University’s IMA Student Chapter Joins Elite Group of Nine ‘Gold’ Winners Nationwide

The University of Scranton’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) student chapter was recognized with Gold Status for the 2025-26 academic year, placing it among just nine student chapters across the nation to receive the distinction.

The Gold Status designation is awarded to student chapter that demonstrate excellence in chapter leadership, member engagement, professional development activities and service to the accounting profession. This is the seventh time Scranton’s IMA student chapter has received Gold Status, including one year earlier in 2025.

Student officers included:

• Rachel Tuman, an accounting and political science double major from Lake Ariel, president and outreach officer;

• Christopher Powers, an accounting major from Lawrence Township, New Jersey, documentation officer;

• Ryan Hanley, an accounting and finance double major from Dumont, New Jersey, secretary;

• Michael Yates, an accounting major from Stroudsburg, treasurer and social media officer;

• Dylan Port Vliet, a finance major from Manahawkin, New Jersey, fundraising and service officer;

• Madyson Spevak, an accounting and finance double major from Easton, advertising officer.

The University’s award-winning chapter is advised by Ashley Stampone, Ph.D ’10, G’11, PHD’22, assistant professor of accounting.

“Earning Gold Status for the second consecutive year is a remarkable accomplishment, especially as one of only nine IMA student chapters nationwide to receive this distinction,” said Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, professor and chair of Scranton’s Department of Accounting. “Dr. Stampone’s outstanding mentorship and guidance have been instrumental to the chapter’s success, while our students’ leadership, initiative and engagement have distinguished them nationally. We are extremely proud of their achievement and the distinction it brings to the University.”

The University has consistently distinguished itself with its chapter in IMA, a global association dedicated to advancing the management accounting profession through education, certification and professional development. Scranton’s IMA chapter provides students with campus programming and opportunities for student leadership, as well as engagement with accounting professionals.

Among its activities during the 2025-26 academic year was attending the Student Leadership Conference in November in Cleveland, Ohio. Using the IDEA Center at Scranton’s Weiss Hall, Spevak designed, printed and pressed T-shirts for the IMA’s T-shirt competition, which Scranton won.

“Some of the benefits of attending the Student Leadership Conference include connecting with like-minded individuals, learning more about companies within the CMA field and gaining insight into organizations that offer opportunities in managerial accounting and corporate financing,” Spevak said. “The conference provides a great opportunity to learn about potential career paths while building relationships with professionals and other students who share similar interests.”