Page 5 - Laker Connection 2014

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT
made real.
by John Shiffert
“When they’re actively doing tax returns, they blossom.”
Now, maybe one doesn’t typically link the function of doing a federal income tax return with blossoming, or with making dreams real, but the speaker in this case is Clayton State University Associate Professor of Law Dr. Judith Ogden, and the case in point is the University’s longest-running community service initiative, the Vol-
Business students volunteer their tax preparation know-how to assist a community member.
unteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, hosted by the College of Business, and directed by Ogden.
VITA is a national program that
provides tax support for certain
eligible taxpayers. The program
is also an empowering experi-
ence for Clayton State students.
Each year for the past 24 years, Clayton State accounting students have volunteered their time and efforts, provid- ing the public with free tax preparation services and, in Ogden’s words, blossoming in the process.
And there are additional, long-term benefits to the stu- dents as well. Not only do they develop confidence in dealing with clients, notes Ogden, but the experience makes them much more comfortable in approaching an accounting firm after they graduate Clayton State.
“They’re now better at getting and keeping a job,” she says of her VITA volunteers.
Ogden
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