This February, four business alumni and members of the USI Accounting Circle taught two financial classes as part of Scouting America’s (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Merit Badge University.
More than 400 students participated in this year’s event on USI’s campus. Merit Badge University classes are held annually at USI with about 20-25 participants in each class ranging from middle school to high school ages. Participants learn important skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives. It also showcases the engagement and immediate impact our business graduates have in the community.
This year’s Accounting Circle Merit Badge Committee is made up of the following Accounting Circle board members and business alumni:
- Tony Hiatt ’09 accounting M’16. Vice President of Treasury & Analytics; United Leasing & Finance
- Carlin Beckman ’95, post-baccalaureate in accountancy. Vice President of Finance and Administration; WNIN
- Bridgitte Danhauer ’08, accounting. Director of Client Service; Pettinga Financial Advisors
- Emily Kendrick ’15, accounting and finance. Associate Manager; SS&C Technologies
- Connie W. Lucas, ’84 accounting. Retired-Assistant General Manager of Corporate Services & Public Affairs; Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc.
Members of the Committee began volunteering with the program in 2019 by teaching the Personal Management course. The course is one of 14 required badges for earning Eagle Scout rank. The day-long class covers topics such as budgeting, major purchases, investments, insurance and loans.
This year the Committee added the American Business Merit Badge course to their curriculum. Topics include free enterprise, financial and economic concepts, labor and regulations, and business ethics. There was also a case study, in which participants researched a business and analyzed its core functions.
The courses also feature a life skills project plan, in which participants research careers, salaries and education requirements.
“I have enjoyed participating with the Accounting Circle each year in helping the Scouts learn and develop valuable life skills and knowledge,” noted Bridgitte Danhauer. “It’s always rewarding to work with the Scouts along their journey of badge completions. I appreciate the opportunity that the Scouting organization and USI provide for community involvement each year at Merit Badge University. I’m also glad the Circle was able to provide an additional badge opportunity this year; offering the American Business badge allowed us to share our business knowledge in a variety of new topics.”
“I enjoyed helping the Scouts learn essential financial literacy and life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and working with other Accounting Circle volunteers through this great opportunity provided by the Scouting America program,” said Carlin Beckman. “As a mom of two Eagle Scouts, whom I personally assisted in earning these badges in their scouting journeys, it is very rewarding to be able to help a new group of Scouts along the same journey.”
"It was really rewarding to spend the day with Scouts, helping them learn about business and financial skills that will benefit them for life,” said Tony Hiatt. “A huge thank you to all the volunteers from the Accounting Circle at USI who made this possible. Teaching young students about these topics is not only important but also incredibly fulfilling—seeing their excitement and curiosity makes the whole experience worthwhile!"
“We are very appreciative of our Accounting Circle members and business alumni for participating in this important event,” said Brian McGuire, Associate Dean of the Romain College of Business and former President of Scouting America’s Buffalo Trace Council. “This initiative increases awareness of the USI campus, and specifically the Romain College of Business, to potential USI students in the future.”
The USI Accounting Circle is an advisory group for the Accounting & Professional Services Program at Romain College of Business. Members are high-level accounting professionals from public accounting firms and from for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Many of the members are graduates of the College and are actively involved on campus.
