Then: Accounting major.
Now: Living in Plymouth , Minn. , and working as a Tax Partner with KPMG LLP in Minneapolis.
What was your most memorable moment as an MSU student?
I remember taking the corporate tax class and, amidst one of the tax lectures, concluding that I wanted to be a tax accountant in public accounting. That became my goal. After graduation I joined Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co (now KPMG) as a tax staff accountant. As I recently celebrated my 20th anniversary with KPMG, I obviously made an excellent choice.
How are you involved with MSU today?
I've been involved the last few years as a member of the College of Business Advisory Board (and) participated in the College of Business eMentoring program since its inception. Several KPMG alumni, including myself, are active with the Department of Accounting and its faculty, the Accounting Club, and recruitment. I coordinate charitable contributions to MSU from alumni who work at KPMG.
Why stay connected?
My biggest motivation is to give back advice and counsel that can enable students to find a successful areer after graduation. I received an excellent education and foundation at MSU which has allowed me to achieve a successful business career beyond what I would have thought possible when I graduated from high school .
How are you rewarded for giving back?
I take great pride in the success numerous MSU graduates have had within KPMG. KPMG has and ontinues to employ some of the best and brightest students graduatingfrom MSU. … I want to continue to see MSU graduates contributing their talent and energy within my firm, as well as in other organizations.
Find ways to volunteer for MSU at www.mnsu.edu/alumni/volunteer
Tom Walters, 1971, Eden Prairie , MN , is the managing partner of Grant Thornton's Minneapolis office. Tom began his career with Grant Thornton in 1971.He and his wife of 32 years, Sandy , have four sons
