CWU Alumna Tops CPA Exam Results

February 13, 2004

Contact: Dr. Roy Savoian (509-963-1955/fax 509-963-3042/e-mail: savoianr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Central Washington University's accounting program continues to shine as one of the region's most successful.

"For more than three decades, we have been delivering a high quality, demanding program in accounting that is recognized throughout the state and the Pacific Northwest," Dr. Roy Savoian, dean of the CWU College of Business, says.

The latest news strengthens that claim. In Washington state, four of the top 10 scores on the most recent Certified Public Accountant exam were recorded by Central alumni. Michelle Noland posted the state's top score. Other CWU top 10 finishers are Jeffrey Buege, James Ramborger and Hyun Lee, in the fourth, fifth and 10th spots, respectively.

"It is, indeed, noteworthy that the top score and four of the top ten scores were earned by accounting students from Ellensburg, Lynnwood and SeaTac," Savoian adds. "In addition, eight of our students formed two teams to compete successfully in the UW Undergraduate Tax Competition, with one team earning a third place finish among 18 teams."

Central's accessibility also becomes clear after a closer look at the exam results. Noland and Ramborger studied at CWU-Lynnwood, Lee at CWU-SeaTac and Buege in Ellensburg. Noland, Buege and Lee received college degrees in the 1980s and returned to school for accounting courses.

"Our students are willing to work hard and have proven that they can meet a variety of challenges as evidenced by their performance in the classroom and beyond," Savoian points out, "and, the accounting faculty play a fundamentally important role in building a curriculum and creating a learning environment for student success."

CWU professor Ronald Tidd said the maturity factor in returning students can serve as motivation.

"We have a solid program with lots of motivation on the part of students," Tidd says. "We give a good foundation in (accounting) basics and the ability to teach themselves. Our students have a combination of good preparation in academic studies and maturity, dedication and motivation."

Tidd said that Buege, who graduated from college in 1980, owned a store in Yakima before attending CWU for accounting classes. Buege now works as an accountant in Yakima.

Professor Mike Ruble said accounting students at CWU-Lynnwood are typically non-traditional: older, married with families, attend night classes, many have a degree and are retooling.

"They are a diverse group," he says. "Some are looking for another credential so they can slide into a different career. Central is recognized as the place to come for accounting. We have a rigorous program that turns out quality students who are received well by employers. We attract good students."

Savoian notes, "These events provide another opportunity to celebrate the success of our students and to recognize the work of our faculty and how important they are to the accomplishments of our students."

A total of 330 CWU students currently are majoring in accounting, including 147 at CWU-Lynnwood, 83 in Ellensburg and 80 at CWU-SeaTac.