Nicholas M. Pekar Jr. likes a challenge: “Take risks,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to take on a challenge when others tell you it may not be possible.”

For Pekar, whose Fairfield-based certified public accounting practice serves the accounting, tax and auditing needs of more than 700 individuals and scores of small businesses in Connecticut, that philosophy applies to many aspects of his life.

Pekar had two years of community college coursework when he took on the challenge of enrolling in evening classes at the University of New Haven while working full time at Pitney Bowes Inc. Summer classes kept him a student year-round and he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in financial accounting in 1974.

The practical nature of his courses and the real-world business experience of his UNH professors made for “a great education,” Pekar says. He credits that combination for helping him pass the highly-challenging CPA exam on his first attempt, and for helping him launch his own practice after two years at a major public accounting firm.

“I really appreciate how well UNH prepared me for a career in this field,” says Pekar, who makes a no-risk investment in the future of UNH and its students with a gift to the University each year.

Taking on challenges and risks have yielded excellent dividends for Pekar over the decades. Now the father of four and grandfather of seven, he lives in Stratford, Connecticut with his wife, Laureen Pekar.

“Some people told me I was too young to get married; they told me it may not be smart to start my own firm,” he says. “Well, I’ve been in business for 35 years ... and married for 40 this past June.”

Pekar is also proud to note that his son, Matthew, graduated from UNH in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He hopes his son will follow his advice as well and not be afraid to accept difficult challenges head-on both in his life and in his professional career.

Posted Fall 2010