Brett J. Yacoviello is proof positive that hard work pays off. The Trumbull resident managed to work about 15 hours a week while pursuing his bachelor's degree at Fairfield University, putting in extra time during the summers and winter breaks. When he completed four years earlier this year, he was at the top of his class with the highest academic standing, earning the university's prestigious Bellarmine Medal and the John and Veronica Gleason Award, which brings with it a monetary award of $1,000.

An accounting major, Brett worked at People's Bank freshman through junior years, followed by an internship that helped him to learn about accounting activities and team building skills.

Enrolled in Fairfield's five-year BS/MBA program, Brett will continue his studies this coming year adding the MBA to his accounting degree at the end of the year. He already has an internship with Ernst & Young lined up for January.

Business has become more his focus and he is looking forward to branching out into other areas. He says the tools learned in business can be applied to every area of life. "What's great about Fairfield," he adds "is it gets you involved with so many aspects of life."

One life-changing event for Brett while studying at Fairfield, was his selection sophomore year for a summer program, sponsored by Arthur Andersen, to the Czech Republic. He was one of only five students from the United States that joined some 70 students from around the world. "The program had an great international flavor to it," he observed. "It covered more than the technical aspect. It presented the broader context of business and challenged values. It tried to bring out the best in each of us, encouraging us to be better role models."

The impact on him was substantial, Brett says, leading him to examine all aspects of his life. He took up yoga, began going to Church regularly and refocused his efforts academically. "It was an important summer for me," he notes.

At Fairfield, Brett belonged to Beta Alpha Psi, the national honor society for accounting majors, and helped tutor younger accounting students. In addition to the Bellarmine medal, he received the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants Merit Award for the graduating student majoring in accounting with the highest academic standing, and the Charles F. Dolan School of Business Academic Achievement Award for the graduating student in the School of Business with the highest academic standing.

Posted On: 08-10-2002 09:08 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 34