Alumni Spotlight
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Questions with Henry Herr
1. You have been a long-time supporter of Ludwig Kulas and RD Koppenhaver (exemplary professors at UND), what key lessons did you learn from them?
Kulas and Koppenhaver instilled a sense of questioning and curiosity that enables us to think about if things can be done more efficiently or effectively. Koppenhaver was a quirky guy, and I always remembered his auditing class. He would always ask questions with no relevance, once I got out into the field of Public Accounting I realized there was a motive, and it helped prepare me for different situations. Years later when I talked to him he explained how he utilized that strategy to prepare us.
Kulas and Koppenhaver had a great interest in students individually, what they were doing, and where they were going to go. This is why I have committed the seed money to the Kulas and Koppenhaver Endowed Professorship, to continue to support faculty that are inspirational educations for students and have a strong interest in teaching and students.
2. What tips do you have for new graduates entering the workforce?
The best attribute you can have is a sense of curiosity and questioning. Look at things, be innovative, and make a change. The ability to collaborate is a strong asset even in the finance world. You can work with a variety of diverse backgrounds (nurses/doctors), and you need to represent your specialty. Integrity is also very important for finance professionals.
3. Define what North Dakota Spirit is to you?
North Dakota Spirit is very practical, hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy. Those are common qualities that I feel represent people in the Mid-West. You can’t be too dreamy or optimistic when you face a North Dakota Winter.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Investing in Memories….
Funding Opportunities in Memory of Kulas & Koppenhaver
Every student has the opportunity to be inspired by a teacher. In the College of Business and Public Administration our history of inspiring teachers began with “Kope and Louie.” Today, exceptional teachers in the Department of Accountancy are tradition.
Through Henry Herr’s generous gift, the College of Business and Public Administration has created and endowment to support faculty in their teaching by establishing the Kulas Kopenhaver Faculty Professorship Endowment.
Our goal is to grow this professorship of $500,000 to an endowed Chair level of $3 Million. Through the generosity of the B. John Barry Family, your gift towards the Kulas Kopenhaver Endowed Chair Endowment may be matched 3:1, extending the impact of your commitment to continuing the legacy of excellence in teaching.