Ceremony recognizes naming of CMU’s Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting

A Nov. 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony honored the naming of CMU’s School of Accounting to recognize retired accounting professor Phillip Kintzele’s dedication to the university, including lifetime gift commitments of more than $2 million.

More than 90 people attended the ceremony, including current and former staff and faculty members, alumni, students and university leaders.  

Kintzele, who retired from the university in 2019 after 38 years of service, established The Philip Kintzele Accounting MBA Scholarship in 1986 to benefit accounting majors committed to completing CMU’s accelerated MBA accounting program after earning their bachelor’s degree.

One of the students who received that scholarship is alumnus Jacob Vanator, ‘18 BS, ‘19 MBA, who spoke at the ceremony. 

“In both my undergraduate and graduate programs, I received versions of the Philip Kintzele Accounting Scholarship, which propelled me to graduate from Central Michigan University with both of my degrees debt-free,” said Vanator, who currently runs an accounting firm with his father. 

"Phil's impact, along with the rest of the accounting faculty, has allowed me to (have my career). I couldn't do it in any capacity without the training of Phil and the faculty here at CMU," Vanator said.

The event coincided with new CMU President Dr. Neil MacKinnon’s first day on the job. During his first official speech as president, MacKinnon noted the profound impact Kintzele has had on the school and the university.  

“As a faculty member, Dr. Kintzele gave a tremendous amount of his time to guiding and mentoring students, and that commitment continues,” MacKinnon said. “It is only appropriate that CMU’s School of Accounting now bears the name of Dr. Philip Kintzele, whose legacy will continue to impact generations of CMU students.”    

For more information on the Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting, visit cba.cmich.edu.