footnotes ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSIT Y ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
SPRING/SUMMER 2026
GROWING STRONG: VALUES FOR ALUMNI LEADERS Jon Farney | ’93 As fellow alumni, you understand the solid foundation Illinois State University offers. For me, that foundation went beyond accounting principles. It was grounded in family values, faith, hard work, and the strength of teamwork. These lessons have shaped and guided my journey through more than 50 years of life and 30 years in business.
Remembering Where We Started Growing up in Bloomington-Normal as the youngest of three brothers (all Illinois State graduates), I was fortunate to have a strong support system. My parents instilled in us respect, gratitude, and a relentless work ethic. From an early age, I baled hay on my grandfather’s farm, delivered newspapers, and worked 25–30 hours a week in college to pay “my half.” These experiences built resilience and accountability, values many of us carry from our formative years. At Illinois State, the community of professors and peers pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Those experiences strengthened my integrity, critical thinking skills, and deepened my appreciation for lifelong learning. These principles continue to guide me both professionally and personally.
Learning from History to Lead Forward I’ve always loved history because it’s more than dates and events. It shows how people and organizations have navigated change and uncertainty. Just as past leaders built on what came before, we must learn from successes, failures, and shifting needs to lead effectively today. Consider the Industrial Revolution: a period of profound transformation. The businesses that thrived were those that embraced new technologies and recognized shifting social dynamics, from urban growth to labor changes, and evolving consumer expectations. By looking beyond their immediate operations, they adapted and paved the way for others. Today, we face equally complex challenges: technological disruption, with skyrocketing digital promise and the power of AI; increasing weather events and growing political polarization. What does the world need now? · A strong foundation of values that don’t change, yet are not tied to the old ways of doing things · Agile, empathetic businesses grounded in purpose · Organizations that honor their heritage while boldly innovating At State Farm, we strive to embody this balance, drawing from our rich history while
meeting the evolving needs of our customers and communities with foresight and care.
How Purpose Drives us at State Farm My career at State Farm began with an internship in 1993, leading to a full-time position, and ultimately to the privilege of serving in my role today. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many areas of the company, often stepping outside my comfort zone to develop new skills and perspectives. Those challenges, although sometimes uncomfortable, have been key to growth. What has remained constant throughout is State Farm’s commitment to doing the right thing for customers. This principle guides every decision and action at the company, and it resonates deeply with my personal values. Our culture is relationship-based, focused on serving customers, colleagues, and communities. The spirit behind our slogan, “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There,” continues to reflect how we show up for people, especially in their most difficult moments.
Tips for Alumni: Growing and Making a Difference As alumni with careers and lives already in motion, here are some reflections to help you continue growing and making a meaningful impact: · Align your work with your values. When your job feels like a true mission, motivation comes naturally, even on the toughest days. · Lean into challenges. Real growth happens outside your comfort zone. Seek out projects that stretch you, keep learning, and stay curious. · Build and back your team. Invest in those around you, celebrate their wins, and foster a culture grounded in trust and collaboration. · Be wise with your time. Time is precious; let your calendar reflect what matters most in your life and work.
Jon Farney, President & CEO
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
· Find joy in the journey. Leadership and life come with ups and downs; cultivating moments of happiness and gratitude strengthens your resilience and perspective.
Keeping the Illinois State Spirit Alive Our Illinois State experience gave us more than a degree; it provided grounding for leadership rooted in heart and purpose. It also gave us wings to explore, learn and grow. With that kind of impact on our lives, my encouragement is to consider giving back out of your gratefulness for what Illinois State University provided for you. You can help impact someone else’s future in such a positive way!
JUNNAN CUI
WILMA JEAN ALEXANDER AWARD RECIPIENT
LIESEL MITCHELL WINS OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD In November 2025, Liesel Mitchell was the recipient of RSM’s Arthur H. Winakor Outstanding Teacher Award. The award winner is selected by a student vote and is funded by RSM. This award has a long history in the department and is a great honor.
Congratulations to Dr. Junnan Cui on receiving the 20242025 Wilma Jean Alexander Technology Innovation Faculty Award! This award recognizes faculty who use existing technology in creative ways or develop new technology that enhances student learning. Dr. Cui introduced the EY Academic Resource Center Experience (EYARC) materials into her courses, transforming key accounting and auditing topics into engaging, handson learning experiences. These AI-driven, scenariobased assignments help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world workplace applications. Students have been enjoying the new technology, which strengthens critical thinking skills while making learning more practically meaningful.
KRISTEN BERNAS INAUGURAL RECIPIENT LOVE AWARD
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule (left) joins Accounting Department Chair Bahae Samhan (right) in presenting the inaugural LOVE Award to Kristen Bernas (middle), office administrator in the Department of Accounting.
Illinois State University proudly recognizes Kristen Bernas as the inaugural recipient of the Living Our Values in Excellence (LOVE) Award, a distinction that celebrates individuals
who embody the University’s core values as outlined in Excellence by Design 2024-2030, the University’s strategic plan. Bernas, an office administrator in the Department of Accounting, was selected for her outstanding commitment to collaboration and consistently going above and beyond to support faculty, staff, and students. Kristen’s leadership in designing a comprehensive onboarding process for new employees has not only improved departmental cohesion but also garnered attention from other units across campus. Bernas’ proactive approach, creative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication have made her an indispensable part of the team. She was nominated by Department Chairperson Bahae Samhan, who described her as “simply amazing” and a “pillar of daily support.” Bernas’ impact extends far beyond administrative
duties. She fosters a culture of kindness, respect, and teamwork, always finding ways to help others and never hesitating to take on additional responsibilities. Her care for students is especially notable—coordinating Registered Student Organization (RSO) travel logistics, checking in on individual needs, and ensuring safe and smooth experiences for all involved. Faculty, students, and parents alike consistently praise her for her warmth, organization, and reliability. Bernas’ daily actions reflect the very essence of collaboration, making her a true cornerstone of the department and a deserving recipient of this honor. Congratulations, Kristen!
2025 Awards
CAREER ACHIEVE MENT E A R LY
DALTON MANCI
Business Information Systems | ’18
Dalton is a Global Program Manager with a proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and scaling global support operations. At Meta, he drives knowledge strategy and Gen AI integration across a network of 8,000+ agents, improving response accuracy, reducing case handling time, and boosting customer satisfaction. His leadership has supported key programs like Meta Verified, enabling global support for over a million creators and driving new revenue growth. Previously a Technical Product Owner at Discover Financial Services, Dalton brings deep experience in agile product delivery, data-driven strategy, and stakeholder alignment.
Dalton holds a master’s in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s in Business Information Systems from Illinois State University. Based in Chicago, Dalton also leads Meta’s Veterans Employee Resource Group site chapter, fostering mentorship, community, and professional development.
ANNELISE MOOL Financial Accounting | ’18
Annelise Mool earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois State University as a Presidential Scholar and Delta Sigma Pi Key recipient, awarded to the graduating student with the highest cumulative academic average. She also attended Illinois State for her master’s degree in accounting, serving as a Graduate Assistant. After passing the CPA exam, Annelise moved to Florida to join The Walt Disney Company where she gained valuable enterprise-wide experience through rotations in Shared Services, Financial Reporting, Lease Accounting, and International Tax. In 2021, Annelise joined Walt Disney Imagineering Finance, which supports the ideation, design, and construction of theme park and cruise line projects. In her current role as Mgr-Finance, Annelise is responsible for forecast consolidations, critical planning processes, and executive leadership communication. She enjoys working with a wide variety of partners and seeing growth in her direct reports.
MICHAELA SPREIER B.S./M.P.A. | ’20
Michaela Spreier is a Global Mobility Services Manager at KPMG in Chicago, where she excels in leading discussions on U.S. tax implications for international assignees and manages global service delivery for a diverse client base. Her expertise was further enhanced during a three-month assignment in Germany, where she worked on the U.S. individual income tax team, assisting high net worth individuals with U.S. ties. This international experience broadened her perspective on global tax issues, allowing her to provide comprehensive tax advice. Outside of KPMG, Michaela is actively involved in KPMG’s Family for Literacy as an Associate Board Member, contributing to fundraising and event coordination. She also enjoys coming back to Illinois State to speak to students. As a proud dog owner, she looks forward to advancing her career and mentoring staff while enjoying travel, spending time with her family, and raising her mini bernedoodle, Molly.
In Memoriam
Edward Michael Seipp, ’76, of O’Fallon, IL, born on May 14, 1949, in Belleville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL. Edward earned multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees during his lifetime. He loved learning, from reading books all day on the porch swing as a child to earning a master’s in accounting at age 61. He was also extremely proud of earning the Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout in 1963. Edward spent the majority of his first career at AAA Auto Club of Missouri, retiring as Director of Insurance Administration in 1998. He later became Chief Financial Officer of Doris Systems (in Atlanta, GA) before it was acquired in 2007. During his second retirement, Ed became a CPA and joined Illinois State University as an accounting professor, driving two hours each way multiple times a week. He won multiple teaching awards from Illinois State, created new areas of study, and developed a high school accounting challenge attended annually by several hundred students across central Illinois. He also funded a scholarship fund for accounting majors at Illinois State. While teaching came late in life, it was his passion and most rewarding profession. Ed was unable to sit still and found immense satisfaction in staying busy. In addition to his career,
he also provided accounting services to numerous clients in the metro east and St. Louis area. No client meant more to Ed than St. Clare Catholic School, which he served for over 35 years. He loved solving problems and working closely with the principals and parishes. When Ed was not working, which was rare, he loved watching University of Illinois basketball (ILL), particularly going to the Braggin’ Rights games with his sons and close friends. He was an avid Cardinals and Blues fan, and he was a sucker for Girl Scout Thin Mints and Dill Pickle Peanuts. He was always excited to go to a car show with close friends. In the summers, Ed took month-long camping trips centered around minor league baseball stadiums. More than anything else, he loved spending time with his sons and grandkids. He traveled regularly with his sons, attended numerous sporting events with them, and was best friend to both. He was proud of their accomplishments and shared stories about them with whomever would listen. He rarely missed an event with his grandkids and always had hugs to give when he saw them. He enjoyed buying and building Legos with Reese and Mason and loved being Grandpa Pickle. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Seipp (nee Dressel); one son, David Seipp; and one nephew, Matt Seipp. Left to cherish Edward’s memory are his two children, Thomas Seipp of Plano, TX, Timothy (Stacey) Seipp of O’Fallon, IL; two brothers, Dennis (Geri) Seipp of O’Fallon, IL, Larry (Terri) Seipp of O’Fallon, IL; two grandchildren, Reese Seipp, Mason Seipp; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial donations may be made in Edward’s name to St. Clare Catholic School; https://saintclareschool.org/ support/gift-giving/. Condolences may be extended to the family online
New Faculty Hansol Yoon joined the Department of Accounting at Illinois State University in Fall 2025 as an Assistant Professor. She teaches financial accounting courses, including Intermediate Accounting II (ACC 232) and Financial Accounting Theory (ACC 430). Hansol earned her Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Arkansas. She also holds two master’s degrees from Western Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. Outside of work, Hansol enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and exploring new restaurants with her husband, Vladimir. And like many of us, she doesn’t start her day without a good cup of coffee. Bushra Elsnousi is a new instructor at Illinois State University. He is originally an engineering major with good exposure to businessrelated applications. He enjoys teaching programming courses to business students. He got his master’s degree in engineering at Southern Illinois University and is in the final stages of obtaining a Ph.D. in engineering science as well. On a more personal note, Bushra is passionate about English poetry, having multiple published books in the United Kingdom and the United States.
ACCOUNTING & BIS
SP RTS DAY
Accounting & BIS faculty and students gathered at the beginning of the semester to participate in our annual Sports Day event. Although we aim to hold this event each year, unpredictable weather has made it challenging in the past. After a couple years of cancellations, we were thrilled to bring Sports Day back this fall. Students, faculty members, along with their family, joined and enjoyed an afternoon of soccer and community engagement.
The Department of Accounting
Annual
GOLF OUTING The annual accounting scholarship-fund golf outing took place on October 3, 2025. The event was sponsored by RSM, with hole sponsors SKCO, Sikich, and the Illinois CPA Society. These sponsorships greatly added to the scholarship totals. Thank you to all the sponsors! The winning team was from Caterpillar featuring Matt Taphorn, Eric Nieukirk, Drake Taphorn, and Daniel Loughrey. Last year’s scholarship recipients met with the participants at lunch. The golf outing provides scholarships to outstanding junior accounting majors at the spring Annual Accounting Awards Ceremony. If you cannot get a work team together, contact some of your Illinois State University classmates. We hope to see everyone this fall on the golf course! We are also looking for hole sponsorships. E-mail John Nowland jenowla@ilstu.edu for more information.
Save the date! October 2, 2026
VISITINGPROFESSIONALS
We gain valuable knowledge about professional practice every time a practitioner visits campus. We thank the professionals listed below for sharing their experience with us. During the Fall semester the following firm representatives visited classes, met with student groups, and/or held seminars with the faculty: Rebecca Bouldin ’14.............. Eck, Schafer & Punke, LLP, Springfield Brad Sargent............... The Sargent Consulting Group, LLC, Mokena Brandon Brown ’18................................................Caterpillar, Peoria Ankita Shukla..................................... RSM US, Seattle, Washington Gabrielle Cargill ’19......................................................ADM, Decatur Drake Taphorn ’15..................................................Caterpillar, Peoria Chris Kostongiannes ’08................. Country Financial, Bloomington Zack Weatherspoon............................................ John Deere, Moline Jeff Livesay............................................... Martin Hood, Champaign Cameron Ziegler..........................................................ADM, Decatur Den Patten ’78....................Illinois State University-Retired, Normal
ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL WOMENS ALLIANCE Six members from our AFWA student chapter attended the Women Who Count Conference in Mesa, Arizona. We joined many inspiring sessions, and speakers shared real-world experiences, career advice and perspectives on the industry that helped members better understand what to expect in their future careers. We have 31 new members and reactivated memberships, and we also had a total of 54 active members Fall of 2025. We had about five events last semester, including a Financial Literacy event that was open to all Illinois State University students, and we also had a successful popcorn fundraiser towards the holidays.
President...........................................Karys Mackey Vice president...................................Nayeli Benitez
Event Coordinator........................Addyson Terneus VP of Community Involvement...........Emma Veloz
Secretary & Marketer......................Peyton LaCroix Treasurer...................................... Sophia Desarden
The BIS Club RSO was back in action this Fall! They kicked the semester off at SLAB-A-QUE, a tabling event. Many students stopped by to learn more about the club and how they can get involved. Niharika Dayyala, the BIS Club advisor, says “I’m especially proud to see our students bringing energy and enthusiasm to the organization. The club is home for students interested in business, data, and technology, and it provides opportunities to build skills, connect with professionals, and explore careers at the intersection of business and tech. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum and having a great semester together!”
MEET THE FIRMS
On September 12, 2025, the department hosted an Accounting Career Fair Prep Day. Students had the opportunity to meet faculty and student leaders from Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and VITA. After a brief overview of the profession, students attended three break-out sessions of their choice from the following topics: CMA/private careers, public tax, Business Information Systems/Technology, graduate programs, as well as internships and scholarships. The panelists consisted of faculty and professionals. The event helped approximately 50 students who were in attendance to be better prepared for the Accounting Career Fair, which took place a week later.
Accounting
CAREER FAIR PREP EVENT
The Department of Accounting held its 11th annual Accounting-Only Career Fair on September 19, 2025. The career fair was held exclusively for employers looking to hire accounting students. This event is an easy way for your firm/company to get in front of a large number of accounting students. Accounting faculty continue to recommend this event to their accounting students. In attendance were thirty-four firms with 88 firm representatives, 49 of whom are Illinois State alumni, and a record number of 213 accounting students. The 2026 Department of Accounting Career Fair will be held on September 11, 2026.
FIRMS IN ATTENDANCE ADM Anders Audit Budget and Administration Caterpillar Inc Cherry Bekaert CLA COUNTRY Financial
Eccezion Ltd EisnerAmper Enterprise Mobility Forvis Mazars Gorenz & Associates, Ltd. GROWMARK, Inc. Illinois Department of Revenue Illinois Department of Transportation Illinois Office of the Auditor General
Illinois Tool Works Johnson Lambert LLP KEB Kemper CPA Group LLP Lauterbach & Amen, LLP Legacy Professionals LLP MCK CPAs & Advisors Miller Cooper & Co. Ltd. M|H CPA
Plante Moran RSM US LLP Selden Fox, Ltd. Sikich SKDO, P.C. State Farm State Universities Retirement System of IL Striegel Knobloch & Co. Wojcicki & Mulroe
Dr. Rachel Birkey Accounting & BIS
2025 Student Accounting Socie
Sam Roti
Fall Awards Banquet
Department of Accountin
BoneNovember Student Center OldAccounting Main Society Room On Thursday, 6th, 2025, the Student hosted its annual Banquet, bringing together students, professionals, and faculty for an evening of networking and celebration. The evening consisted of a presentation 6:15-7:00 highlighting SAS’s key statistics over the pastPM year, including a 45% increase in membership; a recap of the IMA Conference several members attended; and SAS’s Grace Doolin impact on the Illinois State University Accounting 2025 Fall Banquet Chair Department and the College of Business. The keynote Dr. Bahae Samhan speaker for the evening was Mr. Caleb Kelson Department of Accounting Chair ’11, an alumni representing Sam Roti ADM. The 2025 Accounting and 2025 Student Accounting Society President BIS Professor of the Year award was sponsored by RSM and awarded to Professor Liesel Dr. Rachel Birkey Mitchell. The 2026 Student Accounting Society Faculty Advisor SAS Executive Board was also introduced. There were eleven firms in attendance, including Cherry Bekaert, Citrin Cooperman, CLA, Country Financial, Forvis Mazars, Martin Hood, Miller Cooper, Plante Moran, RSM, Selden Fox, Ltd., 7:00-7:45 PMand Sikich. There were twelve faculty in attendance and 78 students and SAS members in attendance. This event created opportunities for thoughtful discussion, career focused networking, and connection between students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Dr. Bahae Samhan
WELCOME SPEECHES
ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS Student Accounting Society elected new officers in October. A list of the students and their new positions is provided below. President................................................................................ Tyler Urban Vice President.........................................................................Cian Collins Event Coordinator............................................................ Bryce Beckman Membership/ Treasurer............................................................Sean West Meet the Firms/ Banquet......................................................Alyssa Merlo Marketing Coordinator.............................................................. Tiffany Le Secretary..............................................................................Gianna Leigh
2025 Fall Banquet Chai
Grace Doolin 6:15-7:00 PM
WELCOME SPEEC
Bone Student Center Old Mai
Fall Awards B DINNER & NETWORKING
Accounting & BI
KEYNOTE ADDRESS 7:45-8:30 PM
Caleb Kelson
GAC Operations Manager, Nutrition NA at ADM
AWARDS & RAFFLE 8:30-9:00 PM
In November, six students from the Student Accounting Society attended the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Leadership Conference in Cleveland. They were able to see how accounting can translate from the classroom to the actual workforce. The conference also allowed students to learn from expert speakers, network with recruiters from top companies, and gain inspiration from top-tier professionals in the accounting industry.
Help a
fellow Redbird. OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING
Alumni support of Illinois State University is tremendously important for many reasons. Gifts received from alumni provide the “margin of excellence” in our programs. Interestingly, less than 10 percent of the University’s operating funds actually come from the state of Illinois in recent years. Also, outside organizations view alumni giving as a measure of “customer satisfaction.” For example, the percentage of alumni who give to Illinois State University factors into the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings. While the number is only a small factor in the overall ranking, Illinois State University stands well behind the institutions we strive to emulate. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a real difference to Illinois State University students. The students, faculty, and staff of the Department of Accounting want to thank all those who have supported the department and the university. This significant support is proof of the sense of mutual responsibility to ensure quality education in accounting and business information systems. Last year, the Department of Accounting had 224 individual donors and corporate donors totaling $485,335.90. Many of the recent donations have been used to create endowments for scholarships. This year, the department gave over $260,000 at the spring scholarship banquet. Thank you to all of you for your support!
You You can can help help the the department department reach reach its its goal! goal! Please scan the QR code to the left or visit TinyUrl.com/38p9wmph, and select the Accounting tab to make a donation online. Once again, the students, faculty, and staff of the Department of Accounting
THANK YOU
for your past and future support.
Donations can also be made by mailing a check payable to: Illinois State University Foundation Office Campus Box 8000 • Normal, Illinois 61790 Please write “Department of Accounting” on the memo line of your check, and your entire contribution will go to support the department.
Brad Dawson MEMORIAL FUND The
The Brad Dawson Memorial Fund was established to help students who have lost a parent or who have a parent who has received a negative medical diagnosis during their time at Illinois State University. The scholarship honors Brad Dawson, Rachel Birkey’s late father, who lost his battle with cancer while Rachel was in school. Brad was a loving father and husband, and he lived a life serving others as a pastor, coach, and educator. The QR code below will take you to the site that you can use to support this fund, or you can visit Giving.IllinoisState.edu/fund/brad-dawson-memorial-fund/.
THANK YOU FOR GIVING!
DID WE MISS SOMEONE’S ACCOMPLISHMENT? Alumni Updates We are proud of the accomplishments of our alumni. If you have professional accomplishments you would like to share with us, please report them to: Dr. Kristie Young at kmyou13@ilstu.edu.
d n a k c a b d e fe s n o i t s e g g su . t u p n i r ou y We value | @BusinessISU
Department of Accounting Newsletter Editors: • Kristie Young • Harlan Fuller • Hansol Yoon • Matthew Nelson
footnotes ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSIT Y ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
SPRING/SUMMER 2026