The way in which the world conducts business is always changing, often led by advancements in technology. Educational institutions like Walsh College are tasked with not only educating tomorrow’s professionals but also with remaining on the edge of the technologies those professionals will be using when they start their career. Ensuring that Walsh College maintains its promise of excellence in business and technology education is key to its upcoming Centennial Celebration Gala on Saturday, May 13, at the Detroit Athletic Club.
The gala will celebrate the first 100 years of Walsh College by honoring 100 individuals who have made an impact on the Walsh community, more than a quarter of which are MICPA members (listed below). In addition to acknowledging the many transformative individuals which have continued their involvement in the ongoing success of the institution, Walsh College will also discuss its plans for the future, which includes greater investment in widespread community connections, immersive learning, curriculum innovation, continued professional development for its faculty, scholarships for its students, and greater resilience amid the continuous evolution of education.
Funds raised at the gala will contribute to these efforts, which are all part of the Walsh College Forward Campaign. The campaign seeks to raise $7.5 million over three years to fund the many initiatives meant to secure the future of Walsh College as a competitive provider of relevant business and technology education. The gala is open to all members of the public with an interest in preparing the next generation of finance and business leaders.
The doors to the Centennial Celebration Gala will open at 6 p.m. to a cocktail hour and the start of the silent auction. A dinner will be served as Walsh College honors The Walsh One Hundred, including the following MICPA members:
Richard Aginian, president and publisher, Observer & Eccentric Newspapers (retired)
Dr. Louise August, professor of finance and economics, director, Center for Teaching & Learning
Stephanie Bergeron, President Emerita, Walsh College
Frank Borschke, partner, Doeren Mayhew (retired)
Donald Clayton, chairman, Clayton & McKervey
Van Conway, founder, CEO, Van Conway & Partners
Richard DiBartolomeo, partner, Deloitte (retired)
Barbara Dobb, partner, Shelby, Dobb, Sager & Thorpe PLC (retired)
Maria Drake, CPA, The Drake Company
Walter Fisher, Trustee Emeritus, Walsh College
Paul Glantz, founder, CEO, Emagine Entertainment, Inc.
Shirley Gofrank, partner, Mattina, Kent & Gibbons, P.C. (retired)
Jeffrey Groen, president, managing director, Groen, Kluka & Company, P.C.
Rob Johnson, CFO, Shift Digital
Kathleen Kosmatka, Trustee, Walsh College
Leon LaBrecque, chief growth officer, Sequoia Financial Group
Thomas McGinnis, partner, Deloitte (retired)
Robert Naftaly, former EVP, CFO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Brian Newman, adjunct professor of accounting, Walsh College
Phyllis Peters, director, Deloitte & Touche (retired)
Michael Plotzke, CFO, Plastipak
Keith Pretty, former president, Walsh College
Amy Robinson, CFO, chief administrative officer, The Kresge Foundation
William Roney III, senior vice president, Raymond James & Associates (retired)
Rebecca Sorensen, senior vice president, UBS
Dr. David Spencer, managing director, CEO, Advance Business Xccelerator
Richard Walsh, founder, president, RT Enterprises
Neal Zalenko, Trustee Emeritus, Walsh College
The MICPA invites you to join us in congratulating these member honorees and all of The Walsh One Hundred being recognized at the gala.