Nostalgia, aspiration, and celebration are words one could use to describe the School of Accounting and Finances (SAF) annual Awards Dinner.

Like previous years, the November 5th evening brought together Honourees, Fellows, scholarship winners, and donors for a rare opportunity to share stories, express appreciation, and acknowledge those who
have brought distinction to their profession. 

However, this year, an unspoken theme of inspiration emerged from the crowd. Many first-time Honourees spoke eloquently about their newly appointed role and having the opportunity to inspire a younger generation of hopeful accounting and financial professionals.

Meanwhile, Fellows spoke candidly about their excitement over new possibilities and having the ability to learn from those who have come before them. “What my Honouree has that I don’t is experience,” explains Jeffrey Mo, 2010 SAF Fellow. “I’m hoping to gain that from him.”

The Fellowship Program began in 2003, with 12 students accepting the designation. Today, over 150 students have been able to call themselves a “Fellow”.  

Each student in the program receives up to $7,000 coupled with the opportunity to serve as a research assistant, teaching assistant, SAF Academc Coaching Centre staff and peer leader during their senior years among other roles. They’re also named after an illustrious alumnus or former faculty member who has accepted the title of “Honouree”.

“Drawing the students and alumni together in the Fellowship Program makes the School of Accounting and Finance a more dynamic place,” explains Lynn Graham, SAF Student Relations Co-ordinator. “We are connecting our past with our present to shape a vibrant future of professional and academic partnerships.”

In a special tribute, SAF called upon two Honourees who exemplify the spirit of the School of Accounting and Finance.

Keith Farlinger, BMath ‘77 was presented with the second annual SAF Alumni Achievement Award. Although he took his final accounting course at the University over three decades ago, he has remained closely connected with the School. Farlinger was the founding president of Waterloo Accounting Alumni Association (Toronto Chapter), has served as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee of the School of Accounting and Finance,
and is a second-time SAF Honouree.

“The University of Waterloo has been a big part of my life,” explains Farlinger, CEO of BDO Canada. “Therefore, it’s important for me to give back.”

Like Farlinger, Shikha Gandhi has become an advocate for SAF. Since graduating from the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program in 2004, she has become a senior manager at Deloitte working for the firm’s Global IFRS practice.

Despite a busy work schedule, Gandhi has made time to act as vice president of the Accounting and Finance Alumni Association, become an Honouree, and regularly participates in Fellowship interviews. Gandhi also taught an “Introduction to business in North American” course at the School. It is because of her commitment to SAF and its programs that she was presented with the Young Alumni Award.  

When asked to give advice on how to succeed, Gandhi simply said “The only person who can take your career places is you.  Take the initiative and ask for the opportunity to work on something challenging or different. If you take your career where you want it to go, you just might find yourself with new responsibilities or experiences.”

Among a crowd full of dedicated alumni and exceptional young professionals, it’s not surprising that a strong sense of giving was also felt throughout the night.

 “It was awe inspiring for me,” explains Alexandra Lippert, SAF Alumni Development Officer. “Not one, but two alumni approached me after the dinner wanting to further their support of the School by making a financial gift, and by offering to discuss co-op opportunities for our students within their organizations. Wow!”

Perhaps, in the end, the SAF annual Awards Dinner represents the “circle of inspiration”; bridging the gap between past and present, opening a gateway of new possibilities for the School, its students, and its valued alumni. 

“If you take the opportunity to put yourself out there, there’s almost no limit to what you can do. That’s one of the really great things about being a Fellow, the School opens up all the opportunities you need.” Yuwei Ren, 2005 SAF Fellow.