Spotlight Series
Colin Gerner ’14,’15
Hometown: Vestal, N.Y.
High School: Vestal High School
UALBANY EXPERIENCE
Why did you choose to attend UAlbany?
I visited my older brother at UAlbany throughout my high-school years and it always felt like home ... There was never a doubt in my mind that I belonged at UAlbany.
What is your favorite memory of campus?
Hooley’s 3-point shot that sent us to the NCAA Tournament in 2015 was an electric moment I’ll never forget.
What is UAlbany’s biggest strength?
Its people.
As an alum, what are you most proud of?
Being able to play a role in helping current students achieve their dreams.
CAREER & FUTURE GOALS
Current title and role:
I am currently an experienced associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers within the State and Local Tax consulting group. I work primarily with telecommunication and sales and use taxes, which involves riveting and significant state tax controversies, such as obtaining multi-state refund claims in the hundreds of millions of dollars. I also work with other major business issues, such as audit defense, taxability of products/services, conducting nexus studies to reveal exposure levels and registration projects.
How did your UAlbany education and experience help you to prepare
for this role?
We all learn the necessary technical skills for our careers throughout our college careers, but taking the time to interact with our passionate faculty has made my transition to the workplace effortless.
GIVING BACK TO UALBANY
Why do you support the UAlbany Fund?
I was able to have countless extraordinary opportunities as a student because of the efforts and devotion of alums and donors to give back and continually improve our University. Now that I am an alum, I realize that I have the ability and duty to be a part of keeping UAlbany great.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Try. Everything. You have four years in an atmosphere that is conducive to developing every aspect of yourself. Experience it all with an unparalleled vigor and don’t leave a single stone unturned.