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Foundation and Development

JOHN & SARAH GARVEY ACCOUNTANCY FUND

John Garvey, Lisa Ludlum and Sara Garvey

When John and Sarah Garvey visited campus together in October of 2008 as part of the College of Business and Technology’s “Executive in Residence” (EIR) program, an idea took shape that would later result in a most creative gift to the university.

EIR hosts accomplished alumni and friends of CBT to share with students how they charted successful careers. John Garvey, a 1978 accountancy graduate, is segment leader of the Economics Practice of Navigant Consulting, Inc. and former president of Chicago Partners. Sarah Nava Garvey is retired vice president for Corporate Relations of the Boeing Company. The Garveys spent two days guest lecturing and presenting to faculty and students.

In 2010, the Garveys established The John and Sarah Garvey Accountancy Fund and are funding it annually to a total of $100,000. The purpose of the fund is to support hiring and retention of faculty members for Western’s Department of Accountancy. Filling vacant positions is the issue of greatest importance for the department. Hiring and retention are problematic nationwide; only 25% of open positions in accounting are filled each year. “ I have fond memories of Western and felt like I wanted to do something to support the Department of Accountancy,” said John. “I remember my days in Macomb, and even when I was a student, I sensed it was difficult to attract and retain faculty.”

“Although support of students is more traditional,” added Sarah, “we think this approach is really innovative. If you don’t have strong faculty, it doesn’t matter what you do for students. The teaching foundation must first be in place.”

The first initiative funded from the Garvey Accountancy Fund came this fall. The Fund is supporting Lisa Ludlum in her doctoral studies to become an educator. Ludlum earned her B.A. in accountancy from WIU in 1981, and her Master’s in Accountancy in 1995. She has been an accountant with McGladrey for the past 15 years, and has recently taught at WIU as an adjunct instructor. “My passion is serving clients, technical expertise, and teaching,” said Ludlum. “I am coming back for an encore career in teaching; it seems like something that fits and is a natural progression for me.”

Ludlum is studying at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. “Kennesaw’s academic program is designed to train educators rather than practitioners,” said Lisa. “It is structured for working professionals with 10-15 years of work experience.” Ludlum spends one weekend per month at Kennesaw, and should finish her Ph.D. in three years.

Upon completion of her Ph.D., WIU will have the option of hiring Ludlum (provided she meets all qualifications) if there is availability. Should that happen, the “loan” that is supporting Ludlum in her studies would be forgiven. “When Lisa finishes her degree, she will have a wonderful balance of academic and professional experience,” said John. “She is exactly the type of person we should be recruiting and who should be educating the future workforce.”

“Western is grateful to John and Sarah Garvey for their generosity and their creativity,” said Vice President of Advancement & Public Services Brad Bainter. “The Accountancy Program, as well as the University, is strengthened by their vision and trust.”

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