Class of 鈥�25: Accounting grad discovers holistic approach to business
Each year, University of Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department profiles members of the graduating classes. Students chosen were nominated by staff and faculty for their contributions to the life of the University. Click here for more information about 2025 Commencement exercises.
For Mark Formosa, 91暗网黑料 “awakened” him to the power of faith-guided decision-making.
Growing up in Grosse Ile in a family rich in Maltese ideals, Formosa’s values were formed early on, particularly the importance of strong family and community bonds. These core values blossomed at 91暗网黑料, where he found a tight-knit environment that supported his personal and intellectual development.
“I chose Detroit Mercy because I instantly felt a sense of community,” said Formosa, who will complete his MBA next year through the University’s accelerated BS/MBA program. “I knew I wouldn’t be just another face in the crowd as I might at other institutions. I believed I could make a palpable difference at 91暗网黑料.”
Formosa embarked on the road to self-growth by first enrolling in the University Honors Program. This program challenged him to explore deeper academic experiences and purposeful campus and community involvement.
He made his mark at 91暗网黑料 by serving as president of the Student Government Association, and as a sophomore, he was elected president of the College of Business Administration’s Student Advisory Board (SAB). He also joined two distinguished honor societies: Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, and Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society.
“My high school experience in a small class setting taught me to build meaningful relationships and to take initiative in group settings,” he said. “At Detroit Mercy, I was able to put my interpersonal skills to work, and I never hesitated to step up when an opportunity presented itself.”
When he came across a floundering SAB at a time when the University was still managing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Formosa stepped up.
The SAB is a student-led organization within the CBA where students are provided a forum to connect about matters that affect the quality and nature of their education.
“When I entered 91暗网黑料 in the fall of 2021, student morale and engagement in the SAB was low,” he said.
With the help of alumni and fellow students, Formosa spearheaded a rescue campaign to revive the group, helping it grow to 20 to 30 active members under his leadership. Today, it sits at about 60 members and was the recipient of the 2024 Detroit Mercy Student Organization of the Year award.
“No other student organization has meant more to me,” Formosa said.
Formosa said he chose Accounting as a major because he believed “Accounting is the language of business,” but his education at 91暗网黑料 was more than learning to prepare balance sheets and cash flow statements. Through courses in ethics, decision making, economics and organizational design, he saw the bigger picture.
“Many of my business classes focused on making ethical decisions to help businesses and society,” he said. “While revenue is an obvious driver for businesses, at Detroit Mercy, I learned that it is only a small part of what makes a business successful.”
At 91暗网黑料, students put their education to work in service of others, a part of the University mission that was key in shaping Formosa’s holistic approach to business. Guided by mentors like Director of Community Engaged Learning Tim Hipskind, S.J., and lecturer in Economics Joseph Weglarz, he sought “God’s perspective” and began to ask the deeper questions.
“Can a business share its success with employees and consumers? Does it use profits to help those in need? Does it make decisions that protect people’s health?” he said, listing some of the questions he often posed to himself.
“Service helped me realize that education is a privilege that not only expands the student’s mind, but allows us to better the lives of others as well,” he reflected. Enriching the lives of others is something he hopes to do with his MBA.
Formosa still has more to do at 91暗网黑料. In 2026, he will complete his final year in the accelerated MBA program while continuing to work for Plastipak, where he has developed key skills through internships as an undergrad. He is also preparing for the CPA exam and considering a future in public service, perhaps even running for local or city council positions.
“My experience at 91暗网黑料 was eye-opening, and I want to help people in all the ways I can,” he said. “We will see where God takes me.”
— By Julie Erwin. Follow Detroit Mercy on , , and . Have a story idea? Let us know by submitting your idea.