PC Business Welcomes U.S. Comptroller General to Campus
Gene L. Dodaro, the eighth Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), visited Providence College on April 1 for an engaging and insightful campus visit. Hosted by the Ethics in Business Education Program, the visit highlighted the critical role of ethics in public service and underscored the importance of government accountability.
The visit commenced with a luncheon attended by Providence College School of Business leaders and faculty from the School of Business and the Political Science department. During this lunch, Comptroller General Dodaro demonstrated not only his strong leadership skills but also his dedication as the head steward of the GAO.
One of the key moments of Dodaro’s visit was his interaction with students from Dr. Patrick Kelly’s MBA Accounting Ethics class. Prepared with thoughtful questions, students had the rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the GAO’s mission and its extensive responsibilities in ensuring government accountability. Dodaro candidly shared insights into his distinguished career, providing a window into the agency’s efforts to promote transparency and ethical governance.
Later in the day, Dodaro addressed the entire campus community at a forum organized by the Ethics in Business Education Program. In a speech laced with both knowledge and humor, he recounted his tenure at the GAO, including his experiences working with five different presidential administrations and navigating the complexities of congressional collaboration. Dodaro emphasized the enduring importance of ethical behavior, trust, and accountability, offering a powerful message to aspiring leaders in the audience.
During his address, Dodaro also elaborated on GAO’s pivotal role in auditing federal financial statements and identifying vulnerabilities in government operations that are susceptible to waste, fraud, and abuse. His remarks highlighted how the agency’s work contributes to improved governmental performance and reinforces public trust in federal institutions.
The visit drew widespread appreciation from faculty and students alike. Dr. Patrick Kelly, the Michael Ruane Professor of Accounting and Director of the Ethics in Business Education Program, reflected on the significance of Dodaro’s presence, stating, “Having Comptroller General Dodaro speak to our faculty and students provided valuable insights into the real-world application of ethical principles and accountability in government operations. We are grateful that he took time from his busy schedule to spend time with us.”
Dodaro’s visit underscored Providence College’s commitment to fostering meaningful discussions on ethical decision-making and accountability. The event served as an inspiring testament to the institution’s efforts to prepare students to become responsible and principled leaders in their future careers.
