Alum Albert Giple Sharpens Accounting and Leadership Skills at MCCC

Alum Albert Giple Sharpens Accounting and
Leadership Skills at MCCC

6/20/11

West Windsor, N.J. - When Albert Giple '07 (A.S., Business Administration) left his war-torn homeland of Liberia eight years ago, he had one thing in mind: to obtain a solid education. He has accomplished his goal, thanks to his relentless thirst for knowledge and his commitment to hard work. Giple discovered his passion for accounting in high school and gained a further foundation at Mercer County Community College. Today he is an accountant for Mercadien, P.C., C.P.As, a Princeton-based accounting and business consulting firm.

Giple, who focuses on a broad array of taxation issues, finds his job fascinating and rewarding. "I love its complexity," said Giple, who joined Mercadien in 2008. "There is always something new and interesting to learn. Tax problems can be burdensome on individuals, corporations, estates and trusts. Tax laws change daily and keeping up with them is a big challenge. These areas of specialization are among Mercadien's many services. Working as a part of a team that helps others in such matters is very fulfilling."

Albert Giple '07

Upon graduating from Nottingham High School, Giple chose Mercer to test the college waters academically and socially. Admitting that he had "hurdles to overcome," he did not feel confident. "I had very few computer skills and mediocre writing skills, and I was still adapting to the American school system as well as the culture. I was also contemplating whether accounting was what I really wanted to pursue."

With its diverse student body, small class size, state-of-the-art technology, and helpful faculty and staff, MCCC exceeded Giple's expectations. "Mercer empowered and equipped me with the tools I needed to advance my education," said the Dean's List student, who was the recipient of several scholarships and awards.

Taking advantage of what Mercer offered, Giple sought out academic enrichment and developed leadership skills. He credits numerous MCCC staff members with contributing to his success, including Arlene Stinson, Lydia Walegir, Susan Onaitis, and faculty members Alvyn Haywood, Khoushab Framarz and Noreen Duncan. "They have had a lasting impact on me," he said. Giple adds that the Career Services office helped him polish his resume and prepare for job interviews.

Active in campus life, Giple coached students with intellectual disabilities as a peer mentor in Mercer's DREAM program and served as a tutor in MCCC's Learning Center, assisting fellow students in accounting, college algebra and other business courses. He worked full-time as a staff member for Allies, Inc., a non-profit group that works with disabled individuals and joined the Liberian International Foundation for Education (LIFE), a non-profit co-founded by MCCC student counselor Patrick Mombo, where he served as treasurer. The organization's mission is to nurture high school students here and abroad. Giple also volunteered at Hamilton Continuing Care Center.

Giple continued his education at Rutgers University, graduating cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Accounting in 2010. While studying for his degree he was already working at Mercadien, where he had started as an intern. He is currently preparing for the four-part C.P.A. exam and will take the first section in July.

Giple believes that one of the keys to success is to focus on what is important. He adds that his supportive family and his faith in God have been paramount.

"Be determined and persevere," advises Giple, a member of the National Association for Black Accountants (NABA) and student member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA). "As you move up in your major, your studies will be more challenging and difficult, but stay the course, get the help you need, and keep moving forward. As the saying goes, 'Nothing good comes easy.' Be resilient!"