Dave Warco: Difference-Making Alumnus

Advisory Councils

Dave is a long-serving member of the School’s advisory councils. He joined the Investment Strategy Institute Advisory Council (ISIAC) in April 2015, where he advised the Dean and finance faculty on ways to enhance the Investment Strategy Institute and associated educational programs in finance. In October 2021, Dave completed his term with the ISIAC and joined the Business Advisory Council (BAC). As a member of the BAC, he offers insight on School-wide strategic directions, reputation-building, marketing and fundraising, and he wants other alums to know how fulfilling serving on a council can be. “Working with Dean McFarlin and the Business Advisory Council and developing the strategy for continuous improvement in the competitive environment facing the Business School is both energizing and rewarding,” he says.

Executive-in-Residence

Dave is also a long-time member of the School’s Executive-in-Residence (EIR) Program. As an EIR, he offers insights in both Accounting and Management, bringing his passion and expertise into the classroom to enhance student experiences and learning.

As a dedicated partner in the School’s Introduction to Corporate and Partnership Tax Accounting classes, Dave has served as guest lecturer for the past several years. He offers students a professional perspective on real-world international tax issues, helping them prepare for their post-graduation careers. Dave lists his classroom volunteering as one of his favorite ways to stay connected to the School. “Interacting with the students is refreshing as they provide the perspectives of the next generation of future leaders,” he says. “I thoroughly enjoy exchanging ideas, providing advice, and understanding their vision of the future and their perception of the environmental challenges they will face.”

EIRs serve a crucial role in School programs, bringing an applied focus to student learning. The EIR Program also supports a strategic priority of the School: To provide transformative experiences for our students that are reflective of the real world into which they will graduate.

Named Spaces + Estate Gift Plan

Dave is also an enthusiastic advocate for Rockwell Hall’s recent renovations. His generous support of the 6th floor renovation assisted with the creation of the Investment Strategy Institute (ISI). Inside the ISI is the David R. Warco (B’79) & Kimberly J. Warco Investment Strategy Institute Conference Room, which provides a collaboration venue for students and faculty to make presentations and work on high-impact investment projects.

Moreover, his support extends beyond students and Rockwell Hall. Dave’s generosity led to the creation of the David Warco Faculty Fellowship, which is open to tenured associate professors in any business discipline. Dr. Wenqi Zhou, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology was named the inaugural holder of the fellowship. Additionally, Dave has created an estate gift plan that will support the School’s strategic goals for years to come.