Orange gown graduate Hess embraces opportunities while honoring inspirational instructor’s memory

Monday, December 8, 2025

Media Contact: Hallie Hart | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-1050 | hallie.hart@okstate.edu

A memorable class compelled Amanda Hess to choose accounting early in her college career.

Peter Margaritis, a former Spears School of Business instructor of professional practice, wasn’t content with just teaching students how to crunch numbers. He loved improvisational comedy, approaching his Survey of Accounting course with the wit of a game-show host who happened to be a certified public accountant. 

“He was more creative than the stereotypical accountant,” said Hess, a senior from McLean, Texas. “As a creative brain myself, I thought, ‘I can do this because he could.’ That really encouraged me to get an accounting degree.”

Margaritis passed away unexpectedly this spring at 64, but his legacy inspires Hess, who never forgets how he changed her career path. Hess will represent Spears Business as the orange gown recipient at Oklahoma State University’s Dec. 13 undergraduate commencement, where she will receive her bachelor’s degree in accounting. 

Every semester, only one graduate from each academic college is chosen to wear the orange cap and gown, recognizing academic achievement, leadership and involvement.

For Hess, the orange regalia represents fully embracing the OSU experience.

No known relation to OSU President Jim Hess, she graduated in a high school class of 14 with limited chances to meet people. Hess describes herself as an introvert, but it’s now common to see her smiling and waving at many familiar faces in the Business Building.

She expanded her network through leadership roles that include working in the Spears Business Office of the Dean and serving as co-president of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals. Hess gained many mentors along the way, from professors to assistant deans.

“Talking with people and getting to learn about them and forming connections with them brings you to a lot of opportunities that you never would have imagined,” Hess said. “Take every opportunity you can. You’re only here for a certain amount of time, so do your best to set yourself up for a good career ahead and to make all those memories and grow your skills as much as possible now.” 

With these connections, Hess has solidified her career plan. First, she will obtain her master’s degree from OSU’s School of Accounting, starting the program in May while interning part time with Oklahoma City-based firm Ley, Gifford & Farr and preparing for CPA exams. Then, she plans to join the firm full time.

The vision that sprouted in Hess’ Survey of Accounting class is becoming a reality, and the orange gown is a testament to her unique journey. She honors Margaritis’ memory by holding onto her creative pursuits, taking elective courses that range from horticulture to ceramics, while using her strengths to build an accounting career. 

“There are so many different niches that you can fill that most people would never think about in accounting,” Hess said. “People need creative brains in accounting.”