Sophie Elve, a second-generation Auburn student and accounting major, will represent the Harbert College of Business as its 2024 fall graduation marshal. A prestigious honor, marshals are selected for their leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.

From Atlanta, Elve originally planned to attend the University of Georgia but decided to visit Auburn one last time at the request of her parents, both of whom are alumni.

“I came [to Auburn] and experienced a beautiful, sunny day. The culture and everyone was so nice. I flipped my decision after a couple hours here,” said Elve.

Elve was a marketing major for one semester before discovering her true passion– accounting. She became interested in the field while taking ACCT 2110, principles of financial accounting.

Elve’s success in the course earned her an invitation to the Financial Accounting Stars Banquet, a dinner and networking event for the top 10% of students in the course each semester.

This banquet is hosted by Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary and service organization for accounting students. Now, over a year after attending this event, Elve is president of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP).

“I think if you told me coming in as a freshman that I would accomplish being president of an organization, I wouldn't have really believed you,” said Elve.

As president, Elve is responsible for leading seven officers, along with council and coordinator positions. She is also in charge of hosting weekly meetings for over 200 members.

Before becoming BAP president, Elve served as high school outreach coordinator, organizing visits to local high schools and exposing students to the field of accounting.

Elve believes her active involvement in BAP has been a key component in shaping who she is today.

“To me, it's nice to give back, because I wouldn't have any of the opportunities that I've had if I didn't have Beta Alpha Psi, and I would not have experienced as much growth if it wasn't for this organization.”

Elve is also a part of the Executive Society, a host and leadership organization consisting of distinguished Harbert College students. The Executive Society promotes Harbert College by conducting tours, attending recruiting events and interacting with alumni.

This summer, Elve gained experience in corporate accounting by working as a restaurant accounting intern for Chick-Fil-A, where she helped operators keep track of financial accounts.

Following graduation in December, Elve will return to Atlanta to complete an internship with PwC, one of the Big 4 global accounting firms. This position will expand her experience into the realm of public accounting.

Elve plans to continue her education at Auburn through the Master’s of Accountancy program, a year-long course that boasts an average pass rate of 85% on the CPA exam, significantly higher than the national average of 49%.

Although being selected as graduation marshal was a surprise, Elve was excited to accept the honor.

“I'm so grateful to get to represent a college that has meant so much to me and really shaped who I am,” said Elve. “I feel like I've given a lot to the College of Business, but I think it's given even more to me, so I'm really grateful to get to represent them.”

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Elve will carry Harbert’s banner at the commencement ceremony that brings her journey as an undergraduate student to an end. Although Elve has an idea of where she wants her career to go, some things are better left unplanned.

“Usually, I love to plan my life out and know exactly every step of the way,” said Elve. “But I am throwing myself out there and seeing where I land.”

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