Riverside City College Hosts First Annual “Community College to CPA” Event

Nov 13, 2025
Students and presenters at the CPA event
On October 23, 2025, Riverside City College (RCC) proudly hosted the first annual Community College to CPA event, a dynamic evening dedicated to inspiring the next generation of accountants. The event was held in partnership with the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) and coordinated by David Lo of CalCPA, in collaboration with RCC Accounting Faculty Jennifer Corr, Marjorie McPike, and Frank Rangel.
 
The event was designed to help students explore the academic and professional pathways from community college to the CPA credential, while providing opportunities to connect with RCC alumni, local CPAs, and university faculty. Through panel discussions, networking, and personal stories, students gained valuable insights into transfer opportunities, career development, and the many ways to build community along the CPA journey.
Finding Community at a Four-Year Institution
 
The evening began with a panel titled “Finding Community at a Four-Year Institution,” featuring three former RCC students who are now thriving in their academic and professional pursuits:
 
  • Ashley Gibson, Senior at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
  • Matt Przybyszewski, Junior at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
  • Monica Wysocki, CPA, Audit Senior at RAMS
 
These alumni shared their experiences transitioning from community college to a university setting and offered encouragement to current students navigating their own educational paths.
 
A second panel, “The Transfer Experience: Building Pathways to Student Success,” featured esteemed faculty from several local universities who shared valuable advice about transferring, academic expectations, and professional growth:
  • Dr. Julie Browning, Ph.D., California Baptist University
  • Dr. Magdy Farag, Ph.D., Cal Poly Pomona
  • Dr. Taewoo Kim, Ph.D., CSUSB
  • Dr. Mei Koo, Ph.D., Cal Poly Pomona
  • Danette Zurek, MBA, CPA, La Sierra University
 
Their collective message emphasized preparation, persistence, and the importance of building relationships early in a student’s academic journey.
Navigating the CPA Pathway
 
The final panel, “Becoming a CPA: Accounting Professionals Panel” brought together an impressive group of practicing CPAs who shared their experiences, insights, and encouragement:
 
  • Brandon Ferrell, CPA (Eadie and Payne)
  • Alicia Orejel, CPA, MBA, AEP (Orejel Alicia CPA)
  • Jamaal Jackson, CPA (Bourns, Inc.)
  • Brad Welebir, CPA (RAMS)
  • Matt Wilson, CPA (Wilson Ivanova)
  • Dennis Lee, CPA (Eide Bailly)
  • Danielle Howard, CPA (Eide Bailly)
 
Many of these professionals are active members of the CalCPA Inland Empire Chapter, allowing students to learn more about the organization’s role in professional development and community engagement. And also provides additional opportunities for students to engage and network.
 
The event brought together a diverse and inspiring group of over 50 students, plus educators and professionals all united by a shared passion for accounting and education. The room was filled with energy, mentorship, and the spirit of possibility.
 
Students left with not only practical knowledge about the CPA pathway but also a renewed sense of motivation. Seeing professionals who once sat in the same classrooms—and hearing their stories of perseverance and success provided tangible proof that the journey from community college to CPA is achievable.
 
As one faculty member noted, “We all have our own journey and road to travel, but seeing others who have done it makes the path feel more possible.”
 
The CTE Engagement Center and the BLCIS Department look forward to building on this year’s success and continuing to create opportunities for students to connect, grow, and envision their future in the accounting profession.