CSUB professor receives CalCPA's Outstanding Educator Award

Award recognizes Dr. Di Wu's contributions to accounting education

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 29^th, 2025

California State University, Bakersfield Professor of Accounting Dr. Di Wu has been selected by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) as the recipient of its 2025 Outstanding Educator Award.

The award recognizes instructors' contributions to accounting education through teaching, mentoring and educational innovation, such as through developing curriculum or publishing articles in academic journals.

“The College of Business and Public Administration is so proud that Dr. Di Wu has been recognized with this award,” said Dean Deborah Cours. “Dr. Wu is a true servant leader, providing unwavering support to his faculty and students, and always going the extra mile in service to do what’s good and what’s right. He has remarkable energy and passion for the field of accountancy and the students who pursue their accounting education and careers.”

CalCPA is the largest statewide professional association for CPAs and related financial professionals in the nation with over 40,000 members. Since its foundation in 1903, it has been providing continuing professional education, networking, career resources and advocacy for its members.

Dr. Wu has been an active member of CalCPA by serving as president of the Bakersfield chapter and as a member of its State Council committee.

“This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Wu’s exceptional contributions to accounting education, research, student mentoring and student success both on campus and beyond,” said CalCPA president and CEO Denise LeDuc Froemming. “He stands out for his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders. His passion for accounting education and dedication to student success are truly remarkable.”

This is not the first time that Dr. Wu has been recognized by the professional accounting community. In 2019, he was awarded the R. Lee Brummet Distinguished Award for Educators by the Institute of Management Accountants. In 2022, Dr. Wu received the Exemplary Global Board member award by IMA for his outstanding service as a board director.

Jonathan Magana, a former student of Dr. Wu, recounted what his college experience was like as an accounting student before meeting Dr. Wu.

“I worked full-time while attending school part-time, constantly juggling responsibilities. I studied during lunch breaks and ate while driving to class," he said. "The worst feeling you can have, both academically and professionally, is knowing exactly what career you want but not knowing if life’s challenges will allow you to get there. I often questioned why I kept going, and how much longer I could keep going.”

One of the first assignments Magana received in his first class with Dr. Wu was a reflective response about his background and aspirations.

“I remember asking myself, ‘Do professors actually read these?’ I was at a point where I really needed guidance," he said. "Shortly thereafter, Dr. Wu confirmed that he did read them by scheduling a meeting to discuss my response. It really surprised me. Why would a professor take the time to do this? After our meeting, I realized this was the extra fuel I needed to keep going, and from then on, Dr. Wu became a mentor to me.”

Through Dr. Wu's guidance and mentorship, Magana was able to transition from a part-time student to a full-time one while maintaining his job. While many people contributed to his success, Dr. Wu’s support helped open the door to new opportunities for him. Magana went on to serve as president of the University Accounting Association on campus and as a CalCPA ambassador during his junior and senior years.

After graduation, Magana traded his steel toe boots for dress shoes and today serves as a senior forensic and litigation accountant with the accounting firm CBIZ.

“You never know the huge impact even the smallest things can have on someone who is ready to give up. I carry this lesson from my personal experience, and now I feel it’s my turn to pay it forward to others,” he said.

After learning that Dr. Wu received the CalCPA Outstanding Educator Award, Magana said he felt like it was also a win for himself and everyone else who has worked with him.

"I felt like all his former students and colleagues won, and so did Cal State Bakersfield," he said. "With so many outstanding professors considered for the award, his selection speaks volumes about the impact he’s had. It’s a reminder that his dedication is real, and this recognition is a thank you from all of us.”