Successful Alumni
Samantha Patterson graduated in 2015 with majors in public accounting and business administration, with a minor in Asian studies. Originally from Rogers, Minnesota, Samantha works for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as a Financial Institution Specialist (FIS) in Lexington, Kentucky. She earned her certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the summer of 2016.
"The education I received at Coe gave my dream a name, and the professors and opportunities provided the resources to pursue that path. It is the continuous encouragement of the Coe family that taught me to never settle for less than your passion."
Kyle Boardman graduated in 2014 with majors in public accounting and business administration. A native of Dubuque, Iowa, he is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at Honkamp Krueger in Cedar Rapids and resides in North Liberty.
"The Coe experience put me in a great position to have immediate success after graduation. Coe has so many different connections to local, national and even international companies located in the Cedar Rapids area that it really gives students great opportunities to get real-world experience. I was able to get an internship with the company that I work for now while at Coe, and I credit Coe's brand in the area as one of the main reasons that I got the position. Employers know that Coe students are challenged daily in the classroom and will be ready to face anything that comes at them in the work world."
Bibek Adhikari graduated in 2011 with majors in economics and mathematics. In 2016, he earned a Ph.D. in economics from Tulane University, where he specialized in taxation. Bibek serves as an economics professor at Illinois State University in Normal, where he teaches public economics and introductory economics courses.
"Coe's well-rounded education, particularly economics and mathematics courses and the Spellman research program, which helped me hone skills such as critical and analytical thinking, and presenting ideas through compelling writing and speech, proved immensely helpful in my graduate studies."
Scott DeAngelis graduated in 2012 with a double major in economics and business administration and a minor in mathematics. A native of Clinton, Iowa, he completed a joint degree in law (J.D.) and economics (Ph.D) at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and is beginning a career as an attorney with Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"My experience at Coe, without question, prepared me for success in my graduate studies and beyond. The positive environment and quality of instruction created an educational environment for me that promoted academic growth. The personal attention and support by the accomplished faculty challenged me, while helping guide me to pursue my interests. The opportunity to partake in a meaningful internship and participate in the Spellman Research Program provided invaluable experience for which I am grateful today."
Holly (Grieder) Corkery graduated in 2009, double majoring in history and economics. She went on to study law at the University of Iowa and graduated in 2012. She has practiced at Lynch Dallas, P.C. in Cedar Rapids since 2012, where she maintains a general litigation practice.
“The faculty at Coe are really exceptional. Not only are they experts in their fields, but they truly care about Coe students and take the time to get to know them. My professors wanted to see me grow and succeed both professionally and personally. Specific to my legal career, the Economics Department provided me with challenges that strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Those skills were essential to my success in law school, and I continue to utilize them each day. Coe is a special place, and I am always proud to call myself a Coe graduate."
Zach Huitink graduated magna cum laude with a double major in business administration and economics in 2009, receiving the Harley W. Howell prize in business and economics and an award for an outstanding senior thesis. Upon graduation, he worked as a financial analyst at GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation. In 2012, he earned his master's degree in public policy at the University of Kentucky's Martin School, where he also worked as a research assistant. After graduating from the Martin School, Zach earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he completed a Ph.D. in public affairs and is now an assistant teaching professor.
“Coe impacted me tremendously. Through the Business and Economics Department, I was able to complement my coursework with summer research, participation in a student-run investment fund, an internship at the Chicago Board of Trade and complete my thesis. I am grateful for these and many other positive experiences I had as a student.”
- Lisa Freeze Wyssbrod (business and accounting) — manager, National Banking Industry Group, Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Deb Lindberg Gersten (business and accounting) — senior vice president of investments and financial consultant, Cedar Rapids Investment Consulting
- Sandra O'Hara Kaloupek (business and accounting) — VP for administration and finance, World Class Industries
- Heather Reindl Koranda (business and accounting) — accounting manager, Lil Drug Store Products
- Aminata Soumah (business, accounting, French) — staff accountant, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
- Kurt Tjelmeland (business and accounting) — J.D., Northwestern, corporate counsel, T and K Roofing
- Matt Van Waning (business and accounting) — audit manager, RSM McGladrey
- Debbie Kennedy White (business and accounting) — manager of operational accounting, AEGON USA