Accounting WEB reports that the AICPA has named Andrey Stoyan
Beta Alpha Psi's 2013 Medal of Inspiration Award winner.
The award, sponsored by the AICPA, is bestowed on a student who has
experienced extreme hardships in his or her life and who has
demonstrated an unusually high level of success despite that adversity.
The award
includes a $5,000 cash stipend.
In 2008, with only $1,000 to his name, no job prospects, and limited
English skills, Stoyan immigrated to the United States from Russia to
escape the social intolerance and oppressive discrimination facing
individuals in Russia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
community.
"Andrey's story of overcoming discrimination in his homeland and
ultimately realizing his dream of becoming an accountant in the United
States is an inspiration to those around the world who find themselves
in similar situations," said Jeanne Patton, ACIPA vice president of
Academics, Professional Pathways, and Inclusion. "His perseverance, hard
work, and dedication to his community made him an ideal choice for the
Medal of Inspiration Award."
Stoyan said he's honored by the award and hopes sharing his story
will inspire others to never give up on their dreams of living in a
world where they never have to be afraid of who they are and achieving a
better life through the pursuit of higher education.
"I want to become a CPA, because I want to work in a value-based
industry. Accountants have to adhere to a strict code of conduct and act
ethically,"Stoyan said.