Seattle University’s Raymond Johnfiah on Purpose-Driven Learning at Albers

Graduate Hunthausen award winner and valedictorian Raymond Acquah Johnfiah built his experience through academic rigor and a clear sense of purpose. His work today reflects that same foundation, supporting small businesses while continuing to explore a future in teaching and research.

When Raymond looks back on his time at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business & Economics, he returns to a simple idea: use what you know to serve others.

“I believe in loving people, serving people, being kind, working hard, and doing the simple things,” Raymond shares.

That same sense of purpose carried into how he approached graduate study.

Choosing an Accounting Graduate Program: A Path Built for Growth

Raymond chose Seattle University with intention. Among several offers, he focused on finding a program that aligned with both his academic goals and long-term plans.

“I compared the programs,” Raymond explains. “Seattle U was basically offering the best courses.”

At Albers, the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics prepares students for evolving roles in accounting and finance. The curriculum mirrors the CPA exam preparation requirements, blending advanced accounting knowledge and analytics training to provide students with a clear path to CPA licensure.

As a STEM-oriented program, it also offers extended work authorization for international students, allowing them to gain practical experience in the U.S. and apply what they have learned in the classroom.

Alongside a rigorous curriculum and career preparation, the values woven into the experience stood out to Raymond.

Purpose-Driven Business Education

Seattle University’s Jesuit tradition shapes how business education is delivered. The focus goes beyond technical skill, encouraging students to reflect on how their work contributes to society.

At Albers, faculty integrate ethical leadership and responsible decision-making into every program, consistently encouraging students to consider what serves both their organization and the broader community.

For Raymond, that approach was meaningful.

“I resonate a lot with their mission,” he shares.

In the classroom, those values become visible through collaboration with peers and shared learning.

Building Community in the Classroom

That mission reflects the day-to-day student experience. Students learn alongside peers from different cultural and professional backgrounds, creating an environment where perspectives are shared and students challenge assumptions.

“The community was amazing,” Raymond emphasizes. “I realized that I need to take it easy on myself and then fit in properly.”

That directly mirrors a core part of the Seattle University experience: the commitment to educating the whole person. Students learn alongside peers from varied backgrounds, building relationships that support both academic success and personal growth.

That sense of belonging created space for deeper engagement in the academic experience.

Connecting Learning to Real-World Practice

As Raymond grew more comfortable in that environment, he was able to engage more deeply with the academic experience itself.

Coursework at Albers mirrors the realities students will encounter after graduation. Faculty often bring professional experience into the classroom, while guest speakers and case discussions connect lessons to current industry challenges.

For Raymond, those moments made a lasting impression. In practice, professionals also need to explain financial concepts in ways that clients and decision-makers can understand. That ability builds trust and supports better decision-making, making specialized knowledge more useful in everyday business settings.

“Communication is pretty much number one,” Raymond shares. “You're always trying to make things simpler for your clients and all that.”

That emphasis on communication prepares students to translate technical knowledge into clear, actionable guidance, supported by faculty who bring practical insight into the classroom.

Faculty Mentorship and Collaboration

Close faculty support helped build confidence in complex material. Professors work closely with students, offering both academic support and career guidance.

Raymond describes Albers’ faculty commitment through moments in the classroom, specifically recalling taxation courses with Professor Troxel.

“She would take her time to go through every topic,” he shares. “Even if it’s going to take 30 minutes to make sure one person understands.”

At Albers, faculty bring both academic expertise and professional insight, helping students connect what they learn to real-world expectations.

This approach reflects an integrative teaching model that prioritizes understanding over speed, giving students the space to build confidence in complex areas. That level of support helps students build the essential skills they will carry with them throughout their careers.

Developing Career-Ready Business Skills

Collaboration is another defining part of the Albers experience. Through group work and applied projects, students develop skills that extend into professional environments.

Whether learning to communicate financial information to different audiences or to work through complex problems in team settings, students can apply classroom concepts to real business scenarios.

These skills align closely with modern employer expectations. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication and teamwork consistently rank among the most valued competencies in new graduates.

Today, those skills show up clearly in Raymond’s consultancy work, where complex financial information becomes practical guidance for clients.

At Seattle University, students develop these skills through:

• Team-based coursework that reflects workplace dynamics
• Class discussions that encourage clear communication
• Real-world projects that require applied thinking

Seattle University also supports this development through career-focused resources, such as the Albers Career Center, which helps students prepare for internships and full-time roles.

Turning Learning Into Community Impact

Those skills now influence how he supports clients and contributes to his community. His perspective on success centers on contribution, believing that knowledge should support others.

“I believe in loving people, serving people,” Raymond shares. “If you have something that could be of benefit to society, pour it all out.”

Raymond’s perspective aligns with Albers' broader focus, where business education is grounded in ethics and leadership. The commitment to excellence and service is a key part of the Seattle University student experience.

Achievement Beyond the Classroom

Being named valedictorian marked a significant milestone in Raymond’s journey. This recognition affirmed years of dedication while also opening new opportunities to mentor others.

His achievements reflect the academic standards of the Albers School of Business and Economics, where students are encouraged to pursue excellence while staying connected to the impact of their work.

“I still feel like there is more that I can do with this achievement,” Raymond shares. “I can still pour into people and serve as an inspiration to people.”

Graduation marked an important milestone, while also setting the stage for what comes next.

Looking Ahead: From Practice to Teaching

Raymond continues to look toward a future that connects professional work with teaching. His goal is to contribute to both the field of accounting and the classroom.

“I still want to do my PhD and teach accounting,” Raymond says.

This path shows a broader approach to business education, in which professionals bring industry experience into academic settings. Research from AACSB highlights how this connection strengthens learning by grounding theory in practice.

For now, Raymond’s work remains focused on supporting businesses through financial challenges. His path reflects Seattle University’s emphasis on education grounded in service and informed by experience.

Leading With Purpose in Business and Finance

Raymond’s journey shows how an education grounded in purpose can shape both professional direction and long-term impact.

At Seattle University’s Albers School of Business & Economics, students are encouraged to grow in knowledge while staying grounded in service, carrying that mindset with them beyond campus.

Explore Albers School of Business & Economics programs today to learn more.