Celebrating the Class of 2024: Ready to ‘Dive In’
MPA grads are inspired toward courage and resilience
Resilience and gratitude were themes of this year’s 76th Master in Professional Accounting commencement ceremony in Gregory Gym on May 11. More than 200 students earned integrated, traditional, and economics MPA degrees this year.
Paul Knopp, BBA ’82, MBA ’83, chair and CEO at KPMG, delivered remarks to the graduating class, encouraging students to put the investment they made into their education to good use and to be bold in the vision of their futures.
All smiles and horns up at McCombs’ 76th MPA commencement celebration: (left to right) Sid Nambiar and Austin Hill; Reed Cessna, Braden West, and Natasha Skergan; Truc Trinh and Casey Truong.
Graduate Allie Rossmiller, a native of Houston whose coursework focused on wealth management and tax, addressed her peers with a message about fortitude. In April, Rossmiller co-directed Longhorn Run, a 5K and 10K race with more than 4,500 runners. This summer, she also biked from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska, as a member of Texas 4000, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting cancer.
Of her time at McCombs, Rossmiller said she learned most from her mistakes. “Each misstep, each tribulation built a bit of resilience we didn’t realize was there,” she said. “Whether you are starting a full-time job, heading to law school, or pursuing other passions post-graduation, just remember the greatest mistake you can make is continually fearing you’ll make one.”
Dive into whatever your life throws at you.
Allie Rossmiller
Instead, Rossmiller advised, “Dive into whatever your life throws at you.”
She also urged her classmates to be grateful. “None of us could have gotten here alone. And it’s important to take time to share gratitude with those who have supported us in this journey,” including MPA faculty members, MPA advisers and program-office staffers, and family.
“Always remember how resilient you are, remember to celebrate, and remember to reflect and share thanks,” she said. “And remember that we have unlimited potential for achievement, and the ability to change the world.”
Student Awards
GRACELYN KEENER
CPA Accounting Education Foundation Award
Recognizing an MPA student who has demonstrated a mastery of accounting knowledge.
ZACHARY SLY
Outstanding Integrated MPA Student Award
Presented to a student who has excelled academically and shows promise as an outstanding business professional.
KRISHAN GUPTA
Outstanding Traditional MPA Student Award
Given by MPA student peers and faculty members to recognize a student who has made an exceptional contribution to the program through the student’s academic performance, class spirit, and involvement in all aspects of the program.
