It was a milestone moment, recently for fifty men and women as they celebrated their graduation from Agudath Israel’s COPE Education Services’ CPA accounting program, the culmination of 22 months of study where they acquired professional skills in an academically challenging and culturally sensitive environment.
Rabbi Daniel Baumann, CPA, director of CES, described the CES program as a two year journey of hard work that placed students on a lucrative career path while also preparing them to sit for the CPA exam.
In his remarks to the graduates at both events Rabbi Baumann recognized the contributions of the program’s exceptionally devoted staff that provided students both the education and the support needed to complete the intensive program. Rabbi Baumann also praised the diverse group of graduates for their unity and offered his advice for success in their future lives as members of the work force.
“I can think of no better message as you embark on your careers than to be consistent,” said Rabbi Baumann. “Consistent in your integrity, consistent in your honesty, consistent in your loyalty to your employers and clients, consistent in using your work as a vehicle to be mikadesh shem shomayim, consistent in being loyal to your values and to supporting your families with dignity.”
Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America, told graduates that the CES program is a great source of pride and chizuk to the Agudah and commended graduates for their diligent efforts throughout their course of study.
“What an amazing achievement to be surrounded by people of great strength and integrity who have worked so hard to be here tonight,” said Rabbi Zweibel.
As the grandfather and father in law of two previous program graduates who are both working at solid accounting jobs thanks to their CES training, guest speaker Rabbi Paysach Krohn observed that he is well acquainted with the program. Sharing his thoughts about achieving goals, Rabbi Krohn extended his brachos to the graduates noting “Not only can you be proud of yourselves but … klal yisroel is so proud of each and every one of you.”
Representatives of both the men’s and women’s graduating classes addressed the audience, expressing their gratitude to CES for providing them with a high level academic course of study that also allowed them to continue their education in a Torah-true environment.
“There wasn’t a time that I felt alone or worried for a minute,” said Toby Hartman, one of two speakers from the women’s class. “Whenever I had questions or concerns, the professors were eager to help, even on a moment’s notice.”
“Each professor, with their unique style of teaching, has expertly and patiently taught us the valuable tools we will need to grow successfully in our future careers,” said fellow graduate Rochel Leah Jacobowitz. “Under the teachings of our professors we acquired a clear comprehension and understanding of these subject that will give us the skills and confidence we need to enter the workforce.”
Menachem Tiefenbrun thanked the CES staff for its extreme dedication to the student body. Aron Sanders, another member of the men’s graduating class, echoed those thoughts in his own address to the audience.
“We felt confident here at COPE, a place that is not only a window to the future but an endless hall of open doors, inviting and demanding that we students engage with the world in order to enrich our own understanding,” said Mr. Sanders. “We are empowered by the education we received here. We recognize and appreciate that we have made it through this remarkable journey and have become who we are only because of you.”
For more information about CES contact the program office at 718-506-0500 extension 218 or visit them online at www.copeeducation.com
Why go through Touro and spend 4 years if you could go it in 2 through COPE??
See! I just saved you loads of time and money! You don’t need to be a COPE accounting graduate to figure that one out…
And yes, I agree with a previous comment: I also passed all CPA exams in one year and first round. COPE prepares!
If 50 men AND WOMEN graduated, and some people with female names were quoted…where are the women? Did they magically disappear?
As a Cope graduate, I could confidently tell you that you will have no regrets choosing Cope.
As Outreach Coordinator for COPE Institute I can not comment regarding other institutions. We at COPE believe we have a high quality program that enables individuals to complete their degree in the shortest amount of time, with the minimum of non-accounting courses. We are very proud of our employment assistance program and our students attest that they are pleased with their outcomes.
If you would like additional information regarding the COPE program please contact us at 718-506-0500 x218 or visit us at copeeducation.com
COPE is a really good program, it taught me a lot, and it really helped me get ahead.
It paved the path for me to successfully pass all CPA exams in one year with nice grades.
COPE graduate CES12.
I am considering going to school for accounting, and I have a dilemma whether I should go to COPE or Touro.
Please help all advise will be much appreciated.
Thank you
I don’t usually comment. But Sholom Schochet is the genius, gentleman and scholar – oh and backbone – of the Cope CPA program. And overall cool guy. Agudas Israel is lucky to have him. – Graduate of class of 2016 and CPA
By the way there’s no mention of him probably because he wrote it this article himself… but nonetheless!
#SholomSchochet4president