Photo by Rodney Kimbangu ’20
Like other college-going students, Emmanuel Tuffuor ’88 says coming to Berea College was life changing. As with most students, leaving one’s family, home and familiar surroundings behind requires adjustment. For Tuffuor, home was in Ghana—5,485 miles away—meaning he dealt with a lot more change than most Berea students.
“I came to Berea with nothing, just a duffle bag and a few dollars,” Tuffuor said.
His father—a tradesman—and his mother had no formal education, but Tuffuor says his mother was very supportive when he was accepted to Berea in 1984.
Tuffuor earned a BA degree in economics and BS degree in business administration, citing Berea economics and business professors Clifford Sowell and Wayne Tolliver as being most influential. Proceeding to graduate school at the University of Georgia, he completed master’s degrees in economics and accounting and went on to a successful career in accounting.
Tuffuor worked at accounting firm KPMG in New York for 22 years, where he was a senior partner focused on the Alternative Investment Tax Practice. He previously was associated with Coopers & Lybrand and Deloitte & Touche. Tuffuor was a member of the board of directors of KPMG, partner-in-charge of the Metro New York Alternative Investment Tax Practice and National Industry Tax Leader for the Asset Management Practice. With extensive experience in strategic acquisitions, he served on the due diligence and post-acquisition integration team of KPMG’s acquisition of a regional accounting firm.
It is a great honor and privilege to serve such a wonderful and historic institution that has changed so many lives.
Throughout his career, Tuff uor has exemplified Berea’s commitment to service by actively participating in professional associations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Wall Street Tax Association. He also has authored industry-related articles, taught courses on taxation of hedge funds and investment partnerships, and been a panelist at numerous industry seminars.
His success has allowed him to serve his family and his alma mater in various ways. He returns to Ghana twice each year to assist his family. Tuffuor says that one of his other passions is helping Berea College graduates find jobs, something he has done for many students pursuing accounting careers in New York. Earlier this year, he was elected to serve a six-year term on the Berea College Board of Trustees.
“It is a great honor and privilege to serve such a wonderful and historic institution that has changed so many lives,” Tuffuor said. “I look forward to serving and contributing to the progress of Berea College and continuing to fulfill the Great Commitments that have made Berea College unique in American education.”
His motivation for supporting Berea College financially comes from curiosity about previous benefactors.
“I don’t know who made it possible for me, but I want to do that for future students,” said Tuffuor, who always encourages other Berea alumni to do the same.
