Because of a shortage of trained people to deal specifically with oil and gas accounting issues, EnCana made an initial donation to UCD in 2005 to start up the program. According to Ann Martin, course professor, the funds were used for materials and textbooks, speakers and digital videos. “Some of our students had no idea what a gas well looked like,” she said, emphasizing that students are receiving a broad-based education that draws on real-world scenarios focused on the oil and gas industry.  

Since it began in 2006, EnCana has hired two people who have completed the course at UCD. A third EnCana employee has enrolled in the class to supplement her bachelor’s degree. "Being new to the oil and gas industry, this course has been a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about several different aspects of the oil and gas business and how each relates to the accounting process" said Linda Laws, who is contemplating an MBA.

The oil and gas accounting course focuses specifically on the intricacies of oil and gas accounting. "This course is supplying us with the tools we need to fully understand the intricate details of the accounting profession within the oil and gas industry today," said Mark Moreno, former UCD student and EnCana employee. "I am constantly amazed at how much information I am able to take back to the work place." 

“This course has developed with input from industry and fits the school’s mission statement, which is to be a partner with business,” said J.C. Bosch, associate dean for faculty at UCD. “In the end, this is where the success is. Our students get to work for great companies.”

EnCana’s donation also supports the new GEM program, which is designed to prepare employees of energy companies to step into leadership positions upon graduation. Created by the Business School at UCD, EnCana and other major energy companies, this degree is tailored specifically to include multiple disciplines related to energy.

“Investments in assets are incredibly important to a company as capital-intensive as EnCana. Investments in our employees are no exception. We want to invest wisely and see the return in well prepared, confident employees,” said Don McClure, vice president of finance and services at EnCana.

In addition to a monetary donation, EnCana is actively participating on a curriculum committee tasked with creating courses specifically tailored to meet the needs of the industry. Students will select from a menu of required and elective courses that best fit the needs of their company. By playing a role in designing the GEM program, EnCana hopes to hire many highly qualified graduates of this program, as well as increase the knowledge of some of its current employees who plan to participate in the program.

Photo: The Business School's J.C. Bosch, left, and John Turner, center, accept the check to help fun the oil and gas accounting course from EnCana's Don McClure.