Accenture, a consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, hosted an appreciation breakfast for College of Business faculty at Colorado State University on Monday, December 4.

"Accenture has hired many Colorado State graduates and they want to thank the people that have taught those students," said Bill Shuster, a clinical professor in the college's management department.

About 30 faculty members are attended the event. Those attending from Accenture included Shelly Swanback, BSBA- Finance and CIS ’91, Kenneth Joel, MBA-Finance ’91, Kenneth Kelly BSBA-Finance ’05 and Brian Turner. The Accenture officials presented Bill Shuster with an award naming him “most influential professor,” and four faculty members were recognized for instructional excellence. These included Bill Schuster, Gretchen Irwin, associate professor in CIS; Derek Johnston, assistant professor in accounting and Sanjay Ramchander, associate professor in finance. Also, the company is providing scholarships to the bookstore for one student from each department in the name of the faculty members.

"We know professors have a big influence on the students - our future recruits. This leadership award is based on the survey the College of Business does each year of their graduating seniors," said Kenneth Joel at Accenture. "We feel it is an extraordinary accomplishment to be recognized by the students and we want to show our appreciation. We hope that providing a scholarship in the professor's name represents the same values and commitment."