MAcc graduate Elizabeth Ramsay Liongitau speaks at 2023 Convocation

The 2023 Convocation speaker for the David Eccles School of Business was Elizabeth Ramsay Liongitau. Liongitau is from Tonga and graduated from the Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program. Her father always said she would graduate from a “prestigious college in America.” Inspired by her father and her determination to make him proud, she pursued her dream of higher education and graduated from that prestigious college in America.

Her father taught her that she could rise above her current circumstances, which pushed her through her master’s program. Liongitau explained, “Our limitations should not stop us from dreaming, dreaming of exploring a foreign land, of an educational opportunity, of an outstanding career, and making a difference in the world.” Liongitau undertook the MAcc program, learned how to get around the United States, and overcame many other difficulties. She expressed gratitude to the faculty members who helped her develop critical thinking abilities and the support of LaShelle Mann, program adviser for MAcc.

She hopes to be an example for every little girl in Tonga and the Pacific Islands community to show that they can rise above their circumstances and face whatever challenges come their way. Liongitau is excited to see where this next step in life takes her, ending with, “It’s a great time to be an accountant.”

Watch the full speech here. 

Ranked top 50 in the country by Public Accounting Report and AACSB-accredited, the David Eccles School of Business Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree adds the credential needed to advance your career in the accounting world, be that in public, private, government, or non-profit organizations. Students gain skills in business and leadership, prepare to pass the CPA exam, and enter an industry that consistently ranks as one of the top growth areas.