Wake Forest MSA Students Have the Highest CPA Exam Pass Rate in the Nation

Wake Forest Schools of Business students achieved the #1 pass rate in the nation on the Certified Public Accountant Exam among candidates (with and without advanced degrees) from nearly 2,000 colleges and universities. Wake Forest students have earned the top ranking nine times since the School began offering a Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree in 1997, more than any other university during the same time period.

Wake Forest students led first-time exam candidates by achieving an overall pass rate of 96%, compared to the next closest university at 88% (among those who have not yet earned an advanced degree). The results were recently reported in the 2011 Edition of Candidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination. Nationally, the overall pass rate during this same period was less than 55%.

Congratulations MSA students!

Novartis Chairman Daniel Vasella to Speak at Wake Forest Schools of Business

The chairman of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies will discuss humanity, business and ethics at the Wake Forest Schools of Business as part of the Broyhill Leading Out Loud Executive Lecture Series.

Dr. Daniel Vasella will address the challenges and opportunities facing the global pharmaceutical industry and answer the question “how can businesses be caring?” during a on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the Worrell Professional Center Auditorium, Room 1312 on the Wake Forest University campus.

Vasella is the chairman of Novartis AG. He served as CEO and executive member of the board for 14 years following the merger that created Novartis in 1996. He was named chairman in April 1999.

Before the Novartis merger, Vasella was the CEO of Sandoz Pharma Ltd. and a member of the Sandoz Group executive committee. He graduated with an M.D. from the University of Bern and completed executive training at the Harvard Business School. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Basel.

Novartis, named Pharma Company of the Year at the 2011 SCRIP Awards, operates in 140 countries, providing pharmaceuticals, generic medications, eye care products, consumer health products, vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Leading out Loud is a Wake Forest University Schools of Business lecture series created to educate and inspire business students through exposure to industry leaders shaping today’s business world. This series is made possible by the of the Broyhill Family Foundation of Lenoir, N.C.

The Entrepreneurship Club and Graduate Business Wine Club - Vineyard Trip

On Friday, November 11, the Entrepreneurship Club, in association with the Graduate Business Wine Club, organized a trip to the Westbend Vineyards. The purpose of the trip was to give the students an insight into a family run business. It was a delight for both wine lovers and for our aspiring entrepreneurs.

Located in Lewisville, N.C., the vineyard was first planted in 1972 by Jack Kroustalis against the advice of some agricultural authorities. The thriving vineyard is a result of Jack’s determination. His story was an inspiration for us.

Around 40 people from both clubs were able to attend the event. The owner and the manager gave us a tour of the vineyard, explaining every step of the process of making wine, from handpicking the fruit to packaging. After the tour, we chatted over wine as the sun set.

Overall, it was a very elegant experience and an inspiring trip!