In Focus: Tom Briggs

Campus Report Monday, Feb. 20, 2006; Vol. 36, No. 19

Senior Tom Briggs of Fruitport, Mich. is best known around campus as the co-captain of the men's ice hockey team. But when he talks about crunching numbers, he may be referring to his academic life, not his work along the boards.
 
A senior accounting major, Mr. Briggs jumped at the chance to take an accounting internship with Merritt Estate Winery of Forestville this spring. "I sought them out," he explained. "I'd like to learn about the accounting systems of a small business and also improve my knowledge of accounting-related software."
 
The hockey player declared accounting as his major because its organizational aspects, he said, "really appealed to me." He also liked the fact that it is focused, specialized, and offers clear career direction.
 
Recruited to SUNY Fredonia by hockey Coach Jeff Meredith in 2002, Mr. Briggs has proven to be a solid contributor in both Thompson Hall, where the School of Business is centered, and Steele Hall, where the rink action happens. He credits his faculty instructors with his success. "The entire accounting faculty has been great," he said, ticking off the names of John Olsavsky, Kenneth Plucinski, Christ Gaetanos, and Linda Hall. "They really go to great lengths to make sure we understand the material. They also give advice on our careers and continuing education."
 
Taking initiatives comes naturally to Mr. Briggs, whose leadership has earned him the respect of his hockey teammates. He was named captain as a junior and shares the responsibility this season with fellow Michigan native and teammate Steve Greenberg, also an accounting major.
 
"I couldn't be happier about my hockey experience at Fredonia," the Michigan native said. "We have a really close group of guys and we all work hard together toward the same goal of winning a SUNYAC championship. To be a captain of such a great group is a real honor."