WMU accountancy students honored with scholarships
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Two high-achieving Western Michigan University accountancy students were honored with significant scholarships from the Michigan Accountancy Foundation. Orion Rahjes from Des Moines, Iowa, received the Minority Advancement/Dream Builders Scholarship and Frans Tanade from Portage, Michigan, received the David and Kathy Petoskey Scholarship. The $5,000 awards go to students who are in their final year of studying accountancy at a Michigan college or university. Rahjes and Tanade will be pursuing a fifth year of accountancy study at Western in order to earn the Master of Science in Accountancy.
“I felt ecstatic when I received the phone call stating that I was selected out of all the candidates who applied this past year,” says Tanade. “The Michigan Accountancy Foundation scholarship will help me tremendously financially as I prepare for the Master of Science in Accountancy program and the upcoming CPA exam sections I will be taking, allowing me to ease my mind on finances and devote more time toward attending networking events in the accounting industry while focusing on my studies.”
Tanade cites the accountancy faculty as being willing to go the extra mile for students and specifically appreciates the leadership of Dr. Jim Penner, chair, Department of Accountancy for his generous nature and time spent on academic and career advising with all students.
Rahjes echoes the sentiments. “Without this scholarship, I would struggle significantly to fund my education. The access to the resources and networking opportunities provided by the Michigan Accountancy Foundation and the financial support will help me achieve my dream of becoming an accountant. Using the CPA review program that comes as a benefit of the scholarship has been a favorite pastime of mine in recent months.”
The excellent support in the Department of Accountancy is something Rahjes has also experienced. “Dr. Brittani Shantel Jackson is not only a mentor but an inspiration to all who know her. Her passion for education and professional development gives her an almost supernatural ability to provide opportunities for her students. Additionally, the sense of community she establishes as the advisor for the National Association of Black Accountants at WMU is truly transformative.”
Orion Rahjes
An accountancy major with minors in general business and music, Rahjes thrives when connecting with peers in student organizations. One of Rahjes’ formative experiences was a “first and only” incident of harassment experienced on Western’s campus for being transgender. After that experience, they connected with LGBTQ+ business students and worked tirelessly to form the Out4Business chapter on WMU’s campus. Being a member of the NABA at WMU has been a pivotal experience for Rahjes as well, with the ability to attend large-scale conferences and one-on-one coaching with professionals.
After graduation, Rahjes hopes to have a position lined up at an accounting firm. They will be studying for the CPA exam as they complete the credit hours needed for CPA certification.
Long-term, Rahjes wants to work as an expatriate and practice accounting skills around the world, being of service to their community in a field that they love. Rahjes would also like to start a college fund for their little sister.
Frans Tanade
Majoring in accountancy and minoring in general business, Tanade has been on the dean’s list every semester of his college career. He recently earned the Professor David Rozelle Scholarship and Douglas P. and Nancy C. Roosa Accountancy Scholarship from the Department of Accountancy, the Jeanne DuBois Carlson Scholarship from the Haworth College of Business and the Greenleaf Trust Scholarship. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate degree.
Previously, he served as the vice president of Beta Alpha Psi and president of the Accounting Club. He recently joined NABA at WMU. He has completed internships at Wine Chips, WK Kellogg Co, Plante Moran, and PwC. Tanade is currently interning in assurance at PwC and is simultaneously bookkeeping and coordinating office functions for Fellowship of Christian Farmers International.
He aims to work for a Big Four public accounting firm, obtain CPA licensure and graduate with the Master of Science in Accountancy.
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