This is part of #EberlyAmazingStudents, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Juan Gonzalez comes from the small town of Kennett Square, the self-proclaimed mushroom capital of the world. Kennett Square is located in south-east Pennsylvania near Westchester.
Juan explained, "Eberly has an incredible accounting program that is also AASCB accredited, they also offer an education that is affordable." He is dual majoring in accounting and management information systems with a minor in military leadership. "Thus far, my experience with Eberly and IUP has been excellent. I am kept very busy; but, with the support of my peers and the faculty, I am able to thrive. The materials that I am learning are perfectly aligned with what I was hoping to learn."
Juan is a very active member in the Crimson Hawk community. He is in the Business Honors Program, vice president of the Latino student organization, in ROTC, helped create a CrossFit club inside ROTC, and the secretary of the National Association of Black Accountants. He has been participating in these organizations since he first began his career at IUP.
Juan did not initially intend to join ROTC, but was influenced by one of the cadre during orientation. His first experiences were somewhat of a culture shock, leading to him withdraw after his first semester. He quickly realized that he was unhappy with leaving the program and rejoined. "I have learned so much from these organizations. ROTC has taught me a tremendous amount of discipline and boosted my confidence immensely. Being a part of so many different organizations has also helped me to refine my time management skills."
Juan also explained that LASO and NABA helped him to find a stronger sense of belonging. "They [LASO and NABA] have introduced me to the true amount of diversity that exists on campus. My current goal for these two organizations is simply to spread awareness." Juan also praised the BHP for the amount of professional and networking opportunities that it has provided.
Juan plans to enter public accounting to work for one of the Big 4 public accounting firms. He also intends to attain a master's degree in either accounting or finance; from there he will consider pursuing a PhD. Juan has a high level of confidence that Eberly will send him into the workforce fully prepared and that his networking opportunities will open plenty of doors for him. "My active participation in the student organizations and ROTC has taught me incredible leadership and communication skills which I think will give me a leg up in my professional career.
"The goal is just to get fit, make it the best hour of your day.' That is a quote that is exercise-oriented, but it has connotations linked to nearly all aspects of life. No matter what it is that you do, give it your all." Juan believes that integrity, staying true to your commitments, and never holding back will lead to a more fulfilling life.
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!
This profile was written by Tyler Vicari, a student in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology