MSU Denver MPAcc Students Take the Global Stage in Internal Audit

From April 19–21, 2026, six graduate students from MSU Denver’s Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) program stepped onto the global stage at the IIA Global Student Conference. Accompanied by Risk Assurance and Advisory professor Jo Erven, the group joined more than 160 students and 50 educators representing 86 universities across 19 countries, highlighting just how global the internal audit profession has become.

Thanks to the generous support of the Institute of Internal Auditors Denver Chapter, students Dawn Borg, Chelsea Rodriguez, Suzy Victoria Manoka, Joshua Greene, Alex Valeruz, and Zev Cohen were able to attend and fully engage in the experience.

Throughout the conference, students participated in sessions designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Topics ranged from launching a career in internal audit to understanding how auditors influence decision-making and navigate risk in complex organizations. Sessions hosted by major employers like and offered students a direct look into career pathways and day-to-day life in the field.

A standout component of the conference was the Internal Audit Case Study Competition. Working in teams, students analyzed a business scenario, identified key risks and controls, and developed a full internal audit approach with recommendations. Competing against 25 teams from around the world, MSU Denver students delivered an impressive performance, with teams including Chelsea Rodriguez and Suzy Victoria Manoka earning 4th and 5th place finishes.

Beyond student participation, MSU Denver was also represented on the global stage through faculty leadership. Professor Erven presented in the educator sessions, sharing insights on the university’s innovative approach to experiential learning. Her presentation highlighted MSU Denver’s unique model, where graduate students serve as the university’s internal audit function, gaining hands-on experience by conducting real assurance and advisory engagements.

The conference experience not only strengthened students’ technical skills but also expanded their professional networks and perspective on the field. Engaging with peers and professionals from around the world reinforced the impact and reach of internal audit and positioned these students for success as they move forward in their careers.

As MSU Denver continues to prioritize applied learning and industry connection, opportunities like this ensure students are not just learning about their future careers, but actively stepping into them.