University News
WIU-QC Professor Retires, Leaves Behind Tax Legacy
May 14, 2008
MOLINE, IL - - With the passing of April 15th, Western Illinois University –Quad Cities marks the end of a tax preparation era. WIU-QC has sponsored the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for almost 20 years under the guidance of Associate Professor Tony Falgiani, who retires from Western this month and will move from the area.
While Falgiani has planned for the transition of the program to the Center for Economic Progress so that low and middle income taxpayers will have the benefits of the program in the future, things will be different.
"I have watched children grow from toddlers into teenagers as they accompanied their parents to have their taxes prepared for free," Falgaini said.
Students have grown in their ability to work with the public in preparation for their professional careers. While many were accounting majors at WIU anyone was eligible for certification as a preparer. Some students participated in the program for several years. The vice president of the Society of Accountancy at WIU-QC served as the student coordinator of the program. Kimber Nicke served that role this year and learned how to organize and guide volunteers. Gretchen Schlund, a preparer this year hopes to serve as coordinator next year. This tradition will continue although a site coordinator will also help VITA run smoothly in the future.
Leah Coursey, a WIU-QC accounting graduate has served as site coordinator this year and will continue in the future.
"I will miss the many people I have come to know through the program" Falgiani said.
VITA has also been a culturally diverse activity. Many new immigrants to the U.S. have utilized the services of VITA and some have gone on to continue their education at WIU.
Copy by Tami Seitz, WIU-QC
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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