Students – College of Professional Programs

EWU Hosts High School Students at Washington Business Week Camp

Alyson Rode — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:22:55 +0000

by Lorna Harris

From July 27th to August 1st, 2025, Eastern Washington University proudly hosted a Washington Business Week (WBW) summer camp for 49 high school students on the Cheney campus. This marked the program’s first return to the east side of the state since 2019. Students lived on campus and were able to experience college student life, and 57% received a scholarship to attend. Throughout the week, students from across the state immersed themselves in a hands-on, team-based experience designed to simulate the real world of business. Divided into teams known as “companies,” students collaborated to manage their own mock businesses, and provided stockholder presentations which culminated in a trade show.

Local professionals volunteered their time as Company Advisors, providing coaching, mentoring, and facilitated learning throughout the week. The WBW program featured a dynamic mix of guest speakers, interactive sessions, and team-building activities focused on key themes such as leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. Participants earned two college credits, walking away not just with valuable knowledge, but a head start on their academic journey. In fact, 56% of participants left the camp interested in attending Eastern Washington University!

We couldn’t provide this opportunity without the support of EWU Admissions, Housing and Residential Life, College of Professional Programs, School of Business, the Washington Business Week team, and all the faculty, staff, and students who worked and volunteered to make this a meaningful experience. Looking forward to our second camp in summer 2026!

Provost Lorenzo Smith speaks to the campers.

Schools of Business and Professional Accounting faculty, staff, and student leaders volunteered their time at the camp. L-R: Juliet Hochheiser, Lorna Harris, Eldonna Shaw-Davis, Dustin Semb, and Rahmah Alsabahi.

CPP Student Spotlight: Camden Triplett

Alyson Rode — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:55:49 +0000

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Camden Triplett for April’s Student Spotlight. Camden is a junior dual-majoring in Management and Marketing in the School of Business.

Camden is in his junior year here at EWU, dual-majoring in Management and Marketing with a minor in Economics. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2026. He recently received certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel. He is currently a full-time student working part-time at a restaurant and is in the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU.

Growing up in Cheney, WA, Camden always had a strong connection to the local community. When it came time to choose a college, he decided on Eastern Washington University not only because it was close to home but because it was the best option financially for him and his family. It was not just the cost that helped him make this decision, but also EWU’s business program stood out to him as a strong beginning for his future.

Deciding on a direction after high school wasn’t easy. Camden admitted that figuring out what school to go to and for what career path was a challenge. However, during his senior year of high school Camden took a business communication class where he was introduced to different areas of the business industry, such as management and marketing. Through this class, he realized that communication and people skills are not just important in the business world but valuable in everyday life. Camden explained, “I knew studying business would help me develop those skills and be in a field that has endless opportunities and growth.” That realization is what sparked his interest in pursuing a business degree.

Through his experience at EWU so far, Camden shared that there have been many faculty who have helped him and have made his experience more enjoyable in his program.

My professor John Dunlop had great teaching tactics and made the Operations Management course really fascinating. Additionally, Professor Jeffrey Culver had an engaging classroom and made the Business Statistics 2 course easier to understand & learn.

Next, Camden described how one of his best accomplishments is his work ethic. As a full-time student who also works part-time, and stays actively involved in his fraternity, his schedule can be very busy.

Throughout my time in college, I’ve learned that the most important part of having a busy schedule is figuring out how to manage it well…That process has really improved and strengthened my work ethic, which is something I am very proud of.

Through hard work and dedication, he has learned how to better manage his time and balance the demands of school, work, extracurriculars, and his personal life. This is a skill that will continue to form his professional and personal growth.

As part of the business program, Camden shared one thing that surprised him which was learning how the human brain processes information better in groups of three. This means seeing three subjects or points at once. He said that “when presenting and having more than three paragraphs or visual aids, it can get overwhelming. So, I thought that was really useful to know, especially when presenting, teaching or holding meetings.”

As Camden is a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU, he encourages other students to check out Eastern’s Greek life. He shared that “joining a fraternity or sorority can help you develop your social skills, make friends, and help you stay academically focused.”

Lastly, 5 years from now, Camden sees himself working for a company that he is passionate about in a management position located in either the Seattle or San Diego areas.

The College of Professional Programs is pleased to acknowledge Camden Triplett for his academic focus, dedication, and involvement as CPP’s April Student Spotlight!

22nd Annual E. Clair Daniels Symposium

Sam Buzby — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 23:06:58 +0000

The 22nd annual E. Clair Daniels Symposium, featuring keynote speaker Bill A. Simer, will be held virtually on November 5, 2020.

EWU College of Business and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants (WSCPA) are proud to present the 22nd annual E. Clair Daniels Symposium. This year’s keynote speaker Bill A. Simer, ’78 BAB professional accounting, is a partner at Eide Bailly, LLP, one of the top 25 accounting firms in the country. Simer is a past chair of the WSCPA, former member of the Council of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and past board chair for the EWU Foundation. This year’s theme is “The Accounting Profession: Where We’ve Come From, Where We Are Now, Where We’re Going.”

The E. Clair Daniels Symposium is an annual professional development event that brings industry leaders in accounting and finance to share their experience with EWU faculty, staff and students, as well as other local industry professionals. For registration information, contact Arsen Djatej at adjatej@ewu.edu.

Fellowship and Scholarship Awards

Sam Buzby — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:16:37 +0000

The College of Business recently recognized the following students who were awarded fellowships or scholarships academic year. Learn more about these outstanding students.

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.

College of Business Student Honors & Awards 2019-2020

Sam Buzby — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 20:43:05 +0000

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.