Honored to Be Named the 2025 New York State Society of CPAs Rochester Chapter Hall of Fame Award Recipient
by Steven M. Morse, CPA, CGMA
Steven M. Morse, CPA, CGMA
I am humbled to be recognized by the Rochester Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) as the 2025 Hall of Fame Award Recipient.
This honor reflects not only a personal milestone but also the influence of countless mentors and colleagues who have shaped my journey in accounting and leadership.
Over the decades, I have been privileged to serve the accounting profession through both public and private practice. Whether working with clients or colleagues, in the boardroom, or through volunteer service, my goal has always been to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. The accounting field is more than numbers - it is about trust, stewardship, and ensuring that organizations can flourish with financial transparency and accountability.
I am grateful for the institutional support of Roberts Wesleyan University, where I have the privilege of serving as Chief Financial Officer. Roberts fosters a culture of ethical leadership, innovation, and collaboration that makes achievements like this possible.
I am equally grateful for the colleagues and teams who embody professionalism and commitment in every aspect of their work, and who inspire me daily with their dedication to students and to the mission of higher education.
Like many nonprofit institutions, Roberts Wesleyan University is navigating a time of significant challenge and change. Higher education (especially faith-based universities) must be agile in the face of shifting demographics, economic pressures, and rising expectations for innovation and value. These realities call for difficult choices, but they also open the door to new ways of serving students and communities with excellence. At Roberts, we are pivoting with purpose: strengthening partnerships, reimagining how we deliver education, and focusing on long-term financial sustainability. While the journey requires courage and humility, I am optimistic that our mission and values will continue to anchor us, ensuring Roberts thrives for generations to come.
Volunteerism and giving back to the community are values that are deeply embedded in the accounting profession. So many of my CPA colleagues regularly volunteer and lend their expertise to organizations across a spectrum of industries. Being a trusted advisor is a title that really describes the role of CPAs. As a result of the encouragement I received early in my career to give back, I am now able to look back on decades of my own volunteer service.
Mentorship has been a guiding thread throughout my career, and this recognition strengthens my resolve to continue investing in the next generation of accountants and leaders. The future of our profession depends on equipping emerging professionals with not only technical expertise but also the values of integrity, service, and lifelong learning.
This award is a testament to the power of community, shared purpose, and a profession that continues to make a profound difference in the world. I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of the many people who have walked with me on this journey.
About the author
Steven Morse
Steven Morse is Roberts Wesleyan University's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President for Innovation and Organizational Effectiveness. As CFO, he develops and implement the business and fiscal services to support the mission of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary.
Prior to joining Roberts Wesleyan, Morse served as a director at the Bonadio Group in its Advisory and Consulting group, and has also held leadership positions at Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute of the Deaf, Genesee Corporation and Deloitte.
Morse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the Saunders College of Business at RIT, is a New York State licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds the certification of Chartered Global Management Accountant.
About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.