Ly Pham
Graduation year: 2012
Majors: Accounting and business administration-finance and international business
Activities: Sigma Kappa Tau sorority, Asian Student Organization
Post-grad plans: Earn my Master of Accounting at The Ohio State University, and then work at a public accounting firm
Are you where you thought you'd be four years ago?
No, I didn't imagine I could be offered so many opportunities in terms of academics as well as personal growth.
Why did you choose to attend Augustana?
Before I came here as a freshman in August 2008, I had never been to the U.S. and I don't have any relatives here either, so my entire decision was based on a combination of what I learned about the school from the Augie website, the school's rank and my impression of the admissions staff. Best decision I’ve ever made!
A peak experience?
Being the co-chair of Business Day 2011 was my peak experience. It was a combination of all the previous leadership positions I had at Augustana. Planning the event was a long process, but I felt rewarded for my efforts, knowing that I helped other students get closer to the real business world.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. Delaney recommended me to the recruiter at Ohio State and put in a good word for me. Dr. Delaney also works hard to help students get awesome accounting internships. It was thanks to him that I got my internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers, which led to a full-time job offer. In addition, Dr. Ericson in the business department and my boss, Dr. Smith, in the sociology department, have helped me get used to life at Augustana. My family and best friend, Jamila Washington, also provided great support as our conversations always urged me to expand my horizons.
What will you miss the most about Augustana?
I will miss the people here — my friends, the business and accounting departments, my boss, Dr. Marsha Smith — and the beautiful campus. I won't miss all the hills though.
“How can you not admire a student like Ly Pham? She left her family in Vietnam to come to Augustana and has taken advantage of the many educational, cultural and social opportunities at the college like no other student I've met. Ly is one of our Outstanding Senior Accounting Majors this year. Soon she will be off to The Ohio State University to complete a master's of accountancy fellowship. Did Ly get the most from her time at Augustana? Absolutely! I'll miss that smile she wears every day.”