OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING EDUCATOR AWARD Dr. Sarah J. Borchers In recognition of her exceptional commitment to educating and preparing students for successful careers in accounting, and her ability to drive meaningful change within the profession, the Nebraska Society of CPAs honored Dr. Sarah Borchers as the recipient of the Society’s 2024 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland. Dr. Borchers is a highly accomplished academic and practitioner, blending years of professional experience with her dedication to student success at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before joining UNK, she worked as an audit manager at Contryman Associates in Kearney, where she specialized in auditing government entities, non-profit organizations, and school districts. Dr. Borchers earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Creighton University. She holds a Master of Business Administration in accounting and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She became a CPA in 2010. Currently an associate professor at UNK, Dr. Borchers teaches a variety of accounting courses, including Principles of Financial Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Auditing, and Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting. Her classes are well-known for integrating real-world experiences, giving students an in-depth understanding of what to expect in their careers. She also works closely with colleagues to ensure the department’s curriculum meets the highest standards, playing an active role in course development and assessment. Dr. Borchers’ research has garnered significant attention, focusing on topics such as equity crowdfunding and the implications of product liability in financial reporting. Her work has been published in several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Accounting Business and Management, Journal of Economics and Finance, and Studies in Economics and Finance. In addition, she has co-authored a number of peer-reviewed articles on subjects ranging from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to student well-being in accounting education. Her commitment to academic research is matched by her role as a presenter at national conferences. Beyond the classroom and her research, Dr. Borchers serves on the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, where she provides leadership on various committees. She has also represented Nebraska nationally on the CPE Committee of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). At UNK, she advises the student-led organization Beta Alpha Psi and serves on several key committees. Her dedication to students and the profession has earned her numerous awards, including the Outstanding Faculty Award for Service (2020, 2024) and the Outstanding Faculty Award for Untenured Teaching (2022). Through her leadership, research, and commitment to education, Dr. Borchers continues to influence the future of accounting and inspire the next generation of professionals. PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Leonard M. Sommer In recognition of his extensive contributions to and leadership within the community and the profession, Leonard Sommer was honored as the recipient of the Nebraska Society’s 2024 Public Service Award. His ability to balance a highly successful professional career with meaningful public service sets him apart as a role model for aspiring CPAs and community leaders. Sommer accepted the award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland. A Society member for 46 years, Sommer is a shareholder and chairman of the board at Hancock & Dana, where he specializes in business and tax consulting for closely held businesses, with a focus on succession and exit planning. His service to the community is vast and impactful. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where he was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Nebraska chapter. His dedication to causes like the Omaha Police Foundation and the Cathedral Arts Project exemplifies his commitment to improving the lives of others through philanthropy and volunteerism. Sommer’s passion for community service is further reflected in his involvement with the Omaha Symphony, University of Nebraska Foundation, Canopy South, and other organizations that benefit from his financial expertise and leadership. No matter what role he is serving in, his involvement goes beyond merely fulfilling duties—he has consistently taken on leadership roles that demonstrate his belief in making a lasting difference. In addition to his community service, Sommer has earned multiple honors throughout his career. He has been recognized by the 29 nescpa.org
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