Crowe LLP, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm with offices around the world, including in Connecticut, received the Partner of the Year Award from The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University at a reception at the Waterbury Country Club on Thursday, August 25. The business school selected Crowe because of the firm’s long-standing commitment to advance career opportunities for Post students.
Crowe tax partner Daniel Kusaila, a 1998 graduate of Post University, accepted the award on behalf of the global organization. Sixteen years ago, Kusaila initiated an internship program, which led to successful accounting careers for dozens of Post students. Every year since 2006, Crowe has had one or two accounting majors from Post complete the internship. The firm also awards a $1,500 scholarship annually to a Post accounting major. To date, Crowe has awarded approximately $23,000 to Post students.
“Crowe places their trust in us to prepare accounting graduates to integrate into the field and we take this responsibility very seriously. Accounting is the language of business, and our accounting graduates are fluent. As the largest accounting program in Connecticut (by enrollments), students come to The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business to learn from the best and they expect us to live up to that reputation,” said Dr. Jeremi Bauer, Dean of The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business.
Currently, there are 13 Post University accounting alumni employed at Crowe. Post senior Jenna Abeyta, an accounting and sport management double major, recently completed her summer internship working for Crowe out of their Denver office.
“I have seen firsthand that the Post faculty truly know their students. Today, we work with the faculty to identify the best candidates for the internship positions,” explained Kusaila. He noted that a high percentage of Post students who complete their internships with Crowe are offered a full-time job after graduating.
In addition to benefiting their career path, an internship enhances the students’ experiences in the classroom as well, explains Kusaila. “Having hands-on experience in the field can allow students to connect the content they are learning within their courses to the working world.”
“For the past 16 years, I’ve worked with Dan and I’m in awe of the work environment he has created in Crowe’s offices. He is one of those rare people who are technically proficient, a good administrator and a leader. Our students have been employed by him and have grown under his tutelage. He’s a great friend and supporter of the University’s Accounting Department,” said Richard Dumont, program chair of the Post University Accounting Department.
Post University, through its business school, has established other strong partnerships with organizations such as Liberty Bank, Albert Bros., Bristol Health, and Drew Marine to produce innovative, customizable programs as well as pathways for student internships and talent pipeline to career opportunities.
The Partner of the Year Award was established two years ago to recognize the organizations that continue to collaborate with The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business in significant ways.