Profile in Philanthropy: John Micalizzi ’94

August 17, 2018

“A number of things in my life have special meaning, special resonance. For me, Isenberg and UMass are among them,” notes Isenberg accounting grad John Micalizzi ’94. As Human Resource Leader with the

“A number of things in my life have special meaning, special resonance. For me, Isenberg and UMass are among them,” notes Isenberg accounting grad John Micalizzi ’94. As Human Resource Leader with the Boston office of accounting firm RSM, John has catalyzed two substantial gifts of $150,000 and $100,000 to Isenberg from its alumni at RSM and the RSM Foundation. "I loved my time at Isenberg and its accounting department—its professors, curriculum, and culture."The first gift will secure RSM’s name on the Chase Career Center’s principal student waiting area in Isenberg’s new Business innovation Hub. The second will transform a year-by-year scholarship into the larger, endowed RSM Student Scholarship.

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Under his stewardship, John and over thirty other Isenberg alumni at RSM, including national assurance leader Joel Shamon ’87, contributed to the gifts.  Every alumni partner and senior level alumnus at RSM made a significant multi-year commitment that helped inspire the younger generation of Isenberg graduates to get involved with the effort. “Isenberg was a natural choice for our generosity, given RSM’s long-standing relationship with the school and the many UMass and Isenberg graduates who join us,” John remarks. “The school,” he adds, “is clearly on the rise nationally. It’s one of our top sources of assurance, tax, and consulting talent.” John’s support for Isenberg, in fact, transcends self-interest. “As astudent, I loved my time at Isenberg and its accounting department—its professors, curriculum, and culture. Approaching my 25th year out, I remain deeply connected.” To that end, the department honored John in 2016 as its Accounting Alumnus of the Year.

After graduation, John spent 14 years with PwC as a CPA and auditor in financial services, progressing to a national directorship with the firm’s human capital leadership. In 2007, he joined Caturano and Company—New England’s then largest regional full-service accounting firm—as its director of recruiting and later led its human capital activities. After Caturano’s acquisition by RSM 2010, John became HR leader for its Boston office. RSM is the nation’s fifth largest public accounting firm and first-choice advisor to middle market companies globally. To help drive the firm’s growth, John recently took on a new national role on its M&A team.

“I never really left Isenberg,” John confesses. “My gift and encouragement to other Isenberg graduates at my firm to step up for the school felt as much an obligation as appreciation. I wanted to set an example for others while following in the footstep of so many other generous alumni who I respect and admire.”