By Grace Flannery
In today’s rapidly evolving global market, the significance of a modern business education cannot be overstated.
“As industries continue to shift and new technologies emerge, students need to be equipped not only with foundational business knowledge but also with the ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment,” says Mark Kramer, who earned his B.S. in accountancy in 1990. Kramer serves as a current advisor on our Department of Accountancy Executive Advisory Board. “NIU’s business programs are led by exceptional faculty and provide outstanding resources to students who are becoming leaders in the business world.”
Kramer is a financial industry veteran, specializing in accounting, who currently serves as chief financial officer for Xcel Staffing Solutions, a Waukegan, Illinois-based staffing firm focused on light industrial, warehouse and distribution roles. He has been in this role for nearly eight years, and his career spans more than three decades. Over his career, Kramer has acquired extensive experience collaborating with executive leadership across diverse industries — including manufacturing, employment services and business consulting — allowing him to craft innovative financial strategies and lead organizational change initiatives. Kramer credits NIU for giving him the foundation for his professional success.
“Guided by an exceptional faculty and supported by a robust alumni network, NIU COB offers a distinctive learning journey that sets it apart,” says Kramer. “I remember when I started my career. I started with a Big Six accounting firm, at that time, and immediately within the first few months, I was brought back to the university to help at recruiting functions. And since then, I have consistently assisted the university in some capacity, including in my role on the Accountancy Executive Advisory Committee for nearly 24 years,” said Kramer.
One of Kramer’s favorite memories of his NIU undergraduate experience was when, while studying at the NIU library for the CPA exam in 1990, different professors would stop by the library each evening to see if the students had any questions or needed assistance.
“The faculty was attentive to students and genuinely wanted to help me succeed. I see that attention to students has only continued over the years,” he said.
Kramer was recognized as an outstanding young alumnus a few years after he completed his undergraduate degree. Then earlier this year, he was recognized as the Department of Accountancy Outstanding Alumnus.
“So now I just figure I’m old,” said Kramer, who has a great sense of humor; like one his favorite NIU professors — Harry Wright — who “helped [him] prepare for the business law section of the CPA exam with humor and law.” Wright and Kramer caught up decades later at a Huskie basketball game, which illustrates the extent of the relationship formed at NIU College of Business.
Kramer believes that “the NIU College of Business experience is a combination of a connected community with a world-class reputation.”
“It is the faculty who set this university apart from others,” he said. “Besides the excellent faculty, Kramer believes that the robust alumni network also plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience. Each year, Kramer and his wife, Stacey, have shown their support of NIU students in many ways including their generous educational scholarship — the Mark and Stacey Kramer Scholarship.
“Education has become a pivotal foundation for personal and professional success,” said Kramer. “Business schools serve as incubators for future leaders and innovators who will drive economic growth and development. My wife and I are happy to provide support in every way we can.”
Kramer acknowledged that the path to obtaining a business education is often fraught with financial obstacles that can deter talented individuals from pursuing their dreams, and his scholarships fund was started to provide a solution to this problem, offering financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to afford such an education.
“By alleviating the financial burden of obtaining a college degree, I believe scholarships make business education more accessible and encourage talented individuals not to be stifled by economic barriers,” said Kramer. “I am honored to give back to the university that has given me so much. I believe my career success has been possible because of my undergraduate experience at the NIU College of Business.”
“Through the guidance of exceptional faculty, and the support and engagement of a dynamic alumni network, this college equips students with the tools and connections necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving business landscape,” says Kramer. “I am happy to see more and more students walking through the NIU doors and leaving more empowered to make a difference in the world.”
Making a difference in the lives of others is something Kramer and his wife Stacey genuinely enjoy. If you would like to find out more about supporting scholarships at NIU, visit www.cob.niu.edu/alumni/giving.
