HERBEIN + COMPANY , INC . Annual Scholarship
By : Lauren Yancer ' 22
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The scholarship is a way of giving back and staying connected with the University . It ’ s about continuing the mission .”
8 PRESIDENT ’ S REPORT
Regina O ’ Keefe ’ 87 , CPA loved every aspect of GMercyU when she attended . After 13 years in Catholic school and seeking a smaller learning atmosphere , Regina knew GMercyU was the right fit . She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and later earned her CPA license in 1991 . At graduation , Regina was presented with the PICPA Award for Excellence in Accounting Studies .
“ The education and individual attention I received , the work ethic and Mercy values instilled , and the caring character of the faculty impacted me ,” Regina recalled .
Although she did not have him as a professor , meeting Adjunct Professor ( former Assistant Professor ) Carlo Silvesti CPA , CGMA , MBA proved to be a turning point for Regina .
“ He really advised and guided students to prepare them for the interview process . At the annual SEPCHE Fairs , GMercyU students clearly stand apart . He was instrumental in keeping me connected and involved with the student internship program and GMercyU overall ,” Regina said .
Regina launched her public accounting career at Gable , Peritz , Mishkin , LLP , where she became the first female partner in 2000 . In 2017 , Gable , Peritz , Mishkin , LLP merged with Herbein + Company , Inc . In her current role , she advises many clients in a broad range of industries including physician practices , professional service companies , hospitality , real estate and employee benefit plans .
Herbein + Company , Inc . works with GMercyU to recruit students for internships with the goal of joining the company upon graduation . Currently , there are six GMercyU alumni working full-time and three interns starting this January .
“ I want to help students find a career in a field I ’ m passionate about ,” Regina said .
This past year , Regina partnered with University Advancement to create the Herbein + Company , Inc . Annual Scholarship . It was officially established in January 2022 and will be awarded to two students each year . To qualify , students must be a sophomore , junior , or senior studying accounting . The goal of the scholarship is to provide education assistance and recruit students . It also supports a pathway to full-time employment after graduation at Herbein + Company .
“ The scholarship is a way of giving back and staying connected with the University . It ’ s about continuing the mission . GMercyU prepared me for my career and a meaningful life , and I want others to have this opportunity ,” Regina said . “ I ’ m grateful and proud to be a GMercyU graduate .”
In 2013 , Regina received GMercyU ’ s Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2015 , she served as keynote speaker for the National Business Honor Society ceremony , where she was inducted as an honorary member . For several years , Regina has served on the Professional Board of Advisors for the School of Business and Education . Most recently in 2020 , Regina became a member of GMercyU ’ s President ’ s Council .