Accounting students volunteer at Dunnabeck Horse Trials

Mary Sobery show jumping on Intrinsic Value during Dunnabeck Horse Trials in Carbondale. Accounting students volunteered as scorers and computer programmers during the September event. Photo by Travis Milsap.

Four College of Business students volunteered at the annual Dunnabeck Horse Trials in Carbondale. Dunnabeck Horse Trials is a recognized event by the United States Eventing Association. There were 89 competitors during the two-day event in September.

Accounting students Hamsthwany Paramalingam, Fresnel Houecande, Gladys Hounsinou and Conrad Houeto took time out of their busy schedules to work as scorers and computer programmers for the trials. “Our students went above and beyond everyone's expectations. The three officials from Texas, Virginia and Massachusetts were extremely impressed and said that I was very fortunate to have such high quality students so willing to help,” said Julie Sobery, associate professor of accounting.

Students benefited as well. “One way to build leadership is to serve the community,” said Houeto. “Thus any volunteer work is always welcome. This year’s event marked the second time I’ve helped out for the horse show. Last year I realized they need a computer assisted tool to maintain the scoring system. Since every occasion is good for me to serve, I built a small program based on an excel spreadsheet for the matter. I’m glad the program worked out. We were able to print the results as opposed to previous years. I’m currently working on improving the program, with the support of the national representative of the event.”