David and Charlotte Fritz Find Shared Success at The Busch School of Business
David Fritz, Class of 2025 and Charlotte Fritz, Class of 2027 are siblings here at The Busch School of Business. They share their experience as siblings and students at The Busch School:
What initially inspired both of you to attend The Busch School of Business?
David: "I grew up knowing that both of my parents were CPAs, so I had always been exposed to the business world since I was very young. Upon learning about the Busch School and touring CUA for the first time, I was impressed with the option to go in as "Business Exploratory," as I knew I wanted to follow my parents' footsteps in the business world, but was not exactly sure which aspect of business I wanted to make the focus of my study. I also had the opportunity to meet and talk with Dean Abela, a meeting which truly was the catalyst that drove me to the Busch School."
Charlotte: "When I was applying to college I initially applied to the Busch School because I knew I wanted to pursue a business degree due to an interest in business topics covered in my high school classes. My older brother recommended the school and once I got in I met with Dean Abela to discuss the program and different tracks I can pursue. He sold the school to me and I made my final decision to attend the Busch School. So my brother definitely did play a part in me discovering the school but ultimately I found my own path I wanted to pursue and decided on my own to come here."
How did the values and mission of The Busch School align with your individual goals and aspirations, and did that influence your decision to attend the Busch School?
David: "As I mentioned in my answer above, I had the pleasure of meeting Dean Abela, who was very generous with his time explaining the Busch School's CST-based virtue ethics curriculum, which was very appealing to me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend Catholic schools throughout my academic career, and I thought which better place to continue that Catholic education than CUA. At the end of our conversation, Dean Abela offered to be my faculty advisor throughout my 4 years at the Busch School, which I saw as an invaluable opportunity."
Charlotte: "The idea of Catholic Social Teaching being intertwined with business courses wasn't necessarily what I was "looking for" in a program but more of and added perk, but once I started taking courses here I realized how amazing it was to apply my catholic faith in my education."
Though you both attended The Busch School, how did your academic journeys differ?
David: "While we both started as Business Exploratory, I ultimately decided on pursuing an accounting degree. I enjoyed my introductory accounting classes and I saw the practical merit in learning what has been called "the language of business." My sister, Charlotte, is still exploratory, but I believe will tap into her creative talents and pursue a specialization in marketing. We both row, however, which enables us to see each other every day!"
Charlotte: "I am currently a Business Exploratory major but am looking to specialize in marketing with possibly some sort of art minor which I am still trying to figure out my brother is an Accounting Major and Philosophy minor which is definitely a different path than I am trying to pursue, we each found our own niche."
What lasting impact has The Busch School had on each of you individually, and how has it strengthened your relationship as siblings?
David: "The Busch School has shaped my view that virtue ethics should be the center, not an accessory, of business. While I have learned technical skills in accounting and finance that will without a doubt be useful in my career, the Busch School's curriculum has enabled me to grow in moral clarity and in intellectual curiosity regarding more "macro-level topics," such as political economy. My experience with the Busch School's very own Novak Fellowship helped me appreciate how the balance of political, economic, and moral-cultural spheres found in democratic capitalism is essential for a flourishing society. The beauty of the Busch School is it's mission to build business leaders who are grounded in not only competence, but virtue. I would say that my relationship with my sister has only strengthened since she joined me at the Busch School. She is now taking introductory accounting classes as a sophomore, and I am glad that I have one more year here to help her with any of the material."
Charlotte: "The Busch School is an amazing community filled with so many different people, through classes and events and from Accounting 205 to bible study in Maloney Basement I have found an amazing community at this school. Being here with my Brother has made the experience even better, I always have a friendly face around campus as well as a built-in mentor. we have grown as siblings together our entire life and getting to experience a little bit of college together as well is an amazing thing."