Alumni Giving - Elaine Williamson
Leading the Way for Students
Elaine Williamson
My journey to SOM spans several years and some changed dreams. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1984. The summer before graduation was spent in Fairbanks visiting my older sister and working at Gate 5, a local Fairbanks restaurant.
After graduation, I returned to Fairbanks with plans to stay for only one year while applying to law schools. Once I moved back to Fairbanks, I didn’t want to leave. With UAF in my backyard, I enrolled in accounting courses in the School of Management. At first I wasn’t planning on getting a degree, but after a few semesters it seemed logical to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. I decided it would be acceptable to change my journey.
In an accounting class, Professor Tom Bartlett made an announcement about the òòò½´«Ã½ Society of Certified Public Accountants, and encouraged us to apply for its Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Scholarship. I was selected as one of the recipients. That summer, I received a phone call from Garry Hutchison, from Kohler, Schmitt & Hutchison, PC, (KSH) asking if I was interested in interning at the firm. Jean Schmitt, one of his partners, who had served on the society’s scholarship committee, had showed him my resume.
I was energized by the offer and things began moving quickly. That internship led to a permanent position at the firm in the fall of 1990, and ten years later, I became a partner. I am grateful for the education I received at UAF’s School of Management and feel very fortunate for the opportunities and successes I have enjoyed as a result.
I also feel privileged to have worked with Jean Schmitt prior to her retirement. She was a great role model and I am very proud that KSH is able to annually support the scholarship established in her honor.
My journey is far from over. I feel a connection to SOM and continue to stay involved in numerous ways - such as serving on the SOM Accounting Advisory Board, participating in the Spring Etiquette Dinner, helping Kohler, Schmitt & Hutchison to recruit accounting students, and making personal and business gifts to SOM.
I encourage you to join me in a journey to SOM. Chart your own course, find different ways to reach your destination, but find a way to get involved. Volunteer your time to speak to students, host a student organization at your work, participate in a SOM event, or give a gift to SOM to help students to succeed. Anything you do will help support future SOM students in their own journeys.