As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2022, Olivia May, an accounting major with minors in business analytics and management information systems from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, has not had typical student experience at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. May, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered as students. Each installment of this series will profile an outstanding member of this class, showcasing their achievements, experiences at UD and what it means to be a Blue Hen.
May was nominated for this series by UD Professor of Accounting Thomas Vermeer, who said, “Olivia is in the honors program and has a 4.0 overall GPA. She is heavily involved in the Department of Accounting & MIS. She serves on a number of panels especially for student recruiting and is a devoted tutor both for the department and for Academic Enrichment. Olivia participated in my BOOST program for the CPA exam this winter session. She passed the audit section of the CPA exam with a grade of 90% which is very impressive given that only 50% of those who take a section of the CPA exam pass it. Olivia has immersed herself in her education, made substantial contributions to our department and the Lerner College, and would be an excellent example of our best and brightest. I am so proud of her accomplishments.”
In this profile, May shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How have you grown from your freshman year at UD to now?
May: When I first arrived on campus as a freshman, I had limited self confidence and was unsure of where my future would lead. As the years progressed, my self confidence and leadership skills grew through the opportunities that UD, and especially Lerner, offered.
Lerner: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? If so, how did they shape your experience at UD?
May: I was a tutor for the accounting department. As a tutor, I was able to help students by applying what I had learned in class to better their understanding of difficult material. I found other students’ success truly rewarding.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
May: It means I have a shared connection with other students and alumni that will stick with me as I move through life.
Lerner: What was the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
May: I have taken a few memorable courses at Lerner. The first course was auditing with Professor Vermeer. Another course was business law with Professor Roger Coffin. Both professors always showed up to class with a positive energy and explained the given material in a clear and engaging way. My auditing class provided me with knowledge that is going to be essential once I start my career as an external auditor.
Lerner: What was your favorite UD experience?
May: I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy my sophomore semester. I was able to immerse myself in the culture and travel to so many amazing places including London, Amsterdam and Interlaken.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
May: I will be working at KPMG in Philadelphia as an Audit and Advisory Associate.