COUPLE AMONG FIRST TO RECEIVE DEGREE WITH NEW TITLE

by Stephani Crawford

This summer, while many of us were relaxing by the pool or hard at work at a summer job, students here at UM-St. Louis were earning an old degree with a new face.

Michael and Lisa Romay of Affton recently graduated with honors in a group of twenty-one undergraduates, receiving the University's first Bachelor of Science in Accounting degrees. Michael, who graduated summa cum laude, and Lisa, who graduated with cum laude laurels, were the first students to graduate with honors under the new naming system. When asked if there was any joking rivalry between the two for the higher grade, Lisa laughed, "Oh no, but I did ask him for help with my homework on occasion."

UM-St. Louis is one of only three universities in the state to achieve separate accreditation for its accounting program from the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. During the accreditation process, the Assembly recommended the school establish a new, more uniquely identifiable degree. This resulted in the name change, from Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis (BSBA) to Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA).

According to Silvia Madeo, business school professor and Accounting Area Coordinator: "The BS in Accounting offers the same broad business core and specialized course requirements as the BSBA accounting emphasis did. The Area believes that the name change was necessary to give our students a more formal recognition of their specific knowledge of accounting."

Romay also feels the name change to be a good idea.

"I feel that it brings accounting knowledge to the forefront and makes it not seem so general. I feel that it's a welcome change and good for the program."

If your interest lies in Accounting, stop by the School of Business at 484 SSB and investigate your options. There may be honors laurels waiting for you!