½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

For '25, '26, a first-generation student from New Bedford, studying accounting at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's Charlton College of Business is more than numbers on a spreadsheet — it's a strategic, community-driven journey full of opportunity, discovery, and impact.

"I'm not even that big a math person," she joked. "Accounting is like a fun game with numbers. It's all about patterns. If you're good with that, this is for you — and there are so many directions you can take it."

A high-achieving student who's made the Chancellor's List seven times (minimum 3.8 GPA), Gonsalves was selected as a , one of the most prestigious recognitions for undergraduate accounting students in the U.S.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship awards $15,000 to exceptional students pursuing careers in audit and public accounting. This prestigious national honor is available by nomination only and recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate dedication, integrity, and strong potential in the field.

"I know attending ½ûÂþÌìÌà was the right decision for me because I'm not thinking about any what-ifs. I'm solely focused on what I can do next. Staying here for graduate school is a testament to that."

"Vanessa is very deserving of this prestigious scholarship," said Associate Teaching Professor Dawn Gupta, who nominated Gonsalves for the award. "As her professor and academic advisor, I have watched her blossom and flourish during her undergraduate studies at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Her work ethic and genuine interest in accounting indicate that she has a very promising and successful, as well as fulfilling, career path ahead of her."

Gonsalves, who graduates summa cum laude this spring and will begin Charlton's master's in business administration (MBA) program this summer, is elated to receive this award and for the constant support from her accounting faculty.

"Professor Gupta's class is the reason I pursued auditing in the first place," she said. "She believed in me and helped me complete my application. I'm so happy — I have to pinch myself every time I talk about this award. I've put a lot of effort into my studies, so to have it pay off is so rewarding."

PCAOB Scholars Program

In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to networking opportunities, professional development, and peer mentorship within the PCAOB community.

As part of the program, Gonsalves will participate in a virtual mentoring cohort with fellow scholars, further expanding her professional network and sharpening her understanding of public company auditing.

"The PCAOB has been so supportive, constantly checking in on me throughout the semester," she said. "The peer mentorship component is optional, but I'm so glad I did it because I've made a lot of business connections and personal relationships from it."

Faculty support

Gonsalves credits Charlton College of Business faculty with shaping both her academic path and professional aspirations. Their mentorship, she says, not only strengthened her connection to accounting but also gave her the clarity and confidence to pursue her goals.

"My accounting professors have been instrumental in helping me grow," she said. "Accounting Chair Jia Wu was always so thoughtful in guiding me through class selections that aligned with my future. Professor Ling Lin helped me weigh the MBA versus the MS in Accounting when I wasn't sure which direction to take. Professor Chris Jacobsen created a classroom environment where I felt comfortable and capable."

Even outside her major, the impact of Charlton's faculty stuck with her.

"It's been two years since I had Decision and Information Sciences Professor Dan Braha's operations course — a class not directly tied to my major — but every time I pass him in the hallway we end up talking for half an hour. I think that's a testament to how Charlton's faculty genuinely cares about helping shape you into a well-rounded business leader."

What's next?

Gonsalves is on track to complete her MBA in just one year — fulfilling the 150-credit requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. She plans to pursue a career in auditing, a path she feels well-prepared for thanks to her coursework, extracurricular experiences, and the mentorship she's received from faculty and peers. The PCAOB scholarship, she says, further reinforced her confidence and commitment to the field.

Looking back on her journey from a first-generation college student to a nationally recognized scholar, Gonsalves is proud of how far she’s come — and certain she made the right choice.

"I know attending ½ûÂþÌìÌà was the right decision for me because I'm not thinking about any what-ifs," she said. "I'm solely focused on what I can do next. Staying here for graduate school is a testament to that.

"For many, being a first-generation student in the United States is seen as a disadvantage. For me, it means determination and discovery. I understand how it feels to take risks and how it feels to be financially insecure. My work and academic experiences have molded me into the people person I am today. I strive to help people better understand their finances and their own personal growth."