Accounting
AICPA Names Student Winner of Beta Alpha Psi Medal of Inspiration Award
The award is given to a Beta Alpha Psi student member who has experienced extreme hardships and demonstrated a notably high level of success despite that adversity.
Aug. 29, 2022
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has announced that Stephanie Ruiz, a recent University of Miami graduate, has been awarded the Beta Alpha Psi Medal of Inspiration Award.
The award, sponsored by the AICPA, is given to a Beta Alpha Psi student member who has experienced extreme hardships and demonstrated a notably high level of success despite that adversity. The award was presented during the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting and includes a $5,000 cash stipend.
“Stephanie is a true embodiment of what the AICPA Medal of Inspiration stands for,” said Christin Hunter, Lead Manager of Student Initiatives, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants®, representing AICPA & CIMA®. “She has demonstrated strength and resilience in the face of hardship and is a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work and determination.
Coming from a severely economically disadvantaged background, Stephanie determined early on that she would have to work hard to lift herself and her family to a more stable position. She made education one of her top priorities from a young age. By pursuing her academic studies and maximizing every available opportunity, Ruiz has earned this award that recognizes her high level of achievement, motivation and continued potential.
“I hope to one day be part of a mentorship program for other young professionals that may come from difficult backgrounds,” Ruiz said. “I wouldn’t be here if not for so many people helping me along the way. I also hope I can inspire others with my story. When people know there are others out there experiencing struggles who still push through, it’s a source of comfort for them.”
Ruiz completed internships with PwC and Deloitte and is preparing for a full-time career in accounting. She has also been accepted into the Master of Taxation program at the University of Miami and plans to sit for the CPA exam in the future.
“Stephanie Ruiz has shown true perseverance and determination throughout her life, working diligently in the face of adversity to improve her future,” said Scott McQuillan, Beta Alpha Psi Board of Directors President. “Her story and the stories of others before her are the reason the Medal of Inspiration Award exists.”
About Beta Alpha Psi
Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service, and association among members and practicing professionals; and encouraging a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility.
Headquartered in Durham, NC, Beta Alpha Psi has over 300 chapters on college and university campuses in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation.