Alexander Krivocheiko, a fourth-year business administration student at the Schulich School of Business at York University, has been awarded a 2012 Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership by Canada’s Most Outstanding CEO of the Year program.Although achieving good grades at Schulich certainly helped him on his path to receiving the scholarship, Krivocheiko is also heavily involved in campus life beyond the classroom. He participates in extra-curricular activities and sporting events for Schulich teams and has previously held executive roles on two of the business school’s largest student-run clubs.
Krivocheiko says two Schulich instructors were instrumental in helping him receive the Future Funds Scholarship – Alex Garber, who currently teaches fourth-year income tax, and Elizabeth Farrell, adjunct professor of Accounting.
“Alex Garber was my professor in my first accounting course at Schulich,” he said. “He is very enthusiastic and is a mentor that I value very highly. In addition, Elizabeth Farrell continued to build on my motivation in pursuing the CA designation when I had the pleasure of being one of her students in an intermediate accounting course in third year. Her passion and knowledge of the field really drove me to excel and want to push myself to be that much better. Both of these wonderful professors helped me in the process to attain this award and motivate me to pursue my career ambitions.”
Krivocheiko credits his Schulich experience with helping him obtain the scholarship.
“As a first-year student with no career direction, I told myself that I would get involved in everything and anything that I could to strengthen my skills and figure out which career path to take. I attended information sessions, met professionals from various fields and got involved in extra-curricular activities, including student-run clubs and sports as well as student government,” said Krivocheiko. “The competitive environment at Schulich and the network of resources that is offered to students truly pushed me to become the best leader I could be. I learned valuable lessons from my experiences – not only those relating to business, but also invaluable life lessons that I know will help me throughout my career.”
When Krivocheiko completes his studies at Schulich, he is set to join PricewaterhouseCoopers as an associate in their Audit & Assurance practice, specifically working on clients in the technology, entertainment and media industries.
“I’m not sure what lies ahead for me after Schulich. All I know is that I never close doors on new opportunities and I hope that many more will be opened as I grow into a business leader,” he said. “I look towards the future with a smile on my face, the same way I look at every new challenge that life presents for me.”
Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year award program was founded to identify and recognize outstanding leadership and achievement by a Canadian Chief Executive Officer. The Futures Fund Scholarship provides ten exceptional and deserving students with $5000 grants to further their educational ambitions. In addition, recipients will travel (accommodation and transportation are provided) to the awards gala late this month to be presented with their scholarship.
By Michelle Cholak, editorial assistant, Schulich School of Business