Katie Romer Illustrates Excellence as Tutor, Student, and Friend

While each member of Beta Alpha Psi has proven their dedication both to their academics and to the community, every once in a while a student far surpasses the standard. Katie Romer is one of these students. She has been an integral member of the club, attending every meeting and participating in every event that the club hosted or attended. She has been a backbone of the club, providing support to officers in every position. But it was in her role as an accounting tutor that Katie truly shone.

Every week Katie dedicated an average of four to ten hours to tutoring students struggling in their accounting courses. In the College of Business Tutoring Center, she worked with them one-on-one until they were able to understand the material. Any time one of her classes was canceled, she headed to the tutor room to fill the time. All of these services she provided were free, too. Not a single student was charged despite the excellent quality and the depth of her knowledge.

Katie first began tutoring to fulfill the service hour requirements for Beta Alpha Psi and because she enjoys helping others.  Her most rewarding experience took place in the Fall of 2012 when she worked with a student who was failing Intro to Managerial Accounting for the third time. The student came to Katie after being referred by a friend. She was lost and completely bewildered by the material she was supposed to be learning. After working together, the student not only achieved a B on the final, she passed the class with a C.

Encouraged by these successes, Katie decided she “actually was helpful” and began routinely devoting her time to the Tutoring Center. “At times it was challenging when I couldn’t remember the material students would need help with,” she said. Other times, disparities in how professors taught the material presented challenges. Nevertheless, she tirelessly collaborated with students and relied on her own strong understanding to bridge those gaps. She has helped many students improve not only their grades but their knowledge of accounting.

Katie successfully graduated this Spring. Although we are sad to lose such a friendly face and integral part of the Tutoring Center, Katie has an amazing career unfolding before her. In July she begins as a Staff Accountant at Chico-based CPA firm, Matson & Isom. She is studying for the CPA exam and plans to pass all four parts within the next year. Katie Romer is a shining example of what Beta Alpha Psi students can accomplish and as we tell her goodbye, we do so with excitement to see what her future holds and with full confidence she will succeed in every step she takes along the way.