Alumnus Gifts $100K to Create Scholarships for Newly Launched MPA Program

Alumnus Michael J. Morris ’56 generously gifted Saint Joseph’s $100,000 to create a scholarship fund for the Erivan K. Haub School of Business’s new Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) program, which will start enrolling students this fall. The gift will provide critical scholarship support for the first cohort of accounting students, and help to grow enrollment.
 
“Saint Joseph’s has a longstanding tradition of Jesuit academic excellence,” says Morris. “My hope is that through these scholarships, more students will be able to experience the impact of a Saint Joseph’s education like I did, and advance their professional careers.”
 
Morris is a longtime supporter of Saint Joseph’s educational mission, establishing the Michael J. Morris Grants for Scholarly Research in 2011, which annually awards research grants to faculty members.

“We sincerely thank Mike for his continuous support of Saint Joseph’s and for this recent gift that will directly benefit future students in the accounting program,” says Joseph A. DiAngelo '70, Ed.D., dean of the Erivan K. Haub School of Business. “The Master of Professional Accountancy program would not be possible without the support from our dedicated alumni and friends.” 
 
The innovative 30-credit MPA program, which launches in fall 2021, is a blend of core accounting courses distributed among specialty areas that are needed for a successful career in professional accountancy. It can be completed online or on-campus and is eligible as a 4+1 program.
 
“Our MPA program is market driven and designed around core competencies and individualized course tracks that best suit students' aptitudes and interests. The curriculum deepens students’ understanding of accounting concepts, sharpens competitive business skills, and provides technology-enhanced coursework with in-depth case applications beyond the traditional undergraduate offering,” says Jing Lin, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the accounting department. 
 
The program exposes students to the latest trends and technologies being used in the industry, and also provides opportunities for students to build upon skill sets as ethics-minded and results-driven professionals. Courses are available in the areas of:

• Tax compliance and planning
• Business reporting and analysis
• Information systems and data analytics

“These courses provide comprehensive coverage of advanced accounting topics including the knowledge to pass the CPA exam,” Lin adds. “The program also meets the needs of students seeking the required 150 credit hours necessary to earn licensure as a CPA.”

Learn more about the Master of Professional Accountancy program.