Before we get too far into the summer term, let’s take a look back at how our Accounting Roadrunner Community showed up throughout this Spring ’26 term.

MPAcc Spring '26 Orientation - 5 students in the midst of playing the bingo networking activity

We kicked off 2026 by welcoming our newest MPAcc students at the Spring 2026 New MPAcc Student Orientation. From connecting with peers and faculty to hearing insights from a panel of current students and alumni, our newly admitted students began their MPAcc journey with confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.

This Spring ’26 term was centered on thinking about the future for our Accounting Roadrunner Community, with our “Accounting For Your Future” event theme. We hosted four virtual events featuring insights from our fantastic faculty, staff, alumni, advisory board members, and employer partners. You can check out a recording of the speaker portions below:

looking over a hiker's shoulder at their compass in hand as they are hiking in the mountains, with
Accounting Student Organization (ASO) logo

The Accounting Student Organization (ASO) continued its strong momentum. Across 11 meetings, students engaged with professionals from public accounting firms, private industry, professional accounting organizations, the C2Hub, and even MSU Denver’s Office of the Controller. These gatherings provided valuable opportunities for our students to build networks, explore career paths, and connect with peers, all while enjoying a shared meal.

In the spirit of March Madness, we introduced something new throughout March with our Accounting Roadrunner Community (ARC) Spotlights. Each week, we highlighted a member of our community through a short video feature, offering insights into their career path, advice for aspiring accountants, and life outside of work. Check out the faculty, advisory board members, and alumni featured here!

grey curtain background with a white stage underneath and
Accounting faculty, Letitia, presenting at SBI 2026 conference

Our Accounting Roadrunner Community was also well-represented at this year’s Small Business Institute (SBI) Annual Conference. Despite the demands of tax season and the final stretch of our pilot 14-week term, five accounting faculty members and one MPAcc alum were selected to present!

April wouldn’t be complete without the ASO Spring Banquet! Following an academic year of record attendance at ASO meetings, the Accounting Roadrunner Community came together and packed St. Cajetan’s for a well-deserved end-of-term celebration. It was a wonderful evening recognizing student accomplishments, hearing reflections from a beloved retired faculty member, reconnecting with one another, and thanking the employer and professional partners who helped make the year such a success. The event was a true testament of the dedication of our ASO student officers and faculty advisor, whose efforts continue to foster meaningful connection, community, and opportunity beyond the classroom.

ASO leadership team standing on stage at SP'26 ASO Banquet
MPAcc students at IIA conference in front of sign

Learning extended beyond the classroom and the Auraria campus for six MPAcc students in our Governance & Risk Assurance Theory course, who traveled to The Institute of Internal Auditor’s Global Student Conference in Orlando. This incredible opportunity gave students valuable exposure to the internal audit profession through competition, learning, and networking.

We honored our departmental outstanding student award recipients at the Spring 2026 College of Business Outstanding Student Awards event. It was a wonderful night to celebrate all of our College of Business winners along with their family and friends!

Spring '26 Outstanding Student Award recipients (Otgontugs for MPAcc, Christian for Accounting) smiling with their plaques
2 MPAcc students present their findings in ACCM 5901 presentation to senior leadership

Hands-on learning remained a cornerstone of the MPAcc student experience. Ten MPAcc students in the Risk Assurance & Advanced Engagements course completed five projects this semester with the Office of Financial Aid as their client. They wrapped up the term as student internal auditors delivering meaningful financial aid insights directly to MSU Denver senior leadership. What an outstanding example of experiential learning in action!

And of course, we closed the term by celebrating our newest alumni! From our MBA & MPAcc Hooding celebration Thursday evening to a packed Denver Coliseum Friday morning at the Spring 2026 MSU Denver Commencement Ceremony, it was a joy to celebrate our graduates alongside their families and friends. We can still feel the excitement all around captured in our photo recap!

3 accounting grads hold up their diploma covers in excitement after crossing the stage at the SP'26 Commencement Ceremony

As we reflect on the many activities of this past spring term, it has clearly been a busy season for our entire Accounting Roadrunner Community. Thank you to all who made it such an impactful term for our students!