The American Institute of CPAs has awarded Fadi Shamoun, an undergraduate student at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, with Beta Alpha Psi’s Medal of Inspiration.
The award was presented during the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting, held virtually this year.
Sponsored by the AICPA, the annual award is given to a Beta Alpha Psi member who has achieved success in the face of notable hardships. The award includes a $5,000 cash stipend.
“Fadi demonstrated perseverance and dedication to his educational goals despite challenges, which makes him a fitting recipient of this award,” said Anna Howard, senior manager of academic initiatives at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, in a statement.
Shamoun and his family moved from Iraq to Turkey in 2013, hoping for a safer environment. Not able to attend or finish high school in Turkey, he decided to move to Australia to pursue his dreams of becoming an accounting professional. Through financial struggles and not being a native English speaker, he ultimately applied for and received awards and scholarships, making it possible to enroll in a three-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
“The Medal of Inspiration award is designed to recognize a BAP member who achieves despite extreme hardship and challenges," said Rita Grant, president of the Beta Alpha Psi board of directors, in a statement. "Fadi exemplifies the spirit of what this award celebrates. He has experienced war, lack of access to education, and economic challenges in his home country. He was willing to leave family and move to another continent to pursue his dream of becoming an accountant. Despite having to support himself while attending school, Fadi has established an exemplary academic record. BAP is proud to have Fadi as a member and we congratulate him on this award."
For more on the Medal of Inspiration, head to Beta Alpha Psi's
