Tribute to alumnus boosts accounting program

A tribute for a retiring accounting executive and Mississippi State alumnus is bringing more than $300,000 to the university's School of Accountancy.

The H. Devon "Von" Graham Jr.-Arthur Andersen Accounting Excellence Endowment Fund is made possible by donations from colleagues and friends who attended a recent dinner in Graham's honor. The donations include matching gifts from Arthur Andersen LLP.

Graham, a Batesville native and 1956 accounting graduate living in Houston, Texas, retires this summer after nearly 40 years with the worldwide accounting firm. In 1985, he was named the university's national alumnus of the year.

Dora Herring, professor emerita and retired director of the accounting school, along with Mississippi State accounting graduates Richard Adkerson of New Orleans and Jobie Melton of Jackson, coordinated the Graham tribute dinner. Herring said she is hopeful that more than $500,000 will be raised when other donations are made.

Among other areas, the Graham-Arthur Andersen Fund will be used for faculty development activities, student enrichment programs, and equipment purchases, said Pierre L. Titard, the school's current director.

Graham joined the Arthur Andersen office in Houston following graduation. He became a partner with the firm in 1968, managing partner of the New Orleans office in 1970, and managing partner of the Houston office and Southwest region in 1985. From 1982-87, he also was regional managing partner for the Southeastern United States.

Graham is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi State University Foundation and of the senior executive advisory board of the College of Business and Industry. He also is a member of the President's Club major donor group.