Indianapolis-native Cathy Beadle has lived in many places throughout her 58 years, mostly in connection to her career in the auto racing industry.

But it was the small regional university she attended during a brief time living in Northwest Indiana that had the deepest impact on her career. She credits her post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting from Indiana University Northwest for the professional freedom she enjoys today.

Though she had studied business at Butler University, hanging out at the speedway was what led to her earliest career opportunities. Keeping statistics and scoring, and meeting her husband, who built race car engines, kept her busy. The couple’s careers had them moving back and forth between Michigan, California, and Indiana over the past few decades.

The racing industry became a less lucrative way to make a living by the mid-1990s, Beadle said, so she decided it was time to amp up her general business administration education and look towards passing the exam to become a certified public accountant (CPA).

It was during the four years she spent living in Valparaiso, that Beadle enrolled at IU Northwest. Though short, her stint in Northwest Indiana, and her experience at IU Northwest, served an impactful purpose, at precisely the right time in her career. Plus, she was afraid her age could hold her back professionally if she didn’t strengthen her skills with the CPA credential sooner rather than later.

“I never would have been able to pass the CPA exam without that certificate,” Beadle said, “and IU Northwest had prepared me so well that I passed it on the first attempt.”

The achievement opened doors for Beadle. It meant she could allow herself to begin pondering going into business for herself. Beadle now operates her own CPA firm where she completes personal taxes for clients as well as assist business clients with their bookkeeping.

A brighter future for all

In addition to passing the exam and kicking her career into high gear, Beadle’s time at IU Northwest taught her something about the communities the university serves. She had discovered that IU Northwest offered an incredible -- and affordable -- education to those who might not otherwise be able to pursue higher education.

“I think IU Northwest in particular serves a great need for Northwest Indiana ... Having the opportunity to attend a school like IU Northwest can really make a difference in people’s lives.”

That’s why Beadle and her husband contribute to IU Northwest regularly. She wants to help students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for college while also helping IU Northwest maintain a top-level university.

“We believe it is our duty to assist and do our best for people,” Beadle said.