About thirty minutes before the first tax class of the semester at Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB), the atrium of the BIT Building began to buzz. Former students of Professor Jeff Froshman—now senior accountants, financial managers, and firm partners—returned for the Friends of Froshman (FOF) event. Their mission: to inspire today’s students by sharing stories of how their accounting journeys began at CSUMB and grew into rewarding careers.

For students, the atmosphere was both exciting and intimidating. Just as future FOFs have done every year, they huddled in small groups, unsure how to approach the professionals or what the event might bring.

Once the panel began, nerves quickly gave way to inspiration.

Cristal Perez Paz (class of 2022), now a tax senior at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), opened with honesty:

“Like you, I wasn’t sure what to major in. But after taking my first accounting course, I discovered something I enjoyed and could build a career around.”

Nicole Velichko (class of 2016), Senior Tax Manager at Joby Aviation, stressed the importance of community:

“Always make friends with the people around you. My professor helped me land my first job, and a former classmate helped me get the one I have now.”

Carmine Lepiane (class of 2013), Partner at Vanderbilt CPAs, emphasized perseverance:

“Take the CPA exam. Even if it takes a few tries, you can pass it.”

James Flook (class of 2017), Senior Consultant at CrossCountry Consulting, highlighted the degree’s versatility:

“Even if you don’t pursue accounting as your career, the knowledge and skills you gain are valuable in other industries.”

The stories resonated deeply. After the formal presentations ended, students lingered outside the classroom, eager to continue conversations with FOF members.

Daniel Sanchez, a transfer student, was struck by a personal connection:

“I traveled the country with a band before coming to CSUMB. I was amazed to learn from Vanessa Platt [class of 2008], a partner at accounting firm Chiorini, Platt & Jacobs, that she actually advises bands on tax matters.”

CSUMB junior Brian Pablo admitted with a smile:

“I came tonight for the extra credit, but I’m leaving truly excited about my future!”

This year’s gathering carried special significance. Thirty years after Professor Froshman helped start the business program here, CSUMB is launching its new Bachelor of Science in Accounting this semester. The major includes fourteen accounting courses, with artificial intelligence and analytics tools embedded in every one. The Friends of Froshman event each semester not only underscores the strength of the Accounting Otter alumni raft but also highlights the accounting faculty’s deep commitment to students’ career readiness and fostering lifelong professional connections.

A special thank-you to participants (alphabetically, following Professor Froshman):

Jeff Froshman, Distinguished Lecturer, CSUMB

Evan Benevento, Owner, Benevento Accounting

Sean Capistrano, Principal, CLA

James Flook, Senior Consultant, Sage Intacct

Larissa Lea, Financial Advisor, Pence Financial Group

Carmine Lepiane, Chief Operating Officer, Vanderbilt CPAs

Phuong Ly, Senior Revenue Agent, Internal Revenue Service

Cate Miller, Partner, Chiorini, Platt & Jacobs CPAs

Cristal Perez-Paz, Tax Senior, CLA

Vanessa Platt, Partner, Chiorini, Platt & Jacobs

Kim Said, Partner, Hutchinson & Bloodgood

Nicole Velichko, Senior Tax Manager, Joby Aviation.