National Board Recognizes JWU Accounting Program and Awards Scholarship

College of Business student Olivia Tourony ’19 has received a $10,000 merit-based scholarship from the national organization Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Johnson & Wales University was one of 167 institutions selected to nominate a promising student for this award. Tourony, who is currently a junior in the undergraduate Accounting program, was nominated based on her interest and aptitude in accounting and auditing, and demonstration of high ethical standards.

Initially, Tourony did not plan to follow her dad's footsteps in accounting. “I actually came to JWU with a different major in mind,” said Tourony. “However, I always knew I liked working with money, math and financial information."

"I switched to the accounting program and have loved it ever since."

Associate Professor Barbara Norris nominated Tourney for the award. “Olivia is an exemplary, hardworking student, and it is exciting to see her be rewarded with such a generous scholarship,” said Norris. “I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve all of the goals she has set for herself and look forward to seeing her grow and succeed in our program.”

Tourony is also in the process of applying to JWU’s accelerated MBA – Accounting program where students learn how advanced accounting principles and techniques are applied in practice. The program's curriculum includes real-world projects and challenges to help students gain experience that will better prepare them for management level-positions.

With her degrees, Tourony hopes to continue on to earn her CPA license and pursue a career in auditing. “I love the accounting program and all of my JWU professors and classmates,” she said. “I couldn't have picked a better program. If you have a passion for accounting and are willing to work hard, then this is the industry for you.”