Pragmatism steered H. Richard Haverstick, Jr. toward Temple University and then accounting. He commuted from his family’s home in Northeast Philadelphia and worked 25 hours a week to pay his tuition. He did well in his early accounting courses and it motivated him to pursue it with a bit more intent and “with the knowledge that there were jobs available in accounting,” he says. Mr. Haverstick didn’t, however, know how to go about seeking that employment until the late professor Marvin Kauffman took him under his wing. Mr. Kauffman helped him land an internship with one of the Big 8 accounting firms. And he introduced him to another Fox School of Business professor, Jim Solano, who hired Mr. Haverstick as a part-time employee for his accounting practice during his senior year. “Professor Kauffman showed a genuine interest in me that I’m very grateful for to this day,” Mr. Haverstick says. “And working for Professor Solano was the beginning of what grew into a lifelong relationship. Professor Solano was also the faculty advisor to the honors fraternity and he became a mentor to me during my senior year and beyond.” Already a hard worker, the Fox School seemed to focus Mr. Haverstick’s energy and instill in him a confidence to reach beyond his comfort zone. “As I look back, I know I developed a vitality at Temple, which continues to this day, that motivated me to develop relationships and to get involved outside the classroom.” The internship, during his junior year, led to a full-time position with Arthur Young, where the managing partner was a fellow Temple alumnus who encouraged Mr. Haverstick to remain involved on campus. “I’ve had a keen interest and commitment to Temple all these years,” he says. “And that’s why I still invest my time and resources.” Mr. Haverstick serves as chairman of the Fox Department of Accounting’s advisory board, the Accounting Circle. Leading professionals meet with Fox Accounting faculty and share perspectives on industry trends affecting their businesses. “As our businesses evolve, so too must the skill set of new recruits. Our common goal is to help Temple be the very best it can be,” he says. Mr. Haverstick’s career saw him ascend to the heights of public accounting. During a nearly four-decade career with Ernst & Young, he served as global financial services partner, the managing partner of the Philadelphia office, and the banking and capital markets leader for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. But what he’s proudest of in his career are the relationships he’s developed with colleagues, staff and clients alike. “I think I derived the most pleasure in my professional life in the relationships I developed and in being able to help clients and colleagues through challenges, whether it was the successful completion of an important project, a hard-earned promotion, or a new employment opportunity,” he says. Mr. Haverstick gained an acute appreciation during his years at Temple for what it meant to be mentored, and throughout his career, he’s been devoted to fostering similar experiences for many others.

Temple University Degree
Bachelor of Business Administration ’74, Fox School of Business

Temple University Awards & Affiliatons

• Beta Alpha Psi, Outstanding Alumnus, 2013, 2000
• Board of Visitors, Fox School of Business
• Chairman, Department of Accounting Advisory Board, Fox School of Business
• Gallery of Success Award, Fox School of Business, 2006
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Fox School of Business, 2019

What I wanted to be when I was 20 years old
I just knew I wanted to go into business and wear a suit and tie. That was about it. By my junior year, I had become more aware of careers in accounting. Professor Solano and the late professor Marvin Kauffman started me on a path that led to one of the Big 8 accounting firms.

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave me
“Integrity is always rewarded.”