Welcoming 50+ new graduate students into the MBA and MPAcc Roadrunner community
August 25, 2025
This fall, the College of Business proudly welcomed 50+ new graduate students across our Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) programs! Both orientations brought together faculty, alumni, and current students to greet the newest members of our graduate community and set them up for success.
From engaging faculty panels to inspiring alumni stories, the events provided new students with a strong foundation inside and outside the classroom.
The MPAcc program welcomed 20+ new students with an evening of food, connection, and community. The room buzzed with excitement as students picked up MPAcc swag, shared dinner with faculty, and got to know their peers.
The event was led by MPAcc leadership, Dr. Greg Clifton, Dr. Letitia Pleis, and Lauren Shaffer, who set the tone for an engaging and supportive start to the semester. Faculty members Jo Erven, Sheri Betzer, and Darlene Eckhardt also joined to connect with students and share their experiences in the accounting field.
A highlight of the evening was the student and alumni panel. Current students Brook Engebretson-Horton and Suzy Victoria Manoka, along with alumni Cristina Kliesen (Fractional Controller/CFO, Smart Money Accounting LLC) and Jon Soucheck (Tax Manager, Plante Moran), offered insights on navigating the MPAcc program, balancing professional and academic demands, and making the most of networking opportunities.
Our MBA program welcomed 32 new students into the graduate business community at orientation. The event was led by MBA leadership, Dr. Rey Hernández-Julián, Karen Majors, and Shannon O’Neill,
Students met faculty members Prof. Whitney Pavlovich, Dr. Angela Busila, and Dr. Chandler Reilly, who shared their teaching focus and ways they support graduate students.
The day also highlighted opportunities beyond the classroom. Dr. Angelica Bahl introduced study-abroad options, with insights from alumnus Vadim Epelbaum (Spring 2025) and current student Eric Berg on how global experiences shaped their learning and career paths.
To wrap up, Dr. Paul Anderson hosted a student and alumni panel featuring Charlie Baumert, Sam Aghbashian, and Eric Berg, who offered advice on balancing academics, networking, and getting the most from the program.
The MBA/MPAcc orientations weren’t just about logistics, they were about connection. Students left feeling inspired, supported, and ready to dive into the semester ahead. With the guidance of dedicated faculty, the perspective of alumni, and the camaraderie of peers, the newest class of graduate students is set up for success.
Welcome to the journey, this is where your next chapter begins!
Support comes from MSU Denver’s College of Business, offering flexible programs with real‑world projects and support. Committed to empowering graduates to lead, solve, and inspire.
Visit the College of Business Homepage
