By Erin O'Hare '15
Thanks to her athletic ability, academic achievement and strong work ethic, Siena College softball player and accounting major Stephanie Viggiano ’15 had many options as a high school senior. Once she learned about Siena’s School of Business and connected with people on campus, the Seaford, New York native knew that becoming a Siena Saint was the perfect play.
“I felt that I could relate to both the athletes and the NARPs on campus,” Viggiano said. In case you’re wondering, the acronym NARP stands for Non-Athletic Regular People.
Still, the Siena shortstop and second baseman said the opportunity to earn both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting from the College was that main reason she decided to bring her talents to Loudonville.
“I feel like the transition between my undergrad and the master’s program will be an easy one because I already have a relationship with the professors,” Viggiano said. “I am comfortable with the environment and have a great group of classmates that I am able to work with.”
Viggiano has also experienced success on the field. She batted a career high .341 last year and has been part of two high-achieving teams. “Winning the regular season championship my sophomore year and winning the first MAAC tournament game my junior year are two experiences I will never forget,” Viggiano said.
When her playing days are over though, Viggiano is sure she’ll find career success thanks to the education she received at Siena. She also attributes this confidence to her experience as an accounting intern at Capstone Trade Partners and an audit intern at KPMG.
“I cannot thank Professor Brearey and Professor Stokes enough for their guidance in getting an internship in public accounting and helping me develop a plan for my MS and CPA exam,” Viggiano said.
Even before becoming a Division I athlete, Viggiano was a strong believer in having a game plan, something that will serve her well when she becomes a NARP. After graduating from Siena’s Master of Science in Accounting program in 2016, Viggiano hopes to be employed in New York City, extending her internship in public accounting at KPMG into a full time position.
