Certificates of Excellence
The Certificate of Excellence Award is given to students who have performed at the highest level in their discipline. These awards are given by the School of Business faculty to recognize the superior academic accomplishments of our students.
Certificate of Excellence Award Recipients
Majors:
Business Analytics
Accounting
Faculty quote from Professor James Suleiman:
"This year's Excellence Award in Business Analytics recognizes a student whose intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor have consistently elevated her work and the classroom experience alike. Theresa Anderson brings a rare combination of technical precision and creative problem-solving that exemplifies the best of what our program aspires to develop. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and confident that she will make a meaningful impact in the field."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"USM's involvement with the local professional community has been incredibly impactful. There are numerous valuable events that allow you to network and connect with local businesses that are looking for fresh talent. Additionally, the professors have their thumb on the pulse of what is happening within local industry and weave skill development that will be beneficial in the professional world into the curriculum of their courses. "
After graduation, Theresa will be working at Albin, Randall & Bennett and will begin studying for the CPA.
Majors:
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Accounting
Faculty quote from Professor Amarpreet Kohli:
"Greatness Atere is an exceptional student, graduating magna cum laude with a 3.90 GPA. What stands out most is her eagerness to learn and her dedication—she quickly grasps complex concepts and actively seeks deeper understanding where needed. After taking my Operations Management course, she shared that it ‘opened her eyes,’ helping her see beyond the financials and sparking a genuine interest in how businesses operate. She also noted that the experience went beyond memorizing definitions, emphasizing that students actively apply concepts to real brands and real-world challenges rather than simply reading about them."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"The classes that impacted me most at USM were Productions/Operations Management with Professor Amarpreet Kohli and Financial Reporting II with Professor Rozhin. Professor Kohli’s hands-on approach helped me see how businesses operate beyond the numbers, applying concepts to real brands and challenges. Professor Rozhin made complex accounting concepts clear and showed me how to apply them practically, which built my confidence. Both classes strengthened my analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and inspired me to pursue a career where I can apply knowledge to real-world business and accounting challenges."
Greatness plans to start her career in tax and accounting, gaining experience in tax preparation for individuals and businesses. She also plans to continue her professional development, including preparing for the EA exam, CPA exam, and grow into a skilled and reliable tax professional.
Major:
Business Management
Faculty quote (combined) from Professor Ali Unal and Professor Jie Li:
"Curan is a highly motivated learner who sets high standards for himself and makes sure he achieves his goals. Curan stands out for the depth and maturity of his thinking. Whether discussing business challenges or ethical questions, he brings a thoughtful, balanced perspective that elevates class discussions and encourages his peers to think more deeply."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"During my time at USM many experiences, from academics to athletics, have helped shape me into the person I am today and for that I am truly grateful. From professors to coaches, each and every person played a huge part in my personal growth. Earning this Certificate of Excellence in Business Management feels like the perfect way to cap it all off. Thank you, USM, for the challenges, the support, and everything in between."
After graduation, Curan plans to work in the insurance field.
Major:
Sport and Esports Management
Minor:
Athletic Coaching
Faculty quote from Professor Heidi Parker:
"Campbell Doughty has excelled in every dimension of the student experience—from her outstanding performance in the classroom to her impactful internship with the Portland Sea Dogs, where she quickly distinguished herself as a ‘rockstar.’ Her leadership, integrity, work ethic, and consistency are demonstrated in all she does and has accomplished. She is incredibly deserving of this year’s Sport Management Excellence Award."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"My experience within the athletic department here at USM has impacted me the most. I had an amazing experience as a student athlete. I am grateful for the athletic department for providing the resources I needed to succeed in the classroom and on the court. My team was very supportive of me and all my ambitions throughout my time here at USM. The entire department of athletics is a community of friendly faces with whom I have made connections and friendships that will last a long time. We all work together to celebrate each other's accomplishments."
After graduation, Campbell will be attending the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Sport Leadership to get her Master's degree while serving as an Operations Graduate Assistant for the VCU Men's Basketball team.
Major:
Finance
Economics
Minor:
Holistic & Integrative Health
Faculty quote from Professor Bert Smoluk:
"Finance courses are notoriously challenging, requiring students to integrate mathematical concepts with economic theory. Sydney took three finance courses with Professor Smoluk, who notes that she distinguished herself through consistent engagement, sitting in the front of the class, and attending nearly every lecture with focus and determination. She not only mastered the material but also demonstrated growing confidence and analytical skill, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.”
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"The challenge of the finance classes at USM has had a huge impact on me and the beginning of my career in this field. The finance classes that I took with Professor Smoluk have greatly prepared me for entering this field, through the difficulty and high expectations that were required in order to pass. The high standards and real life expectations of these courses have prepared me for the intensity and competitiveness within my field."
Sydney is studying for her series exams to become licensed as a financial planner.
Majors:
Marketing
Accelerated MPPM pathway
Faculty quote from Professor Eklou Amendah:
"Bella Rossborough presents the perfect profile of a high-achieving marketing student. In addition to maintaining exceptional performance across all her courses, Bella has extended her learning well beyond the classroom. She conducted a rigorous empirical investigation, presented her findings at a regional conference (The Northeast Decision Sciences Institute Conference), and earned first place. She has made full use of every resource the School of Business has made available to her."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"Dr. Eklou Amendah was the most impactful professor I've had at USM. While his courses are informative and offer students valuable insight into the concepts, it is Dr. Amendah's passion for the course material and teaching that set him apart. Dr. Amendah seeks to share his passion with students and uses it to actively engage and motivate them. Beyond traditional classroom learning, he encourages students to pursue concepts outside the classroom through extended research, conference opportunities, and more. Dr. Amendah's passion for marketing, and beyond that - teaching, left a lasting impact on me and shaped my time at USM. "
Following graduation from her undergraduate degree, Bella will continue on to complete her Master's in Planning Policy and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service. She hopes to use the combination of her MPPM and Marketing degree to work in non-profit organizations, helping to promote their mission and purpose. Her goal is to use her skills to be an advocate for individuals and organizations in my community and help to create positive change.
Majors:
Accounting
Faculty quote from Professor Lisa Dunbar:
"Gavin has earned the Certificate in Accounting Excellence through the seriousness, discipline, and intellectual curiosity he consistently brings to class. He distinguishes himself not only through strong academic achievement but also through his motivation and sincere commitment to understanding the material on a deeper level. Feedback from both faculty and classmates reflects the same strengths: thoughtful engagement with challenging concepts, meaningful contributions in class, and a depth of understanding that sets him apart. He is truly deserving of this recognition."
What experience (i.e. class, professor, student group/team etc.) has impacted you the most during your time at USM and why?
"It is difficult to pinpoint a single defining moment because the entire student and faculty community has been so supportive. Without this collective encouragement, I don’t believe I would have been able to push my education as far as I have."
Gavin's goal is to earn his CPA designation in the State of Maine within the next three years. Currently, he serves as an auditor specializing in compliance for low-income housing developments. By combining his public accounting experience with a CPA license, he aims to expand his expertise and unlock diverse leadership opportunities across accounting, finance, and business management.