News Release
Accounting department receives largest individual gift in its history
$500,000 gift from professor emeritus Vincent Schaze will fund expanded student, faculty development
SAN FRANCISCO, October 10, 2008 – The San Francisco State University Accounting Department has received the largest individual gift in its history. The $500,000 gift, made by the late Professor Emeritus of Accounting Vincent Schaze, will establish the Vincent J. Schaze Enrichment Fund for Students and Faculty in Accounting. The gift will be used to enhance student learning and faculty teaching and research in accounting.
Schaze, who died in May 2007 at the age of 81, was hired at SF State in 1956 and retired in 2004. In his 48 years of teaching at SF State, Schaze never missed a day of instruction. Schaze previously donated $400,000 to the College of Business in 2002.
"Professor Schaze is an outstanding example of the commitment and dedication that the Accounting faculty have to their field, the profession and their students," said Nancy Hayes, dean of the College of Business. "His gift will allow the accounting faculty to ensure that the curriculum fully prepares students for their careers and assists students in their professional skill development."
Schaze held degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Berkeley and a master's of taxation from SF State. Schaze also worked as a land developer and general contactor, working on projects such as Parktown Homes in Milpitas and University Terrace in Santa Cruz.
In the classroom, Schaze is remembered for being an engaging teacher who challenged his students to develop proficient reasoning and communication skills within the accounting discipline. His exams often featured essay questions that challenged his students to explain complex problems in a clear manner. Annual essay contests for students in Schaze's name are being planned.
"Vincent was an outstanding professor and colleague," said Jiunn Huang, accounting department chair. "He was passionately devoted to excellence in teaching and he helped grow the accounting department and establish its history of partnerships with area accounting firms and industry leaders."
The SF State Accounting Department is the largest undergraduate concentration in the College of Business with nearly 1,100 students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting. The department has a strong history of active partnerships with area employers and supports four active student organizations which provide opportunities for student interaction with accounting professionals on a regular basis.
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