Jason Beattie (Class of 2013)

Major:

Accounting

Fun Fact:

Jason is a bow hunter and has recently had a successful bear hunting trip to Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.

How did you choose Niagara University?

I am from Newmarket, Ontario, which is north of Toronto and I grew up playing hockey. I visited NU while in high school and I was offered an athletic scholarship from Niagara University to play hockey.

You are currently an MBA student involved with the “4+1 accounting program” at NU. Could you please explain about the program?

I am currently in my last year of the program, finishing up my master's of business administration in accounting. The idea behind the program is to allow students, especially accounting majors, to get their BBA and MBA in professional accountancy in five years. I am actually going to have completed the program in four years total by taking extra classes each semester. The continual learning I have received from an undergraduate student to graduate has allowed me to link the knowledge together and create a seamless transition. I have found it very beneficial as a student to be able to continue on at NU to complete my MBA.

Since you are finishing up your fifth year at NU, who has been most influential in your education?

Professor Christopher Aquino, assistant professor of accounting, Professor Ed Hutton, assistant professor of finance, and Professor James Ingham, assistant professor of accounting, were all stand-out professors for me. All three of these professors had professional experience in their field and this allowed them to tell stories about their own personal experiences. They are able to teach students what was beneficial for them in the real world. You can look at what traits they have that made them successful and see how that reflects back on yourself. Professor Aquino specifically inspired me because he cares so much about his students that you can’t help but care about learning.

Do you have any advice for future accounting students?

Read the textbook, it helps more than you would believe. Attend review sessions when offered and also ask for help. I have found the professors to be very willing and available to provide assistance.

Tell us about your involvement with NU men’s Hockey team.

I started playing hockey when I was eight years old, which is a late start for many hockey players. By the age of 10, I was playing at a top level. I came to Niagara University after playing five years of junior hockey so I did not come right out of high school. As a freshman on the team in 2010, I was a member of the College Hockey Association’s All-Rookie Team and attended the Philadelphia Flyers Prospect Camp. Last year, I was an assistant captain and this year I am the captain of the team. I would like to continue to play hockey after college if it is possible.

I know the hockey team is very involved in supporting special causes. Can you tell us about recent events?

During the month of November, the men’s hockey team is holding an event called “Man-Up with a Moustache.” Our goal is to raise money and awareness for cancer research through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At our games on November 30 and December 1 people were able to make donations to the cause.

Recently, our team had the opportunity to become part of the life of a young woman named Meghan Redenbach, who fought a three year battle with ovarian cancer. She became an honorary team member and, unfortunately, lost her fight with cancer last year. This truly inspirational and wonderful individual opened our minds and hearts in the short time we had to share with her. All donations we receive will be donated in Meghan's honor to furthering the mission of Make-A-Wish. Our hope is to raise over $5,000 through this event.

What are your plans for the future in the accounting world?

I would like to pass all of my CPA exams by the end of next summer. After that, I will work on getting the experience necessary for my CPA designation. In the future, I would like to take the financial instrument sales exams. Of course, hockey will continue to play an important role in my life and I look for an opportunity to continue in the sport that I love.