Barry Shott ’74
What have you been up to since graduation?
I enlisted in the Army National Guard in my secondnd year at MCC and reported for basic training two weeks after graduation, retiring 21 years later as a Master Sergeant. While in the Guard, I began a career at the IRS, transferred to Rutgers graduating with a B.S. in accounting, became a CPA, and taught at MCC for a short while. I entered the Senior Executive Service at the IRS and finally retired as the Deputy Commissioner for International after 33 years of service. I worked another six years at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Managing Director and after leaving there began my own consulting practice.
What is one of your greatest achievements since graduating from MCC?
Serving as the IRS Deputy Commissioner for International and traveling the world representing the U.S. as the United States Competent Authority, working with congressional staff on background and hearing preparation, participating in tax treaty negotiations, and bringing about the end of bank secrecy in Switzerland.
What is your fondest memory of MCC?
Hanging out in the library to study. Too many distractions at home, so the library was perfect.
What was your favorite place on campus, why?
The area around the small former military housing cottages that housed some of the offices. It had a nice quaint and comfortable feel.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Accounting Professor Frank Molitor. He was easy going, really smart and brought real-world experience to his classes. He always shared practical experience and was always ready to help.
If you could offer a current MCC student advice, what would it be?
Take advantage of every moment at MCC. Think big, learn about other people and cultures, and never be afraid to take a risk. We learn more from our failures than we do our successes.
Why was attending MCC the right decision for you?
I was totally unsure of what I wanted to do when I graduated from high school. The education I had at MCC was a great foundation for continuing my learning at Rutgers. I am absolutely certain that MCC set me up for the great professional life I enjoyed.