecoop credits her adult daughter for constantly supporting her and motivating her to break the cycle and make the hard changes necessary to improve her life.

In 2017, Wynecoop decided to return to Eastern to complete her degree.  In 2019, she was awarded her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Indian Studies. She made the Dean’s List 6 times and was inducted to the National Society of Leadership & Success, Sigma Alpha Pi.  After receiving her BA, she decided to pursue her master’s degree, enrolled in EWU’s MBA program and amazingly completed her degree in only 9 months. Earning an MBA is not the end of Wynecoop’s EWU career, as she is currently looking forward to starting classes in the Master of Public Administration program this fall.

Wynecoop is currently employed as the Spokane Tribes Employment Rights Director (TERO).  She is also certified as a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician, where she provides volunteer EMT services including medical assistance and structural firefighter. She serves on the Spokane Indian Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and on the Patient Advocate Advisory Committee for Indian Health Services.

When Wynecoop reflects on her remarkable accomplishments of the past few years, she is proud of the woman that she has become. By telling her story, she hopes to encourage others who may identify with her struggles. “It is about winning battles.  You won’t win them all, but if you learn from it and keep trying, you can finally win your war.”

Recipients

Accounting Advisory Board Scholarship & Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship

Patrick Roy, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Roy is a native of Deer Park, Washington who returned to Spokane after serving active duty in the U.S. Navy for seven years. He recently earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting, graduating cum laude. Roy is the first in his family to achieve a four-year college degree, and he will be continuing his education as he pursues a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) degree, beginning this summer. His involvement in Beta Alpha Psi, where he serves as an officer, has provided many networking opportunities and ultimately led to an internship during this year’s tax season. After earning his MPAcc degree, Roy plans to obtain his CPA license and work full-time in an accounting firm.

Avista Information Systems Scholarship & Peter Bozanich Accounting/Information Systems Scholarship

Abdul Basir, senior, management information systems and human resource management

Basir was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is the youngest of ten children and the first to finish high school. His desire to continue his education led him to move to the United States, where he began his college career at Spokane Community College in 2015. Basir earned two associate degrees from SCC, and his now pursuing his bachelor’s degree with majors in management information systems and human resource management, and a minor in economics.  He recently obtained Microsoft Office Specialist certification and plans to work in IT or Human Resources after graduation. Basir is an avid runner and soccer player and enjoys participating in Bloomsday and playing forward at Beer Football Club.

Arnie Carlson Accounting Scholarship

Jessica Welte, senior, professional accounting and finance

Welte is entering her senior year at Eastern Washington University, double-majoring in professional accounting and finance with a minor in economics. She is in the honors program at Eastern, and is the treasurer of the honors club. She also works at EWU as a study group facilitator for accounting courses. Welte plans to pursue her masters in professional accounting and sit for the CPA exam upon graduating. She is excited to continue her educational journey at Eastern and looks forward to the future!

CliftonLarsonAllen Accounting Scholarship, John O’Neil Business Scholarship & Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship

Candy Stutzke, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Stutzke is a current student in the Master of Professional Accounting program at Eastern. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting, from Eastern in June of 2020, graduating summa cum laude. Stutzke is active in Beta Alpha Psi and is the new elected president for this coming academic year. She enjoys volunteering in the community and especially her experience this past tax season working with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Spokane. She plans to pass the CPA exam upon graduating and work in the Spokane area with an accounting firm. Stutzke likes to spend her free time painting and having fun with her family.

David J. Copley Accounting Scholarship & Nancy Jenny Accounting Scholarship

Sierrah Hardy, senior, professional accounting

Hardy is a native of Missoula, Montana majoring in professional accounting with a minor in management information systems. She is going into her fourth year as a Track and Field student-athlete at Eastern Washington throwing the javelin. Hardy plans to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Professional Accounting and then continue to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) degree and sit for the CPA exam. In her spare time Hardy loves to spend time outside, especially hunting and fishing with her Dad. She is eager to pursue a career in the professional accounting world!

Dean’s Excellence Scholarship funded by Associated Industries and Advanced Professionals through the Bright Promise Scholarship Program

Ephrem Glushchenko, senior, data analytics

Glushchenko is a senior at Eastern, majoring in data analytics with minors in computer science programming and management information systems. Glushchenko is a first-generation college student whose family immigrated to the United States of America in 1990. He has demonstrated academic excellence at EWU, beginning as a Running Start student in 2016. He chooses his courses thoughtfully with a desire to continuously challenge himself in areas that will ultimately benefit him personally and professionally. He is a member of the President’s Student Advisory Council, works with the Office of Institutional Research, and was extensively involved in working with the City of Spokane’s Homeless Management Information Systems program. In his recommendation letter, Tru Cao noted that Ephrem is a diligent, independent, and hardworking student and strongly recommended him for this scholarship.

Justin Olivares, junior, human resource management

Olivares is a junior majoring in human resource management with a minor in sports management. Olivares’ goals for his future include earning his bachelor’s degree and then continuing on to pursue a graduate degree in Sport and Athletic Administration. He plans to pursue a career in the intercollegiate athletic department for a large division one school in human resources or operations. He recently secured an internship at Spokane Hoopfest. Olivares has worked as a tutor in the C.A.M.P. program at EWU and is currently in the process of becoming a Community Advisor. Olivares works full-time during the summer to fund his education and does volunteer work during winter break. In his recommendation letter, Brian Grinder noted that in working as a tutor with the C.A.M.P. program, “Justin serves not only as a tutor to these students but as a leader, mentor, and motivator. His efforts have no doubt helped many of these students achieve success in their first year of college.”

Dean’s Leadership Scholarship

Jeffrey Greer, senior, management and human resources

Jeffrey Greer returned to college to pursue a degree in business after spending several years working as an automobile mechanic and later serving 8 years in the Army, including leading a team of soldiers in Afghanistan. Greer credits his time in the Army with teaching him a lot about discipline, leadership, and time management. The decision to leave the Army to return to college was not an easy one, but Greer has excelled at Eastern. He currently has a 3.93 cumulative GPA, and has made the Deans list seven times. In addition to being a full-time student at Eastern, Greer works for the EWU Army ROTC department where he enjoys having the opportunity to mentor Cadets on their academic careers and future military service. Greer supports his wife and two young children while attending school and working full time. In her letter of recommendation, Ms. Shaw-Davis, who taught Greer in her Management 326 Organization Theory and Behavior class, noted that He believes in creating a positive culture in an organization where there is mutual respect and people are motivated to give their best efforts.

Jacob Stirpe, junior, management

Jacob Stirpe is a student athlete and scholar. He currently has a cumulative GPA of 3.58 and is a member of EWU’s cross country and track team. He has been named Big Sky all-academic every year that he has been at Eastern. As an athlete, Stirpe describes himself as a competitor who works as hard in practice as he does in a race. He enjoys mentoring and leading his teammates. Stirpe volunteers at numerous church and community activities, including with the American Red Cross. He is in the process of launching an American Red Cross club at EWU which will provide numerous volunteer and philanthropic opportunities for EWU students. Dr. Heidi Connole recommended Stirpe for this scholarship, noting that as a student in her Human Resource Management course, “I have found Jacob to be a person of strong moral character. He works well with others and is committed to supporting their learning in the classroom.”

Dennis R. Higgins Endowed Graduate Fellowship

Megan Dehle, ’19 BA Eastern Washington University

Dehle is a current student in the Master of Business Administration program at Eastern. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Eastern in 2019, graduating summa cum laude. Dehle is also an active volunteer in the community, lending her time and talents to organizations including 4-H of Colbert, Washington, the race organizing committee at 49 Degrees North, and as a volunteer emergency department escort at Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Institute of Management Accountants Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Program Scholarship

Jessi Bader, senior, professional accounting

Bader is entering her senior year at Eastern as a Professional Accounting major. Her future goals include passing the CMA exam before obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting in June 2021. She plans to pursue her Master of Professional Accounting and sit for the CPA exam upon graduating. Bader plans to gain experience in the accounting industry and create a program to help teach young adults and underprivileged people how to navigate the financial system in hopes of reducing the poverty trap. She recently secured an internship at a small woman-owned accounting firm. Bader was awarded the CMA Program Scholarship by the Institute of Management Accountants based on her academic excellence and a recommendation from her accounting professor. This is a national scholarship award that will allow Bader to prepare for and take the CMA exam at no cost.

Nancy Jenny Accounting Scholarship

Julia Lawrey, junior, professional accounting and finance

Lawrey is a junior, double-majoring in accounting and finance, with a minor in economics. Lawrey began as a Running Start student at Eastern. After earning her BAB next spring, she plans to continue as a graduate student, pursuing a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) degree. Her ultimate goal is to earn a CPA license and own her own accounting firm. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society of AACSB accredited schools. Lawrey is very thankful for the opportunities EWU has given her and says that “choosing to complete my second year of Running Start and continue my education here at Eastern has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am very excited about what the future holds!

Salina and Tom Savage Business Scholarship

Robyn Thomas, senior, finance and marketing

Thomas is a senior, double-majoring in Finance and Marketing. She plans to graduate at the end of winter quarter 2021. Thomas was born in England and moved to the United States as a child where she lived in Kennewick, Washington prior to moving to Cheney to attend Eastern. Thomas transferred to Eastern as a junior and is in the Honors Program.  She currently welcomes guests and visitors to our campus, where she serves as a tour guide and front desk staff at the EWU Visitor Center. After graduation, she hopes to work in event planning, which she has grown to love while planning admissions events at Eastern.

Robert G. Schwartz Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Ben Bailey, junior, finance and entrepreneurship

Bailey is entering his senior year at Eastern, pursuing a double major in finance and entrepreneurship. Bailey is active in both the honors and entrepreneurship programs at EWU,  and he recently placed in the top ten in the 2020 EWU $40,000 Startup Challenge with his business idea of financial planning for esports players. He credits his time at Eastern for furthering his understanding of what he wants to do with his life and he says that his experiences here have taught him valuable lessons on how to achieve his dreams. “I’m a very determined individual and have a strong passion to succeed in whatever comes my way.”

J. Herman Swartz & Jean Swartz Bennett and Nate Narrance Graduate Fellowship

Tracy Dang, ’13 BS Central Washington University

Dang is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at Eastern with a dual concentration in global business and finance. Dang graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Supply Chain Management and Economics from Central Washington University. She migrated from Vietnam to the US as a child, and is the first in her family to attend college. She is pursuing her MBA degree while working full time. Tracy is a senior buyer with experience in several manufacturing industries: aerospace, life science, and her most recent employer, Blue Origin. While working in these industries, Dang realized that the supply chain field offers many career opportunities and she is hopeful that with her MBA degree, she will be able to take on more challenging tasks and apply what she has learned to help any employer. Dang currently resides in Puyallup with her husband. During her free time, she loves to read, jog, or garden. One of her goals is to return to her hometown to do charity work for the elderly and young children who can’t afford to go to school.

Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship

Ocie Tarver, ’20 BAB, Eastern Washington University

Tarver graduated cum laude from EWU in spring 2020, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in professional accounting and a minor in economics. Tarver will be continuing his education at Eastern as he pursues dual master’s degrees in business administration (MBA) and professional accounting (MPAcc). He is a member of Beta Alpha Psi and is looking forward to growing his professional network through participation in BAP activities. Tarver recently accepted a position as an accounting coordinator with a public relations and marketing firm in Spokane.

John and Betty Zurenko Scholarship

Isabel Campos, senior, human resource management

Campos is a senior who is pursuing a degree in human resource management on the EWU at Bellevue College campus. Campos is a mother whose son was born just days before she started attending college. She is professionally employed as a receptionist and surgery scheduler. Campos is “beyond grateful for the support that I received from my fellow classmates, professors, advisor, and my family. I definitely could not have done this without you guys!

John and Betty Zurenko Scholarship & Garco Construction Business Scholarship

Robin Robles, senior, marketing

Robles is a senior pursuing a degree in marketing at Eastern. She is a single mom of two wonderful boys and a full-time college student. Robles is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and she volunteered as a firefighter/EMT and also in the adult reading program at the Airway Heights Library. Robles is involved through the work-study program at Eastern in the EWU Veteran’s Resource Center. In her position, she supports fellow veterans and their families along with active duty and guard members who are focusing on furthering their education.

The College of Business recently announced student honors and awards for the 2019-2020 academic year. Learn more about some of our outstanding awards
recipients.

Master of Business Administration Honors

Tanner Cunningham, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

While at EWU, Cunningham competed in multiple pitch competitions and business development programs. His team was selected as the most promising business idea in the EWU Technology Commercialization Academy (TCA), earning the opportunity to compete in the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida, where Cunningham pitched on behalf of the team. He also completed the WSU I-Corps development program and was accepted into the TCU Values and Ventures Competition. Most recently, he competed in the Eagle’s $40,000 StartUp Contest, progressing to the final round where his team was selected as the Best Technology Commercialization of 2020. Cunningham hopes to continue his success and launch his startup business in the near future.

Tamitha Shockley French, ’20 MBA, ’03 BS Eastern Washington University

Shockley is excited and honored to earn her MBA from Eastern Washington University, making her a true “double Eagle”! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communications & Public Relations from Eastern in 2003 and currently works for the university full-time as the Director of Donor Communications & Stewardship for the EWU Foundation. Shockley has worked in public relations, communications and fundraising for more than fifteen years and is accredited in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America. She chose the Eastern MBA program to enhance her understanding of business finance and accounting, building on the strong foundation of her undergraduate degree, to continue serving the community.

Lauren Hoell, ’20 MBA, ’12 BA Gonzaga University

Hoell was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, class of 2007. After Gonzaga Prep, she attended Eastern for a year and then graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After a short hiatus, Hoell decided to continue her passion for school and learning by attending the Masters of Business Administration program. She is extremely proud to have completed her degree while continuing her career full time. “This has been a dream of mine”.

Mason Peatling, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

Peatling and his wife Laura traveled from Melbourne, Australia four years ago with big plans. Four years later, it has all come to fruition. As a member of the EWU Men’s Basketball Team, the Senior Captain led the team to their first outright Big Sky Championship since 2004. Peatling was also honored as the conference MVP by the league’s 11 coaches. However, his most prized accolade is being selected as a 1st Team Academic All-American, a representation of all the hard work he has done in the classroom. Peatling wishes to thank all his professors in the MBA program who were so accommodating throughout a very busy year.

Roman Tverdokhlebenko, ’20 MBA, ’08 BAB Eastern Washington University

Tverdokhlebenko was born and raised in Ukraine. His family immigrated to United States in 2003. Tverdokhlebenko earned a direct transfer degree from Big Bend Community College in 2006 and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern in 2008. While still in school, he was employed as an intern in the quality assurance department of a food processing plant. He has held a variety of managerial positions in multiple companies. After losing his job due to economic circumstances, Tverdokhlebenko decided to return to school to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. He is interested in becoming a community college or university instructor in the future.

Master of Professional Accounting Honors

Jessica Hengy, ‘20 MPAcc, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

Hengy is originally from Spokane and has many friends and family in the area. She is grateful that the MPAcc program helps students prepare for the CPA exam, for which she is currently studying and hopes to finish this fall. Hengy plans to work in public accounting as an auditor – with a focus on the not-for-profit and development industries. Her favorite part of the MPAcc program was the opportunity to network with professors and other students. She believes getting to hear a variety of perspectives from people who have experience in accounting is important to professional development.

Beth Rheinschmidt, ’20 MPAcc, ’18 BAB Eastern Washington University

After earning an Associate of Arts from Spokane Community College, Rheinschmidt transferred to Eastern in the fall of 2015 to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting. As a non-traditional student, she was working full-time while attending night classes. It took a significant amount of focus and determination to earn not only her bachelor’s degree but also her Master of Professional Accounting. Rheinschmidt is proud of her accomplishments and wishes to thank her family, friends, classmates, and faculty for supporting her through this journey.

Cherienne Ruby-Rhyne, ’20 MPAcc, ’98 BAB Eastern Washington University

Ruby-Rhyne is a native of Boise, ID who began her college journey nearly 25 years ago as an undergraduate student at Eastern Washington University. In 1998, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in accounting. Ruby-Rhyne began working in public accounting in the Seattle area acquiring knowledge of the various aspects of accounting. Subsequently, she transitioned into private industry in Spokane, Washington. Most recently, she returned to Eastern to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting degree. She is graduating with honors in Spring 2020 and wishes to continue her career as an accounting professional with a local construction and development company where she is currently employed.

Not pictured:

• Mariya Brodigan, ’20 MPAcc, MA, BA Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University
• Amy Costilla, ’20 MPAcc, ’16 BAB Eastern Washington University

Frances B. Huston Medallion Awards

Madison Doepker, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Doepker is graduating this spring with a major in professional accounting. The Walla Walla native is a Captain on the EWU women’s track and field team who earned Big Sky All-Academic honors all four year, one of only three EWU student athletes to do so. She was also named the 2019 Big Sky Champion for Javelin. Doepker actively gives back to her community by volunteering her time and expertise. This winter, she volunteered many hours serving as an auditor in the Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program, a program designed to improve the Superior Court’s ability to monitor guardians’ handling of the ongoing care and financial affairs of Spokane County’s incapacitated citizens under court-supervised guardianships. After graduation, Doepker plans to pursue her CPA while continuing to work in public accounting in Spokane.

Quinn Paterson, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Paterson is graduating this spring with double-majors in management information systems and business analytics. Paterson has worked at the EWU PLUS desk as a facilitator and tutor and he earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) last winter. He participated, through a class project, in a service-learning opportunity with the city of Spokane, analyzing data counting the local homeless population. Paterson also serves in an executive board position for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi as the Master of Rituals. Paterson credits his father for inspiring his servant-leader values. Growing up, Paterson spent many hours volunteering at his hometown’s arboretum alongside his dad, who served as president of the arboretum foundation in his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. After graduation, Paterson plans to pursue a career in data analytics in the technology industry.

Master of Business Administration Honors

Tanner Cunningham, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

While at EWU, Cunningham competed in multiple pitch competitions and business development programs. His team was selected as the most promising business idea in the EWU Technology Commercialization Academy (TCA), earning the opportunity to compete in the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida, where Cunningham pitched on behalf of the team. He also completed the WSU I-Corps development program and was accepted into the TCU Values and Ventures Competition. Most recently, he competed in the Eagle’s $40,000 StartUp Contest, progressing to the final round where his team was selected as the Best Technology Commercialization of 2020. Cunningham hopes to continue his success and launch his startup business in the near future.

Tamitha Shockley French, ’20 MBA, ’03 BS Eastern Washington University

Shockley is excited and honored to earn her MBA from Eastern Washington University, making her a true “double Eagle”! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communications & Public Relations from Eastern in 2003 and currently works for the university full-time as the Director of Donor Communications & Stewardship for the EWU Foundation. Shockley has worked in public relations, communications and fundraising for more than fifteen years and is accredited in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America. She chose the Eastern MBA program to enhance her understanding of business finance and accounting, building on the strong foundation of her undergraduate degree, to continue serving the community.

Lauren Hoell, ’20 MBA, ’12 BA Gonzaga University

Hoell was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, class of 2007. After Gonzaga Prep, she attended Eastern for a year and then graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After a short hiatus, Hoell decided to continue her passion for school and learning by attending the Masters of Business Administration program. She is extremely proud to have completed her degree while continuing her career full time. “This has been a dream of mine”.

Mason Peatling, ’20 MBA, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

Peatling and his wife Laura traveled from Melbourne, Australia four years ago with big plans. Four years later, it has all come to fruition. As a member of the EWU Men’s Basketball Team, the Senior Captain led the team to their first outright Big Sky Championship since 2004. Peatling was also honored as the conference MVP by the league’s 11 coaches. However, his most prized accolade is being selected as a 1st Team Academic All-American, a representation of all the hard work he has done in the classroom. Peatling wishes to thank all his professors in the MBA program who were so accommodating throughout a very busy year.

Roman Tverdokhlebenko, ’20 MBA, ’08 BAB Eastern Washington University

Tverdokhlebenko was born and raised in Ukraine. His family immigrated to United States in 2003. Tverdokhlebenko earned a direct transfer degree from Big Bend Community College in 2006 and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern in 2008. While still in school, he was employed as an intern in the quality assurance department of a food processing plant. He has held a variety of managerial positions in multiple companies. After losing his job due to economic circumstances, Tverdokhlebenko decided to return to school to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. He is interested in becoming a community college or university instructor in the future.

Master of Professional Accounting Honors

Jessica Hengy, ‘20 MPAcc, ’19 BAB Eastern Washington University

Hengy is originally from Spokane and has many friends and family in the area. She is grateful that the MPAcc program helps students prepare for the CPA exam, for which she is currently studying and hopes to finish this fall. Hengy plans to work in public accounting as an auditor – with a focus on the not-for-profit and development industries. Her favorite part of the MPAcc program was the opportunity to network with professors and other students. She believes getting to hear a variety of perspectives from people who have experience in accounting is important to professional development.

Beth Rheinschmidt, ’20 MPAcc, ’18 BAB Eastern Washington University

After earning an Associate of Arts from Spokane Community College, Rheinschmidt transferred to Eastern in the fall of 2015 to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Professional Accounting. As a non-traditional student, she was working full-time while attending night classes. It took a significant amount of focus and determination to earn not only her bachelor’s degree but also her Master of Professional Accounting. Rheinschmidt is proud of her accomplishments and wishes to thank her family, friends, classmates, and faculty for supporting her through this journey.

Cherienne Ruby-Rhyne, ’20 MPAcc, ’98 BAB Eastern Washington University

Ruby-Rhyne is a native of Boise, ID who began her college journey nearly 25 years ago as an undergraduate student at Eastern Washington University. In 1998, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in accounting. Ruby-Rhyne began working in public accounting in the Seattle area acquiring knowledge of the various aspects of accounting. Subsequently, she transitioned into private industry in Spokane, Washington. Most recently, she returned to Eastern to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting degree. She is graduating with honors in Spring 2020 and wishes to continue her career as an accounting professional with a local construction and development company where she is currently employed.

Not pictured:

• Mariya Brodigan, ’20 MPAcc, MA, BA Dnipropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University
• Amy Costilla, ’20 MPAcc, ’16 BAB Eastern Washington University

Frances B. Huston Medallion Awards

Madison Doepker, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Doepker is graduating this spring with a major in professional accounting. The Walla Walla native is a Captain on the EWU women’s track and field team who earned Big Sky All-Academic honors all four year, one of only three EWU student athletes to do so. She was also named the 2019 Big Sky Champion for Javelin. Doepker actively gives back to her community by volunteering her time and expertise. This winter, she volunteered many hours serving as an auditor in the Spokane County Superior Court Guardianship Monitoring Program, a program designed to improve the Superior Court’s ability to monitor guardians’ handling of the ongoing care and financial affairs of Spokane County’s incapacitated citizens under court-supervised guardianships. After graduation, Doepker plans to pursue her CPA while continuing to work in public accounting in Spokane.

Quinn Paterson, ’20 BAB Eastern Washington University

Paterson is graduating this spring with double-majors in management information systems and business analytics. Paterson has worked at the EWU PLUS desk as a facilitator and tutor and he earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) last winter. He participated, through a class project, in a service-learning opportunity with the city of Spokane, analyzing data counting the local homeless population. Paterson also serves in an executive board position for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi as the Master of Rituals. Paterson credits his father for inspiring his servant-leader values. Growing up, Paterson spent many hours volunteering at his hometown’s arboretum alongside his dad, who served as president of the arboretum foundation in his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. After graduation, Paterson plans to pursue a career in data analytics in the technology industry.

The College of Business Faculty Development Committee is proud to present the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award to Elizabeth Tipton, PhD, professor of decision sciences (analytics). This award recognizes faculty for their contributions in the areas of rigor, integration of theory with practice, innovative approaches, and engagement.

Tipton teaches challenging upper-division courses in Optimization via Management Science, Data Visualization, and the Senior Capstone in Data Analytics all of which she originated in her tenure at EWU. Her approach in teaching her classes is experiential in nature, focusing on collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving among her students with the teacher as their guide. Tipton believes in students being active in the community, especially in socially conscious issues where the work will actually have a positive impact. To that end, she partnered with David Lewis, Homeless Management Information Systems Program Manager for the City of Spokane, and is currently in the fifth quarter of these projects.

In addition to her classes, Tipton works with students in directed studies and is a statistical consultant for a graduate student’s master’s thesis. She is always willing to assist a colleague in need of her expertise. Feedback from students reveals their sincere appreciation for Professor Tipton’s knowledge, availability, helpful approach, and memorable learning experiences.

Congratulations, Professor Tipton!

The College of Business Faculty Development Committee is proud to present the 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award to Elizabeth Tipton, PhD, professor of decision sciences (analytics). This award recognizes faculty for their contributions in the areas of rigor, integration of theory with practice, innovative approaches, and engagement.

Tipton teaches challenging upper-division courses in Optimization via Management Science, Data Visualization, and the Senior Capstone in Data Analytics all of which she originated in her tenure at EWU. Her approach in teaching her classes is experiential in nature, focusing on collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving among her students with the teacher as their guide. Tipton believes in students being active in the community, especially in socially conscious issues where the work will actually have a positive impact. To that end, she partnered with David Lewis, Homeless Management Information Systems Program Manager for the City of Spokane, and is currently in the fifth quarter of these projects.

In addition to her classes, Tipton works with students in directed studies and is a statistical consultant for a graduate student’s master’s thesis. She is always willing to assist a colleague in need of her expertise. Feedback from students reveals their sincere appreciation for Professor Tipton’s knowledge, availability, helpful approach, and memorable learning experiences.

Congratulations, Professor Tipton!

Quinn Paterson ’20 is graduating this spring with double-majors in management information systems and business analytics. Paterson embodies the spirit of the Frances B. Huston Medallion, having demonstrated academic excellence, earning a 3.96 cumulative grade point average, while also actively involved in service activities at Eastern and in the community.

Paterson has worked at the EWU PLUS desk as a facilitator and tutor and he earned Level 2 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) last winter. He participated, through a class project, in a service-learning opportunity with the city of Spokane, analyzing data counting the local homeless population. Paterson also serves in an executive board position for the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi as the Master of Rituals.

Paterson credits his father for inspiring his servant-leader values. Growing up, Paterson spent many hours volunteering at his hometown’s arboretum alongside his dad, who served as president of the arboretum foundation in his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. After graduation, Paterson plans to pursue a career in data analytics in the technology industry.

This event will feature a panel of experts, including a mentor/mentee pair from ENGIE Impact. We will explore the topic of navigating the workplace through mentorship and the powerful role it can play in career development.

Who: Our panelists include:

• Michelle Hege, MS, APR, President & CEO at Desautel Hege
• Molly Berry, Sr. Director, Resource Data Management at ENGIE Impact
• Dragana Perkovic, Sr. Manager, EDM at ENGIE Impact

What: Mentorship Matters: How to Put This Powerful Career Development Tool to Work for You
When: Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Steam Plant Rooftop Room
Why: Mentorship can be an untapped asset to your career development, learn the benefits of navigating the workplace through mentorship and walk away energized to put it to work for YOU in 2020!

EWU Entrepreneurship kicked off the new decade by bringing home a prestigious award—the 2020 Top Emerging Entrepreneurship Award. The award is given by the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE). It is widely recognized as the most coveted among entrepreneurship educators in the United States.

The United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) announced on Nov. 27 that EWU Entrepreneurship has earned recognition as one of the two finalists for the 2020 Top Emerging Entrepreneurship Program Award.

“This is a major international award,” says Bruce Teague, the founding director of the EWU Center for Entrepreneurship. Programs apply from around the world.”