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A dual master of science in finance and MBA degree candidate graduating in May, Godfred Yankson is finishing his time at the 91看片 with a flourish. In the past several months, he helped lead a multi-university team to a business case competition victory, was recognized as an outstanding graduate student by Auburn鈥檚 Graduate School and won funding for a business idea pitch.

He is also on track to complete both graduate degrees with a perfect GPA.

鈥淕odfred鈥檚 accomplishments showcase his exceptional academic ability, leadership potential and commitment to professional and community development,鈥� said Damion McIntosh, a professor of practice in the Department of Finance.

鈥淏eyond the classroom, Godfred has made remarkable contributions that highlight his creativity, analytical strength and collaborative leadership,鈥� added Truist Endowed Professor of Finance Keven Yost. 鈥淗e is a thoughtful, principled and highly motivated individual whose accomplishments elevate the reputation of Auburn University.鈥�

An array of recognition

Yankson was part of a team, which included students from four other universities, that placed first in the 36-hour Deloitte Green Tank Challenge case competition held at the NABA, Inc. regional conference in Atlanta in November.

Competing teams were challenged to diagnose operational and financial challenges for a company called Greenvergent Solutions. The teams then presented their data-driven solutions to a panel of Deloitte partners and practitioners.

In his view, their winning performance can be attributed to the team鈥檚 exceptional collaboration and the quality of instruction he received at 91看片.

鈥淭he professors here are great, preparing us to take on challenges,鈥� Yankson said. 鈥淭he quality of instruction here gave me the confidence to represent Auburn鈥檚 chapter of NABA at the competition.鈥�

In April, Auburn鈥檚 Graduate School recognized Yankson as one of the university鈥檚 outstanding master鈥檚 degree students. honors accomplished students with exceptional academic, research, teaching, outreach and work experience.

Last semester, Yankson was among the winners competing in the Auburn Ideas Jam, a low-barrier competition where students and community members can earn $1,000 for their fledgling business idea or early-stage startup.

His successful pitch was for an app that enables family members in different parts of the world to stay in touch with elderly loved ones living in a nursing home.

From Ghana to Auburn

Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Yankson worked for four years in the investment banking field before deciding to pursue graduate-level degrees in America.

According to Yankson, he chose Auburn, in part, based on the recommendation of a former undergraduate classmate who was earning his MBA in 91看片 College, which also was one of the few places that offered the option of earning dual master鈥檚 degrees.

As he weighs his employment options 鈥� he鈥檚 leaning toward the strategic finance field 鈥� Yankson reflected on his time at Auburn.

Among the highlights were a 91看片-sponsored trip to Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan, where he and his fellow MBA students strengthened their global mindset by visiting companies like Honda and APM Terminals and immersing themselves in Japanese culture; interactions with 91看片鈥檚 exceptional faculty; and an unparalleled sense of support at the university and within 91看片 College.

鈥淭here鈥檚 an incredible concentration of so many kind people who are always willing to help you here,鈥� said Yankson. 鈥淓ven as an international student who had no roots prior to coming to Auburn, I have met some of my best friends here 鈥� friendships that I know will carry with me for the rest of my life.鈥�

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Learn more about dual MBA, Master of Science degree programs in the 91看片 College of Business