Accountancy Fund Honors Bentley 'Institution'

A special fund to ensure the ongoing success of a Bentley educational hallmark has been established and named in honor of a 40-year mainstay of the Bentley faculty.

The Professor Richard L. Cross Fund for Excellence in Accountancy Education will exclusively support the work of the Accountancy Department to advance student initiatives, further applied research by faculty, and promote accountancy as a core competency at the university.

“Dick Cross is truly an institution within the institution,” said Accountancy Department Chair Mark Nixon. “Whether or not you had him as a teacher, and regardless of your academic major, if you studied at Bentley then you studied accounting. There’s no doubt that what you learned in those courses has served you well in your career.”

Since joining the Bentley faculty in 1969, Cross – himself a Bentley alumnus (a BS in Accountancy, naturally, Class of 1966) – has helped educate thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. His other accomplishments include chairing the Accountancy Department, coordinating the CPA review course, and receiving awards for outstanding teaching and advising. Though he retired from teaching last spring, he will remain a fixture at commencement: He has served as ceremonial marshal since 1991.

The goal is to raise $1 million to advance accountancy education. For more information, contact Tom Ralston in the Development Office (781.891.2425; tralston@bentley.edu). To support the fund with an online gift, go to www.bentley.edu/givingform (be sure to enter “Cross Fund” in the gift designation box).