Accounting Faculty

Associate Professor
847.925.6355
Building I, Room I226
lbusto@harpercollege.edu

Personal Statement
Accounting is the language of business. It is imperative that all Business students have a fundamental understanding of the financial statements and the world of accounting. I foster an interactive environment in my classes. I bring the real world into my classes. I partner with students to provide guidance and assistance in helping them achieve their career goals.

Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Doctorate of Education, Ferris State University
• Masters of Business Administration, North Central College
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration,Marquette University

Associate Professor
847.925.6318
Building I, Room I222
dmckinle@harpercollege.edu

Personal Statement
Knowledge of accounting is important to all those working in the business world. Success in accounting classes is achievable for those willing to be committed to their learning. I strive to create the opportunity for engaged learning in my accounting classes, with high expectations for students to work toward their goals and achieve success.

Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Masters of Accountancy, University of Iowa
• Bachelors in Business Administration, Accounting, University of Iowa
• Associates in Arts, North Iowa Area Community College

Full Professor
847.925.6317
Building I, Room I228
dsvarc@harpercollege.edu

Personal Statement
Accounting is not math! It is more similar to learning a foreign language, which requires practice, practice, and more practice! I strive to build interactive class discussions, demonstrate examples, and provide opportunities for students to work through many examples in class. However, students that most succeed in class are those that put the time and energy outside of class to practice this new language! 

Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Masters in Business Administration, Northern Illinois University
• Bachelors in Accountancy, Northern Illinois University

ct35469@harpercollege.edu
Personal Statement
My career has spanned many business disciplines, including accounting, finance, operations, technology, and supply chain. I am able to incorporate my experiences, supplementing the publisher’s material resulting in lectures that are not so much a lecture as they are an educational experience.   For me education starts with my commitment to my students.  I make myself available when my students need me.  I share with my students I do not do this for the money and feel confident I likely put in more hours than they do. 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• BS Accounting, Northern Illinois University
• MBA Finance, DePaul University

dfavaro@harpercollege.edu

• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court; 
• Masters of Law (LLM); University of Aberdeen, School of Law 
• Juris Doctor (JD); Valparaiso University School of Law  
• MA Wheaton College 
• BA Illinois Wesleyan University 

fr01062@harpercollege.edu

Personal Statement

During my 30+ years of experience in public and corporate accounting roles, I have learned to appreciate that accounting touches every part of a business, not just the accounting and finance departments. By understanding how accounting and financial statements work, you understand the business.

Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Masters of Business Administration, Professional Accounting, Michigan State University
• Bachelors in Business Administration, Professional Accounting, Michigan State University

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• BA Accounting and Business Administration Augustana College
• MBA Finance DePaul University

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois; the United States District Court for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois; District of Columbia; and United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. 
• Juris Doctor (JD); Loyola University of Chicago School of Law
• BA, Philosophy;  St. John’s University

ls00898@harpercollege.edu
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Over 20 Years in Corporate Accounting & Finance Leadership

• MSA Master's of Science in Accounting  Roosevelt University 
• BA Bachelors of Arts in Economics  Northern Illinois University 
  
  

Personal Statement

Teaching requires a lot more than just talking about the material in a textbook. It requires motivating students not only to complete their coursework but provide a successful foundation for them as they continue to build on their educational and professional careers. I want students to learn to work together, build communication skills, and ask questions. I feel that it is my responsibility to act as a role model and mentor for my students.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Concentration in Forensic Accounting at Roosevelt University.
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Roosevelt University 

gminta@harpercollege.edu

Personal Statement

I have a strong appreciation and passion for the accounting discipline and profession. I have substantial practical experience in the accounting field. The accounting discipline touches every aspect within any organization. In essence, the accounting function is a partner to all areas of the organization. Any education in accounting will serve the student very well.

My core values include serving all students, and ultimately the community, with excellence. All classroom experiences are structured, including engaging students in interactive problem solving. Although the class experience should be structured, I believe in allowing flexibility to meet student and class learning needs. Therefore, I value knowing students individually. I am dedicated to making myself available to students for the optimum learning experience.

Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Master of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, DePaul University
• Bachelor of Arts, DePaul University

spekar@harpercollege.edu

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• MSA, Accounting; Governors State University
• BSA, Accounting; Governors State University

lpenz@harpercollege.edu

• Certified public accountant (CPA)
• Certified fraud examiner (CFE)
• M MS, Accounting; University of Illinois
• BS, Accounting; University of Illinois

cwayne@harpercollege.edu 

Personal Statement
Knowledge of accounting builds a strong foundation for any business major.  My goal is to help students achieve success in accounting by using an enthusiastic, hands on approach to learning.  I expect dedication and participation from every student.  Everything is possible with hard work and practice.

 Educational Background

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Doctorate of Education, Ferris State University
• Masters in Business Administration, Northern Illinois University
• Bachelors in Accountancy, Illinois State University
• Associate of Arts, Joliet Junior Community College