Spotlight on December graduates: Chuck Tully

Chuck Tully in front of the Annapurna Himalayan Range at the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal.

From the mountaintops of Nepal to the green hills of Ireland, he’s passionate about experiencing the cultures of the world.

But it’s the lasting images of people in need that he’s seen in places like India, Nepal and Cambodia that fuel his biggest passion: serving others.

“Seeing this poverty firsthand was an eye-opener. It made me realize that not every person in the world has even the basic necessities to survive,” he said.

“I want to go through life knowing I can use my skills and abilities to help as many people in as many ways that I can.”

For Tully, who will graduate on December 15 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, it’s a commitment to paying it forward. Growing up in a low-income family in southwest Detroit, he and his family have been on the receiving end of others’ good will.

“I want to live my life like those volunteers and people I came across growing up because I have experienced the benefits of their charity work,” he said.

That’s why Tully has stayed busy within the community, balancing schoolwork with volunteer work alongside members of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors society for accounting, finance and information systems students.

Serving meals at area soup kitchens, cleaning the streets of Detroit, assisting low-income families with their tax returns—his time spent giving back is what he’ll look back at most fondly when thinking of the college experience.

“That’s what I’ll miss most about my time at UM-Dearborn, my time spent with Beta Alpha Psi,” he said. “Being in BAP allowed me to do so much more than I would have thought possible. I am definitely a better person after my involvement with the organization.”

Following graduation, Tully will sit for the CPA exam before starting as an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Of course, having to clock in every day doesn’t mean he’ll give up volunteering.

“PwC is a great supporter of volunteering, so I know working for them will provide ample opportunities for service,” he said. “I will never shy away from an opportunity to help, no matter how challenging.”