BW Master of Accountancy students top ethics competition for third straight year

Baldwin Wallace University graduate accounting students have again demonstrated ethical and critical thinking prowess under pressure.

A team of three students in BW's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program recently claimed first place among seven universities participating in the third annual Intercollegiate Ethics Case Competition hosted by Cleveland State University.

BW has earned two firsts and a second place in the three annual ethics challenges held to date.

Presenting under pressure

The 2020 BW team, advised by assistant professor Dan Schrag, includes MAcc students Kelly Brennan '19, MAcc '20, Lauren Cellucci '21 and Eddie Schwertner '19, MAcc '20.

"The students did fantastic work coming up with unique solutions to shape the ethics of future accountants," said Schrag. "They gained valuable experience delivering a presentation in a stressful setting."

Prior to the competition, the team received presentation coaching from Katie Fowler '20, a dual major in communication sciences and disorders and Spanish, and Abi Louisin '20, a religion major. The pair shared presentation skills they've mastered as Ratcliffe Growth Practice interns in BW's Center for Innovation & Growth (CIG).

Pride in teamwork

"This was a great experience that made me more comfortable with public speaking, and I'm glad I got to be part of the team," said Cellucci.

Schwerner agreed. "We all came together as a team and enjoyed the competition," he said.

Brennan added, "I enjoyed thinking outside the box and working together to create something we are really proud of."

The event recognized two first-place winners this year, with Kent State University also claiming a top prize.