UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 31, Page 3
May 13, 1993
Colleagues, students share memories, respect
At a reception held April 30, William Markell, retiring chairperson of
the University's Department of Accounting, was presented with a memory book
of letters compiled by colleagues, friends, students and alumni. The
occasion also marked the announcement of the new William Markell
Scholarship Fund.
The scholarship fund will provide educational support for
undergraduate accounting students who have demonstrated commitment to
education and service to the profession and community-qualities espoused by
Markell as the marks of an accounting professional.
The scholarship will serve to encourage deserving students to enter
the accounting program, to perform at a high standard of academic
excellence and to follow Markell's model of service as an accounting
professional.
Scholarships bearing his name will ensure that future generations of
students and faculty will long remember his many contributions to the field
and the accounting department at the University.
Through classroom teaching, publications, program appearances and
other professional activities, Markell ranks among the country's most
respected contemporary accounting educators and administrators.
He is recognized as being instrumental in achieving the full
accreditation for all University of Delaware accounting programs from the
American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business and in earning full
membership status for the accounting department in the Federation of
Schools of Accountancy.
Markell's service in such organizations as the American Accounting
Association, the American Institute of CPAs, the Financial Executives
Institute, United Way of Delaware and the Audit Committee of the Delaware
State Board of Pensions exemplifies his long-term service commitment to the
profession as well as to the community-at-large.
From the more than 60 letters of tribute presented to Markell, the
following excerpts illustrate how colleagues and former students feel about
the man who virtually started the accounting program at the University:
"When I walked into my first accounting class at the University of
Delaware in 1965, I had no idea that the professor teaching the course
would inspire me to such a degree that I would wind up owning my own CPA
firm."
-Joseph J. Szewczyk, Wilmington
"It was your patient encouragement that helped me to complete my
studies at the University of Delaware back in the early '60s. Your positive
attitude taught me to believe in myself and today I am grateful to have
learned that lesson.
"After graduating from college, I went to work as a marketing and
financial analyst for the appliance division of Ford Motor Co. for six
years. Now, I am working as a consultant with small businesses. In
addition,I am the treasurer of the county Patriot Party...and chairwoman of
a budget committee for a citizen's tax action group concerned with public
school funding. All of this would not have been possible without your help
and guidance, Dr. Markell...."
-Sally A. Stieber, Exton, Pa.
"Of all the professors I had at Delaware, you stand out in my mind as
one of the best....I remember most your support of my extracurricular
activity...swimming.... It was nice to get some support and
encouragement....I also always appreciated your brief notes after
graduation regarding how my swimming was doing..."
-Linda A. Hiltabiddle Miller, Dearborn, Mich
"...I am also thankful for receiving your support even after I
graduated. You have always waved the flag of the University among the big
six accounting firms, which combined with the outstanding quality that you
built in the department, has resulted in your graduates being some of the
most-sought-after college students by all accounting firms...."
-Robert J. Lipstein, Philadelphia
"Back in early 1983 you were very supportive of my plans to earn a
master's degree. In the fall of 1983, I enrolled in the Jones Graduate
School of Administration at Rice University. I recall one day when one of
the Jones professors walked up to me and said, I was at a conference, and
Bill Markell sent his regards. Such sentiments meant a great deal to me,
1,400 miles from Purnell Hall."
-Charles A. Langenhop Jr., Dallas
"...I have seen you in action in a number of situations-frustrated
students, angry parents, difficult faculty-and you always solved every
problem in a very peaceful manner. I can honestly say I have never heard
you say an unkind word about anyone...."
-Thelma Flewelling, office coordinator
"The nation's bicentennial year marked the beginning of your
leadership in starting the accounting department. Each year brought better
news: the establishment of the master's program, the accreditation of the
MBA and then the undergrad accounting program and then the MS. What was
once a small, and not particularly well-recognized program gained national
recognition and became one of the best programs at the U. of D. What
happened during your years as chair is remarkable and few people have made
as big a difference as you have."
-Eric Brucker, dean, University of Michigan School of Management,
and former dean, U.D. College of Business and Economics
"You have always been an inspiration to me and have helped me realize
that I do want to remain in academia. With all sincerity, I say that you
are one of the good guys."
-Richard Brody, Scottsdale, Ariz
"I'd like to thank you for being there at Delaware. I have often
thought of you. Of all of the teachers and faculty I met, you stand out. I
can imagine that a lot of other students were also grateful for your
support and positive attitude."
-Lauren Lyn Martz Coates, Havre de Grace, Md.
-Beth Thomas