UOG鈥檚 Pakingan Named PCAOB Scholar, Wins $15,000 Award

鈥淚鈥檓 happy that I can pursue my master鈥檚 without having to worry too much about financing,鈥� said the 20-year-old Pakingan.

Pakingan credits her family and her faith while celebrating her most recent accomplishment on her path to becoming a certified public accountant. She recalled the day in July when she learned the good news.

鈥淚 told my family first, and we were all excited,鈥� she said, adding that the recognition brought her proud mother to tears. 鈥淎nd I always thank the Lord for all the blessings that he鈥檚 given me.鈥�

Pakingan said she鈥檚 making the most of her final semester as an undergrad. She is a member of the Junior Accountants Society at UOG and also is currently 鈥渓earning and getting the hang of things鈥� as an intern at Ernst & Young.

Dr. Doreen Crisostomo-Mu帽a, professor of accounting at UOG, said Pakingan has demonstrated both academic excellence and a passion for accounting on her way to being ranked in the top one-third of her class.

It was Crisostomo-Mu帽a who nominated her student for the honor.

鈥淏eyond her strong performance, what stood out was her commitment to serving others,鈥� said Crisostomo-Mu帽a. 鈥淪he reflects the knowledge, integrity, and dedication that UOG strives to instill in every student, preparing them to succeed and make a positive impact wherever they go.鈥�

The professor said those qualities will help Pakingan broaden her social and professional networks while staying focused on her academic and career goals.

鈥淲ith her strong work ethic and dedication to service, I am confident she will excel in her profession and continue giving back, exemplifying UOG鈥檚 mission to prepare students to lead and serve with purpose,鈥� she said.

鈥淔or the past six years, our students have been recognized with this scholarship, and her selection continues that proud tradition.鈥�